Netflix, often referred to as the great white shark of the streaming world, is making waves this summer by diving into the territory traditionally dominated by Discovery Channel and National Geographic. This Fourth of July weekend, National Geographic Channel’s 13th annual SharkFest kicks off, preceding Discovery Channel’s 37th Shark Week. However, the real predator in the waters this season is Netflix, with its own slate of shark-themed content.
On June 30, Netflix premiered “Shark Whisperer,” a documentary that has quickly swum to the top of Netflix’s daily top 10 films. The documentary follows Ocean Ramsey, a marine conservationist known for her controversial and viral approach of swimming freely with sharks. Directed by James Reed, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind “My Octopus Teacher,” “Shark Whisperer” promises to be a standout in this summer’s shark programming.
Netflix’s Bold Move into Shark Programming
Netflix is not stopping with just one documentary. On July 4, the streaming giant launched “All the Sharks,” a competition series where teams of shark experts race to photograph the most species of sharks within a set timeframe. The winning team receives $50,000 for their chosen marine charity, adding a philanthropic twist to the competition.
This aggressive push by Netflix into shark programming comes at a time when audiences might be feeling overwhelmed by shark content. Two weeks ago marked the 50th anniversary of “Jaws,” the iconic film that changed the perception of sharks worldwide. National Geographic is banking on this nostalgia with its feature program “Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story,” which includes rare archival footage and interviews with Steven Spielberg and other notable figures.
SharkFest vs. Shark Week: The Battle for Viewers
As National Geographic’s SharkFest unfolds from July 5 to July 13, it features a lineup of 25 hours of programming, more than Discovery’s Shark Week, which offers 21 hours. Last year, SharkFest accumulated over 69 million hours of viewing, including streams on Disney+ and Hulu, highlighting its substantial reach and impact.
Janet Han Vissering, senior vice president of development and production at National Geographic, emphasized the network’s commitment to science over sensationalism. “SharkFest puts sharks where they belong — at the center of every story. We work hand-in-fin with leading experts to capture breakthrough research, rare behaviors, and untold perspectives,” she stated.
“The result is a great white shark-sized programming event guided by science, not sensationalism, dispelling old myths, exploring the truth behind the critical role they play in the health of our oceans.”
Shark Week’s Enduring Appeal
Despite the competition, Discovery Channel’s Shark Week remains a cultural staple, thanks to its strong branding and pioneering status. Warner Bros. Discovery reported that last year’s Shark Week reached 25 million viewers, with several programs ranking in Nielsen’s Top 10 for the week.
Discovery’s approach often leans towards entertainment, with programs like “Dancing With Sharks,” where divers perform underwater routines with sharks, and “Great White Sex Battle,” a playful take on the predator dynamics in New Zealand waters.
Ocean Ramsey, however, criticizes the sensationalism often found in traditional shark programming. “It doesn’t really help that a lot of mainstream, traditional media has dramatized and sensationalized sharks,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. Ramsey’s work with Netflix aims to shift the narrative towards a more realistic portrayal of sharks and their behaviors.
The Future of Shark Programming
The global reach of Netflix is a significant factor in its potential to influence public perception of sharks. While shark fin soup is primarily consumed in China, the demand has led to widespread shark harvesting globally. By showcasing documentaries like “Shark Whisperer,” Netflix hopes to raise awareness about the importance of shark conservation.
As the summer progresses, viewers have a plethora of shark content to choose from, each offering a different perspective on these fascinating creatures. Whether audiences prefer the scientific approach of SharkFest, the entertainment-focused Shark Week, or Netflix’s innovative programming, one thing is clear: sharks will continue to captivate and educate audiences around the world.
As Ocean Ramsey puts it, “I just want to try and help encourage people toward moving toward addressing conservation issues and being more realistic and sensitive to the tone.” With platforms like Netflix stepping into the fray, the conversation around sharks is sure to evolve, offering new insights and understanding for years to come.
