Netflix, the streaming giant often likened to a great white shark in the entertainment industry, is boldly venturing into the waters traditionally dominated by Discovery and National Geographic. This summer, as the United States celebrates its Independence Day, Netflix is making waves with its own shark-themed content, challenging the long-established SharkFest and Shark Week.
National Geographic Channel’s 13th annual SharkFest kicks off this holiday weekend, preceding Discovery Channel’s 37th Shark Week. However, Netflix is already making a splash with its new offerings. On June 30, Netflix premiered Shark Whisperer, a documentary that follows Ocean Ramsey, known for her controversial yet viral approach to marine conservation through free-swimming with massive sharks. Directed by James Reed, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind My Octopus Teacher, Shark Whisperer has consistently been among Netflix’s top 10 films since its release.
But Netflix isn’t stopping there. On July 4, it debuted All the Sharks, a competition series where four teams of shark experts vie to photograph the most shark species within a set timeframe, with the winning team earning $50,000 for a marine charity of their choice. By the time SharkFest begins, audiences might already feel saturated with shark content.
Shark Programming: A Summer Tradition
The timing of these releases coincides with the 50th anniversary of the iconic film Jaws (released June 20, 1975), which has spurred a resurgence of interest in shark-related content. National Geographic hopes viewers are ready for more with its SharkFest lineup, which includes 25 hours of programming. The event kicks off with Sharks Up Close With Bertie Gregory on July 5 and concludes with Shark Quest: Hunt for the Apex Predator on July 13.
The centerpiece of SharkFest 2025 is Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, an authorized documentary by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment. It features rare archival footage and interviews with acclaimed directors, shark scientists, and conservationists, including Spielberg himself. This documentary explores the chaos behind the scenes of Jaws and its lasting impact on cinema and shark conservation.
Netflix’s Global Reach and Impact
Ocean Ramsey, who stars in Netflix’s Shark Whisperer, has expressed her motivation to offer a fresh perspective on sharks, criticizing traditional media for sensationalizing these marine creatures. “I was just really grateful to work with a fresh platform like Netflix that has a global reach,” Ramsey told THR. “They’re willing to actually showcase reality and show sharks on a deeper level.”
Netflix’s global reach is significant, especially in the context of shark conservation. While shark fin soup is predominantly consumed in China, the demand has led to the harvesting of sharks worldwide. By raising awareness through its platform, Netflix aims to contribute to global conservation efforts.
SharkFest vs. Shark Week: The Battle for Viewers
SharkFest 2025 boasts more hours of programming than Shark Week 2025, which offers 21 hours of content. Last year, SharkFest garnered over 69 million hours of viewing, including streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. Janet Han Vissering, Nat Geo’s senior VP of development and production, emphasized the educational focus of SharkFest, stating, “We work hand-in-fin with leading experts to capture breakthrough research, rare behaviors, and untold perspectives.”
Meanwhile, Shark Week remains a cultural phenomenon, thanks to its strong branding and a 24-year head start. Warner Bros. Discovery reported that the last Shark Week reached 25 million viewers across Discovery Channel, Discovery+, and Max, securing seven of Nielsen’s Top 10 spots for the week among adults aged 25-54.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Shark Programming
As the competition between streaming platforms and traditional networks intensifies, viewers benefit from a diverse array of shark programming. Netflix’s bold entry into this niche market challenges the status quo, offering a mix of education and entertainment that appeals to a global audience.
With the ongoing fascination with sharks and the increasing importance of marine conservation, the future of shark programming looks promising. As audiences continue to demand more authentic and insightful content, platforms like Netflix may well redefine how we perceive and engage with these majestic creatures of the deep.
As the summer unfolds, viewers can look forward to a thrilling lineup of shark programming, each offering a unique perspective on the ocean’s most enigmatic predators.
