Key dates for this year’s Shark Week
Shark Week 2025 runs from Sunday, July 13 to Sunday, July 20. Below you’ll find day-by-day dates, air times, and quick links to help you plan viewing. For future years, the event usually lands in the second half of July and is announced several months in advance on Discovery and affiliated channels. Use this page as a durable reference as Shark Week’s schedule and lineup evolve.
| Day | Date (2025) | Typical airtime (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | July 13 | 8:00 PM |
| Monday | July 14 | 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | July 15 | 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | July 16 | 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | July 17 | 8:00 PM |
| Friday | July 18 | 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | July 19 | 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | July 20 | 8:00 PM |
What is Shark Week
Shark Week is a weeklong block of shark-focused programming on Discovery Channel that began in 1988. It blends science, conservation, and entertainment to highlight shark biology, behavior, and the importance of marine ecosystems. Each year the lineup mixes documentaries, factual series, and special events, often featuring marine biologists, filmmakers, and on-air experts. The weeklong format has become a widely recognized annual event that audiences use as a benchmark for shark-related television.
When is Shark Week scheduled each year
Shark Week is typically held in July, often in the third or fourth week. Organizers announce the exact dates and lineup several months ahead of time. While the first week of Shark Week usually opens on a Sunday, the precise start day can shift by a few days depending on scheduling and special events. Check official Discovery Channel communications early in the year for confirmations, time zone specifics, and any changes.
Discovery+ and streaming options
Many Shark Week episodes stream on Discovery+ around the same time as linear broadcast, with some content available earlier or on-demand. Regional availability and timing can differ based on local carriage and licensing. Use TV listings, the Discovery app, or channel guides to confirm your local schedule and carriage partners.
History and notable milestones
Since its launch in 1988, Shark Week has aired hundreds of hours of shark content and become a cultural touchstone. Key milestones include pioneering underwater filming techniques, broad conservation messaging, and collaborations with leading scientists. The event has expanded to include social media engagement, behind-the-scenes content, and cross-platform storytelling. These milestones reflect its long-term role in making marine science accessible to large audiences.
How to plan your viewing
- Check local listings: Confirm dates and times on your cable provider or Discovery’s official channels.
- Use streaming: Discovery+ often carries live and on-demand content; verify regional availability.
- Set reminders: Add start dates and key episodes to your calendar to avoid missing premieres.
- Look for special events: Some years feature live events, Q&As, or extended editions tied to specific themes.
How we keep this guide accurate
Information in this guide is drawn from historical patterns, official announcements by Discovery Channel, and published schedules from past years. Because networks sometimes adjust lineups and start dates, we recommend confirming current-year details via official sources as they are released. This approach balances long-term pattern clarity with up-to-date accuracy.