One of summer’s most reliable TV traditions is quickly approaching as Discovery gears up for its fintastic Shark Week programming slate. But what’s in store for 2026?
Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the lineup, including when the fan-favorite slate will kick off, what new specials are joining the schedule, and so much more. Scroll down for a closer look.
When does Shark Week 2026 begin?
Shark Week 2026 begins Sunday, July 26 at 8pm ET/PT, so mark your calendars and prepare to dive into some seriously fun programming.
What has been said about Shark Week 2026?
Regarding Shark Week 2026, Discovery Channel’s Head of Content, Joseph Boyle stated, “As the original and longest-running programming event, Shark Week is an unmatched legacy built on bold storytelling, pioneering science, and must-see cultural moments. This year, we continue to raise the bar with a lineup that delivers glowing sharks, Jurassic giants, record-setting stunts…and even K-Pop.”
What can fans expect from Shark Week 2026?
According to Discovery, fans can look forward to 20 premieres across the week as specials highlight “pulse-pounding action, epic breaches, and high-stakes encounters.” The lineup also shines a light on new technology, investigations, stunts, and further exploration of the apex predators at the center Shark Week.
Things kick off with K-Pop Shark Heroes, a special featuring Ken Jeong and Grammy-winning artist REI AMI as they use the power of K-Pop to transform the perception of sharks in East Asia and across the globe.
Meanwhile, fan-favorite franchise Air Jaws returns with Red, White, and Breach, a special that investigates whether breaching great whites have entered American waters. Additionally, Josh Gates hunts for the truth behind history’s first recorded shark attack and whether an infamous sea monster was a shark all along in Expedition Unknown: Shark Secrets.
Cliff diver Molly Carlson attempts a harrowing and record-setting dive into shark-infested waters for Ultimate Shark Dive, and experts Paul de Gelder, Forrest Galante, Dr. Tristan Guttridge, and more push boundaries with all-new expeditions.
What is the Shark Week 2026 Schedule?
Discovery
See the full slate below; note times listed are ET/PT:
Sunday, July 26
8:00 pm: K-Pop Shark Heroes
9:00 pm: Air Jaws: Red, White, and Breach
10:00 pm: Invasion of the Mega Sharks
11:00 pm: Encores
Monday, July 27
8:00 pm: Bull Shark Dinner Bell
9:00 pm: House of Sharks
10:00 pm: Biggest Mako on Earth
11:00 pm: Encores
Tuesday, July 28
8:00 pm: Jurassic Sharks
9:00 pm: Jaws vs. Orcas
10:00 pm: Chum Island: Catching a Killer
11:00 pm: Encores
Wednesday, July 29
8:00 pm: Expedition X: Atomic Sharks
9:00 pm: Expedition Unknown: Shark Secrets
10:00 pm: Alien Sharks: Untamed America
11:00 pm: Encores
Thursday, July 30
8:00 pm: What Shark Attacked?
9:00 pm: How to Train a Great White
10:00 pm: Ultimate Shark Dive
11:00 pm: Encores
Friday, July 31
8:00 pm: Secrets of the Great White Kill
9:00 pm: Sharkzilla Takes New York
10:00 pm: My Strange Shark Addiction
11:00 pm: Encores
Saturday, August 1
8:00 pm: Great White Highway
9:00 pm: Thresher Shark: Stun to Kill
10:00 pm: Encores
11:00 pm: Encores
Shark Week 2026, Premieres Sunday, July 26, 8pm ET/PT, Discovery