Fully embracing its reputation as “the other” shark-themed summer programming special, NatGeo Wild’s SharkFest has recruited Olympic gold medal swimmer Ryan Lochte to become its promotional pitchman for SharkFest 2017.
The promo is a tongue-in-cheek response to Discovery Channel’s use of fellow Olympian Michael Phelps as its pitchman for this year’s Shark Week.
This year’s SharkFest, now in its fifth year, will go directly fin-to-fin with Discovery Channel’s slate of programing when it kicks off on Sunday, July 23.
NatGeo WILD promises “the most sharks per square inch on television” for this year’s ode to the ocean’s apex predators.
According to the network, SharkFest presents factual shark stories incorporating innovative research technology to reveal compelling insight on some of the most unique shark species in the world. With the help of scientists and shark experts, SharkFest will deliver the facts and raise awareness about these “jawsome” animals in more than 131 countries and 38 languages.
This year’s schedule will feature the following documentaries (all times EST):
Shark v Predator
Premieres Sunday, July 23 8 p.m.
SharkFest kicks off with a look at the animals that dare to take on sharks. Seals, crocodiles, octopi, bobcats and even birds have gone head to head with these elite killers, and we’ve uncovered the footage to prove it. Watch rare moments when a shark ends up on the receiving end of an attack. It’s time for nature’s ultimate underwater showdown.
Tiger Shark Terror
Premieres Monday, July 24 8 p.m.
Every diver has been warned that sharks feed at night, but is this a myth or does the truth lurk somewhere deep beneath the waves? Professional shark diver Eli Martinez and scientist Matthew Smukall plunge into the nighttime world of Tiger Beach to investigate whether shark behavior changes once the sun goes down.
Mission Critical: Sharks Under Attack
Special Encore Airs Monday, July 24 10 p.m.
National Geographic underwater photographer and Instagram star Brian Skerry is on a mission to change the perception of our oceans’ greatest predators – sharks. After three decades capturing the world’s oceans on camera, Skerry knows sharks as kings of the oceans that keep these fragile ecosystems functioning, not as violent “Jaws”-like man-eaters.
Shark Swarm
Premieres Tuesday, July 25 8 p.m.
Across the vast oceans are underwater oases where sharks congregate in huge numbers. What is the attraction at these mysterious waypoints? Join shark scientist Riley Elliott on a unique expedition as he investigates some of the largest and most mysterious shark gatherings on the planet.
World’s Deadliest: Shark Frenzy!
Premieres Wednesday, July 26, 8 p.m.
The deep blue sea is a majestic place explored by many, but it also holds some of the world’s deadliest apex predators … sharks! These savage killers have one thing in common: the need to feed. In their quest, they use sheer force, technique and genetics to achieve their ultimate goal.
FULL SHARKFEST 2017 PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES ET/PT)
Sunday July 23
8:00 Shark vs. Predator (P)
9:00 The Whale That Ate Jaws
10:00 Shark Kill Zone
Monday July 24
8:00 Tiger Shark Terror (P)
9:00 Mega Hammerhead
10:00 Mission Critical: Sharks Under Attack
Tuesday July 25
8:00 Shark Swarm (P)
9:00 Shark Alley
10:00 Shocking Sharks
Wednesday July 26
8:00 World’s Deadliest: Shark Frenzy! (P)
9:00 Shark vs. Predator
10:00 Blitzkrieg Sharks
Thursday July 27
8:00 United Sharks of America
9:00 Sharkatraz
10:00 Tiger Shark Terror
Friday July 28
8:00 When Sharks Attack: Florida Frenzy
9:00 When Sharks Attack: Gulf Coast Killers
10:00 When Sharks Attack: Hawaiian Terror