FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2019
DISCOVERY CHANNEL IS KEEPING IT SHARKY DURING SHARK WEEK 2019 WITH FINTASTIC PROGRAMMING AIRING SUNDAY, JULY 28 TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 4
SHARK WEEK to premiere first scripted feature-length film, CAPSIZED: BLOOD IN THE WATER, starring Josh Duhamel, Tyler Blackburn, Rebekah Graf, Beau Garrett, and Josh Close
(Los Angeles) – SHARK WEEK, television’s longest-running, and most anticipated summer event will swim onto screens with over 20 hours of original programming beginning Sunday, July 28th and continuing through Sunday, August 4th. For the first time, Discovery Channel’s SHARK WEEK will premiere its first scripted feature-length film, CAPSIZED: BLOOD IN THE WATER, a true story about an October 1982 shark encounter. This year, the pop culture phenomenon will take viewers to oceans around the world as nearly two dozen of the world’s most respected marine biologists and science institutions deliver all-new groundbreaking shark stories and take on the most daring shark experiments ever attempted in search of compelling insight into the mysterious world of sharks. In addition, shark scientists and experts find a new hunting ground off the coast of South Africa and witness the dramatic battles between predator and prey.
Check out SHARK WEEK 2019’s fincredible programming schedule here:
Expedition Unknown: Megalodon – Airing Sunday, July 28 at 8PM ET/PT
Five times bigger than a T. Rex, with jaws capable of crushing a tank, the Megalodon was the ultimate apex predator. This 60-ton mega-shark ruled the world's oceans for nearly 20 million years. Then, suddenly, it vanished. So how did the king of the deep lose his throne? Paleontologists are using fossilized teeth - the only surviving evidence of the Megalodon - to take a bite out of the mystery of its disappearance. These prehistoric dental records may hold the key to when this monster shark went extinct and why. Meanwhile, marine biologists are studying the Megalodon's modern shark descendants to understand what caused its demise. What they've uncovered is a deep sea "Game of Thrones" that pitted one species against another in a battle for dominance. Josh is diving into shark-infested waters to unravel one of the oceans greatest mysteries - what happened to the mighty Meg? Produced by Ping Pong Productions.
From Will Packer, record-breaking Producer of “Girls Trip” comes the ultimate “Shark Trip”. Rob Riggle is back and campaigning for his own Shark Week special – but he’ll only get one if he can find a way to bring along some of his celebrity friends and get them to swim with sharks. The trip is booked, the bags are packed, and the adventure is ready to begin – whether or not his friends realize what they’ve signed up for. Produced by Will Packer, Will Packer Media, Anomaly Entertainment, and Haunted Steel Mill in association with Hazmat Productions.
Sharks of the Badlands – Airing Monday, July 29 at 8PM ET/PT
White sharks are infiltrating the waters off Cape Cod. This year alone a record 150 white sharks were recorded off the coast, and for the first time in 80 years, a white shark attack turned fatal. Greg Skomal teams up with Andy Casagrande and shark expert Kina Scollay in New Zealand to test the most exciting, cutting-edge new technology for shark detecting surveillance. If all goes well, they hope to bring it back to Cape Cod to make the water safe again. Produced by Anomaly Entertainment.
Legend of Deep Blue – Airing Monday, July 29 at 9PM ET/PT
Shark experts Brandon McMillan and Jimi Partington head back to Guadalupe Island to search the depths for Deep Blue. Believed to be the largest great white shark in the world, Deep Blue, measures almost 21 feet long and over 2 and a half tons. If they can locate her, they might be able to shed some light on the mysteries of these deep-sea mega sharks. Produced by Anomaly Entertainment.
The Sharks of Headstone Hell – Airing Monday, July 29 at 10PM ET/PT
In the middle of the South Pacific lies a tiny speck of land called Norfolk Island. At the end of the 18th century, it was the site of one of the harshest penal colonies on Earth. But today, it is the gathering spot of some of the largest tiger sharks on earth… and an extraordinary event - full size animal carcasses tossed into the sea by the present-day islanders. Has this practice completely altered the behavior of these massive sharks and made shark attacks on humans more likely when this beef buffet is outlawed? Shark scientist Riley Elliott is on a quest to find out. Produced by Icon Films.
Sharkwrecked: Crash Landing – Airing Tuesday, July 30 at 8PM ET/PT
Ramping up the adrenaline levels for SHARKWRECKED: CRASH LANDING, Paul de Gelder & James Glancy bail out of an aircraft at 3500ft to experience first-hand what it’s like to crash land into some of the world’s most remote and shark infested waters. This time the location is Palau in the Pacific, renowned for its rich shark life and many plane wrecks. Produced by Big Wave Productions.
Laws of Jaws: Dangerous Waters – Airing Tuesday, July 30 at 9PM ET/PT
You asked for more, you got it! Back by popular demand, hosts Paul de Gelder, Mike Dornellas, Nick LeBeouf, and Jamin Martinelli will put themselves in harm's way as they reenact 5 recent shark attacks to find out how things could have ended differently. What do you do if you’re surrounded by human or fish blood? Could the electronics we’re bringing into the water be triggering attacks? Our hosts will attempt to answer these questions and more as they stage the most daring shark experiments ever attempted in search of answers. No cages are allowed. Produced by Lucky 8.
Air Jaws Strikes Back – Airing Tuesday, July 30 at 10PM ET/PT
Air Jaws returns as shark expert Chris Fallows leads a team of researchers into a newly discovered shark vs. seal battleground at the base of a 200-foot cliff. Here a deadly game of life and death plays out in waist deep water. As the great whites stalk the seal colony, the seals have learned to team up and mount counter attacks against the predators. And for the first time, these extraordinary predatory events are captured in their entirety by the researchers. Produced by Shark Entertainment.
Extinct or Alive: The Lost Shark – Airing Wednesday, July 31 at 8PM ET/PT
Wildlife biologist and animal tracker Forrest Galante embarks on a mission to the Indian Ocean to search for the supposedly extinct Pondicherry shark. This rare species was last seen in the 1970s, but recent photos of unidentified sharks around Sri Lanka and the Maldives lead many to believe it could still be alive. Along with his wife Jessica, a team of wildlife experts and filmmakers, Forrest dives into an untamed wilderness to track down this amazing shark. But because of its ability to osmoregulate, meaning it can swim in fresh or saltwater, Forrest must cover tons of ground - including deep ocean, shallow coral reefs, underwater caves, and even jungle rivers. Armed with cutting edge technology including a 3D structure scanner and genetic testing, Forrest's team leaves no stone unturned in their quest to validate whether or not the photos of a strange shark swimming in the Indian Ocean are Pondicherry. If they can prove it's still alive, it will be removed off the extinct species list, and they can redouble their efforts to study and protect the Pondicherry's ongoing existence. Produced by Hot Snakes Media.
Capsized: Blood in the Water – Airing Wednesday, July 31 at 9PM ET/PT
Based on the harrowing true story of an October 1982 shark encounter. After a yacht bound for Florida capsizes during an unexpected storm, its crew is left to drift for days in the chilling waters of the Atlantic where they become prey to a group of tiger sharks. With the hope of rescue dwindling, the crew must do everything in their power to survive as the sharks continue to hunt them. Starring Josh Duhamel, Tyler Blackburn, Rebekah Graf, Beau Garrett, and Josh Close. Produced by Stephen David Entertainment.
Return to Shark Island – Airing Thursday, August 1 at 8PM ET/PT
With the help of shark scientist Dr. Craig O’Connell, and the confirmed cooperation of Réunion’s newly established CRA Shark Protection Program, RETURN TO SHARK ISLAND investigates the ongoing shark crisis that is threatening to bring this former island paradise to its knees and sets out to answer the critical questions: Have the islanders’ worst fears come true? Is this so-called ‘spike’ in shark attacks now the new normal? Why have Bull sharks, rarely seen before 2011 on the populous west coast of the island, now apparently made it their home and hunting ground? Why despite all the measures taken by the authorities are people still dying and crucially, what, if anything, can be done about it? Produced by Beyond Productions.
Great White Kill Zone: Guadalupe – Airing Thursday, August 1 at 9PM ET/PT
150 miles off the coast of Baja, California, Guadalupe Island is a notorious hot spot for great white sharks. Here to target the abundant seal population, great whites are silent hunters, stalking their prey and killing with a surprise attack. But the waters surrounding Guadalupe Island are crystal clear. So how do they do it? At other white shark hot spots around the world there is always a kill zone – a place where more predation events occur. But here in Guadalupe, an attack has never been witnessed. Now, a team of experts led by Dr. Yannis Papastamatiou and Melissa Marquez, are setting out to record never before seen white shark hunting behaviors. With the help of cutting-edge technology and three kinds of specialist cameras, they aim to discover the location of the Guadalupe Kill Zone. Produced by Arrow Media.
One of Shark Week’s most exciting missions over the years has been the search for Granders, the largest Makos in the world. Joe Romeiro and Keith Poe revisit the most exciting events and discoveries from Monster Mako and Return of the Monster Mako all leading up to brand new footage captured off the coast of California of rare Mako behavior. Produced by Discovery Creative and Production.
An intrepid team of shark explorers ventures out for a third year to the famed Isle of Jaws, a remote island off the West Australian coast. Two great white shark males, believed to be brothers, are at the heart of an intriguing mystery --do these animals recognize, and prefer to live and hunt with, a blood relative? The team endures a runaway submersible, face-to-jaws encounters, and deploys a mini-ROV camera dubbed “The Guppy” that provides some of the most chilling close-up visuals yet. By using the latest in tracking technology, a major mystery is finally solved. Produced by Red Rock Films.
Andrew Mayne: Ghost Diver – Airing Friday, August 2 at 9PM ET/PT
Master illusionist, author and inventor Andrew Mayne is going to attempt to create the first-of-its-kind SHARK SUIT to overcome the senses of a great white shark and make him invisible to the world’s most perfect predator... He teams up with underwater cameraman Andy Casagrande and Dr. Neil Hammerschlag on a global quest to uncover the power of the great white’s predation senses - all to prepare him for the ultimate test - putting himself in the middle of a great white frenzy in Australia. Will it work? Andrew's life depends on it. Produced by Anomaly Entertainment.
I Was Prey: Shark Week – Airing Friday, August 2 at 10PM ET/PT
In the Pacific Ocean, danger lurks just below the surface. Along the sundrenched coast of Southern California, single mother Leeanne Ericson is enjoying a relaxing day at the beach when she’s confronted with her worst nightmare – a giant great white shark that grabs her leg and drags her under the water. Off the rugged northern coast of Hawaii, spearfisherman Braxton Rocha is ambushed by a tiger shark so massive it could easily swallow him whole. In the wake of these vicious attacks, both victims must fight through their injuries and the unforgiving elements to reach safety before it’s too late. Produced by Hit + Run Creative.
Sharks Gone Wild 2 – Airing Saturday, August 3 at 8PM ET/PT
Discover everything that has happened in the world of sharks this year – the unbelievable viral videos, the biggest news stories, and the latest cutting-edge shark science. Produced by Main Event Media.
Shark Week Immersion – Airing Saturday, August 3 at 9PM ET/PT
Rooster Teeth tackles Shark Week as the Immersion crew answers a wide range of shark-fueled questions by taking some of the most iconic shark moments from pop culture history and bringing them to real life. Produced by Rooster Teeth, Alevy Productions and Critical Content.
SHARK WEEK 2019 Programming Schedule
(All times ET/PT)
Sunday, July 28th:
8:00 PM Expedition Unknown: Megalodon
9:00 PM Shark Trip: Eat. Prey. Chum.
Monday, July 29th:
8:00 PM Sharks of the Badlands
9:00 PM Legend of Deep Blue
10:00 PM The Sharks of Headstone Hell
11:00 PM Shark After Dark
Tuesday, July 30th:
8:00 PM Sharkwrecked: Crash Landing
9:00 PM Laws of Jaws: Dangerous Waters
10:00 PM Air Jaws Strikes Back
11:00 PM Shark After Dark
Wednesday, July 31st:
8:00 PM Extinct or Alive: The Lost Shark
9:00 PM Capsized: Blood in the Water
11:00 PM Shark After Dark
Thursday, August 1st:
8:00 PM Return to Shark Island
9:00 PM Great White Kill Zone: Guadalupe
10:00 PM Monster Mako: Perfect Predator
11:00 PM Shark After Dark
Friday, August 2nd:
8:00 PM Isle of Jaws: Blood Brothers
9:00 PM Andrew Mayne: Ghost Diver
10:00 PM I Was Prey: Shark Week
Saturday, August 3rd:
9:00 PM Sharks Gone Wild 2
10:00 PM Shark Week Immersion
On Sunday, August 4th Discovery Channel is bringing viewers the best of SHARK WEEK 2019 with encores of some the week’s best shark programming.
In addition to all the jawesome programming SHARK WEEK has to offer, Discovery will leave no shark fan behind, bringing the SHARK WEEK experience to viewers in new and innovative ways through digital and social media platforms, partnerships with nonprofit groups, affiliates, education programs, and more.
SHARK WEEK has long been a celebrated summer trending topic, making online and social media a jaw-dropping treat for viewers. New partnerships and content offerings will deliver a 360 multi-platform experience uncovering the latest shark discoveries and trending shark topics around the globe.
Leading up to and during SHARK WEEK, Discovery Channel presents Shark News. Fans who follow SHARK WEEK on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter will receive daily video updates featuring the planet’s most incredible shark footage with commentary from top tier shark experts.
During SHARK WEEK, Discovery GO users will find exclusive in-app Original programming. The Daily Bite will offer a daily dive into the year’s most exciting developments in shark science and sightings with expert commentary from an ocean of SHARK WEEK experts. Audiences will also get access to an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at SHARK WEEK’s first feature-length film, ‘CAPSIZED: BLOOD IN THE WATER, featuring interviews from the cast, crew, and a real-life survivor. Rounding out the Discovery GO Originals offering, SHARK WEEK will go behind the scenes with YouTuber and former NASA engineer Mark Rober to test the theory if sharks can really sense blood from great distances.
SHARK WEEK on Snapchat returns and this year shark expert Luke Tipple dives into one of the sharkiest locations in the Bahamas and goes head long into testing some of the most popular shark related myths. New episodes premiere on Snapchat July 28, July 30, and August 1.
This year, fans will be armed to throw their own ultimate SHARK WEEK party experience, with DIY recipes and crafts from sister networks Food Network and HGTV on an all-new SharkWeek.com, plus over 100 new Shark GIFs and stickers via Giphy.
Discovery’s affiliate partners are participating in promotion around SHARK WEEK with screenings, retail events, sneak peeks, sweepstakes, social and digital promotions, and a robust On Demand and TV Everywhere slate. Additional promotions include employee engagement and family day events, and cross channel spots across all major markets nationwide.
SHARK WEEK will again be supported by Discovery Education, the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, engaging content, and professional learning for K-12 classrooms. The more than 5 million educators and 51 million students worldwide using Discovery Education’s award-winning Techbooks, STEM Connect, and the recently launched Discovery Education Experience will shortly receive access to a variety of premium SHARK WEEK themed videos, classroom activities, lessons, virtual reality content, and engaging virtual experiences. Through these exciting resources, teachers and students are empowered to explore critical topics such as biodiversity, ocean conservation, marine life, and more.
Last year, SHARK WEEK made a huge ratings splash for its 30th anniversary, reaching 34.9M Total Viewers across Total Day. Discovery Channel was the #1 network on all of TV in Prime during SHARK WEEK – beating the broadcast networks – among M18-49 and M18-34 and had its 4th-highest rated SHARK WEEK on record across all 25-54s and 18-49s. Discovery Channel ranked as cable’s #1 network in Prime across all 25-54s, all 18-49s, and all 18-34s while SHAQ DOES SHARK WEEK was cable’s #1 telecast during SHARK WEEK in P25-54 & M25-54**. In addition, SHARK WEEK 2018 engaged fans across multiple platforms and reached 48 million users across Facebook and Instagram. The week also garnered 3.5 million streams across all Discovery GO (DGO) digital platforms.
Discovery has once again secured an exciting lineup of merchandising partners for SHARK WEEK, including a new partnership for 2019 with Vans, which will include a line of kid and adult footwear, t-shirts and accessories. Launching in stores and online in July, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Oceana, a charitable organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans on a global scale, and Discovery’s charitable partner. Vineyard vines is returning for another year, after the highly successful Shark Week 30th anniversary and holiday collections, including a selection of nearly 50 styles for kids, men and women, including apparel, swimwear and beach accessories. Build-a-Bear, another returning partner, will feature a new, exclusive SHARK WEEK collection of furry sharks and clothing available in all stores and online.
CVS, one of SHARK WEEK’s premiere retailers, will feature a fun life of gifts and novelties in 3,000 stores, including beach towels by Jay Franco, blankets by Blankietails, play and figure sets by Bright Kingdom and plush shark toys by Dandee. Additional returning partners include Knockaround with exclusive SHARK WEEK sunglasses, Fifth Sun with new t-shirts, Crazy Socks with exclusive boxer short designs, Sock Fancy with themed sock sets and Tervis with three new SHARK WEEK themed tumblers. Princess Cruises will once again offer a variety of events, promotions and themed culinary offerings on board their Summer of Shark on Caribbean Cruises as part of the Discovery at SEA Program.
About Discovery Channel:
Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which is distributed to 88.3 million U.S. homes, can be seen in 224 countries and territories, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including, science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com.
About Discovery:
Discovery, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is a global leader in real life entertainment, serving a passionate audience of superfans around the world with content that inspires, informs and entertains. Discovery delivers over 8,000 hours of original programming each year and has category leadership across deeply loved content genres around the world. Available in 220 countries and territories and nearly 50 languages, Discovery is a platform innovator, reaching viewers on all screens, including TV Everywhere products such as the GO portfolio of apps; direct-to-consumer streaming services such as Eurosport Player and MotorTrend OnDemand; digital-first and social content from Group Nine Media; a landmark natural history and factual content partnership with the BBC; and a strategic alliance with PGA TOUR to create the international home of golf. Discovery’s portfolio of premium brands includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, and Science Channel, as well as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in the U.S., Discovery Kids in Latin America, and Eurosport, the leading provider of locally relevant, premium sports and Home of the Olympic Games across Europe. For more information, please visit corporate.discovery.com and follow @DiscoveryIncTV across social platforms.
**Source: The Nielsen Company, Live+3 program-based strict daypart coverage area data, excl. breakouts (starts within, no exclusions for “best ever” stories, reach, and TC ranks). Su-Sa for Shark Week except reach is Su-Su (2nd Sunday is Live+SD). Ranks based on 000s, “best ever” stories and % change based on ratings. Total Day is 9a-3a for all but TC ranks and reach which use 6a-6a. Reach uses 6-min. qualifier.
