Get ready to dive into Shark Week!
Discovery Channel’s annual programming began on Sunday and runs until July 13. This year marks the 36th anniversary of Shark Week; and the longest-running cable TV programming event in history. The event is extremely popular – the 30 rock the character Tracy Jordan, played by Tracy Morgan, even said the famous phrase in one episode: “Live every week like it’s Shark Week.” Here’s everything you need to know about the beloved week-long event.
What is Shark Week?
Every year, Discovery Channel hosts a week-long event during the summer dedicated to shark-themed programming. The content was initially dedicated to conservation efforts and addressing misconceptions about sharks. But some experts have criticized the event, saying it focuses on the sensationalism of shark attacks rather than science and conservation, as reported by NBC News.
There are 21 shows featured in this year’s Shark Week, including Hammer Monsters: Species, which airs Tuesday at 10pm EST and is about a potential new species of hammerhead shark. You can find the festive week Busy schedule on the Discovery Channel website.
When did Shark Week start?
Shark Week began on July 17, 1988, when Caged by fear aired on Discovery Channel. The program was about testing a new motorized cage designed to withstand shark attacks. Nine other shows debuted that year. Ratings during the first Shark Week nearly doubled Discovery Channel’s primetime average, according to the network.
Due to the great public reception of the first Shark Week, Discovery Channel brought the event back the following year – and it soon became an annual summer event.
See more information: Are shark attacks increasing? Here’s what the data says
Who organized Shark Week?
Shark Week was first organized in 1994 by the author of jawsPeter Benchley, according to the Discovery Channel. That year also marked the 20th anniversary of Benchley’s bestselling shark novel that inspired the cult classic film.
Since then, many notable celebrities and conservationists have hosted the event, including Dwayne Johnson, Jason MomoaIt is Nigel Marven. This year’s event is being organized by John Cena.
How popular is Shark Week?
More than 22 million viewers watched the event last year on Discovery Channel, Discovery+ and Max, according to the owner Warner Bros. Discovery. The 2023 event was the highest-attended Shark Week in three years.
Who watches Shark Week?
During last year’s Shark Week, Discovery ranked as the number one primetime cable network with men and women ages 25 to 54, as well as men and women ages 18 to 49, according to with Warner Bros. During the 2023 event, Discovery ranked as the #2 primetime network in all of television with men ages 25-54 as well as men ages 18-49.
“Shark Week once again proves to be the most anticipated programming event of the summer,” said Howard Lee, president of Discovery Networks and TLC, in a statement. Press release last year. “We kept our momentum going every night and drew a big crowd.”
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This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
