Shark Week 1988
“Shark n’ awe!”
What is Shark Week?
The Discovery Channel's Shark Week is a weeklong series of feature television programs dedicated to sharks. It was originally developed to raise awareness and respect for sharks.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 1988
- Status
- Returning Series
- Episodes
- 439
- Runtime
- 42 minutes
- First aired
- Jul 17, 1988
- Last aired
- Jul 26, 2025
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- Discovery
- Genres
- Documentary
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
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YouTube TV
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Amazon VideoApple TV Store
Google Play Movies
Fandango At HomeStreaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 439 episodes and an average 42-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
The Discovery Channel's Shark Week is a weeklong series of feature television programs dedicated to sharks. It was originally developed to raise awareness and respect for sharks. According to the provided information, Shark Week was first broadcast on July 17, 1988, although one source also mentions July 17, 1987, as the first broadcast date. Held annually, normally in July or August, Shark Week is promoted heavily via social networks like Facebook and Twitter. It is the longest-running cable television programming event in history and is now broadcast in over 72 countries. Shark Week was created and produced by Tom Golden at the Discovery Channel and focuses on shark-themed programming. The event has been ongoing since its premiere and has become a notable part of cable television programming.
Should you watch it?
“Experience the longest-running cable television programming event dedicated entirely to the study of sharks.”
- extensive historical legacy
- global reach
- educational focus
- limited to shark-themed content
- seasonal availability
Watch it if you are interested in marine biology and the conservation of shark species.
The series features educational content regarding marine life and shark behavior.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 4 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 Caged In Fear Jul 17, 1988
- E2 Sharks - Predators or Prey Jul 18, 1988
- E3 The Shark Takes a Siesta Jul 19, 1988
- E4 Sharks of a Different Color Jul 20, 1988
Season 2 · 3 episodes
Season 3 · 2 episodes
Season 4 · 3 episodes
Season 5 · 6 episodes
- E1 The Man Who Loves Sharks Jul 12, 1992
- E2 Sharks of Polynesia Jul 13, 1992
- E3 Great White Encounters Jul 14, 1992
- E4 Great White! - Part 1 Jul 15, 1992
- E5 Great White! - Part 2 Jul 16, 1992
- E6 Giants of Ningaloo Jul 19, 1992
Frequently asked questions
What is Shark Week?
It is a weeklong series of television programs dedicated to sharks.
When did it first air?
The series was first broadcast on July 17, 1987.
How often does it air?
It is held annually, typically during the months of July or August.
What is the purpose of the series?
It was originally developed to raise awareness and respect for sharks.
Where is it broadcast?
The series is broadcast in over 72 countries.