What you need to know about Shark Week 2016!
This Sunday, June 26th will begin one of the most epic weeks of the year, Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. Now in its 28th year (!!!), this 8-day long cable phenomenon (and the longest running cable TV programming in history) will be packed full of juicy shark-themed entertainment. And here’s everything you need to know to make this most of it:
There’s a *TON* of programming
If you recall from last year (or any year for that matter), Discovery Channel does not hold back on the creativity they put into each one of the shows they have running during this glorious week. They’ll have educational shows, harrowing stories, fictional movies, documentaries, comedic talk shows like Shark After Dark… you name it. If you want to check out the intense line-up of everything, a good place to start is their website.
Not everything you see is fact
People sometimes think that Shark Week is one long week dedicated to learning everything there is to know about the majestic (and terrifying) beasts of the deep blue sea. But, while everything will be (obviously) shark-oriented, Discovery Channel is big on creating entertaining content and not as worried about everything being accurate.
But luckily, there are lots of shark enthusiasts who watch and fact-check all the week’s programming. So if you see something sensational and need to know if it’s true or not, people like Marine Biologist David Shiffman can help you out with that.
For example, the right shark is a real dancing shark but left shark is a different, non-dancing breed.*
*This has not yet been fact-checked by Shiffman
It can be overwhelming
There’s ton of fun stuff to watch during Shark Week. And if you’re not sure where to start chomping away first, there’s lots of cool programming guides that will help you navigate those rough waters. Also, that awesome fact-checking scientist David Shiffman has created a pretty comprehensive guide to Shark Week based on his own thoughts on the matter. And since he’s pretty into sharks, it’s at least worth considering.
It all, of course, depends on what you’re into. Shark Week has something for everybody.
Cersei Lannister is involved
Well, technically it’s her alter-ego Lena Headey who will be lending her voice to the Air Jaws special. But we still have to say, based on how scary she is on Game of Thrones, it’s perfect casting for a voice that will give us chills.
You can gear up
No better way to show your enthusiasm for Shark Week than by sporting your favorite shark-theme apparel. While there’s plenty available at the official Discovery store, you can also find your own more custom-apparel and accessories or something totally quotable and hilarious.
There are lots of ways to make the most of these next eight magical days. And happy Sharking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
