As the song says, "summertime and the livin' is easy," unless you are swimming in the ocean and you see a shark nearby. While attacks do happen, the ocean predators have been given a bad rap because in reality, we invade their territory. They may not make us feel warm and fuzzy, but sharks are fascinating creatures that have inspired movies -- including Jaws and Sharknado -- and many a souvenir at beach shops.
Today through Aug. 4, the Discovery Channel is rolling out its beloved "Shark Week." One of television's longest-running summer events, it offers more than 20 hours of original programming as well as some old favorites. And during this time, the channel will premiere its first scripted feature-length film, Capsized: Blood in the Water, the story of an October 1982 shark encounter. It stars Josh Duhamel, Byler Blackburn and Rebeka Graf.
During the week, viewers will be transported to oceans around the world as marine biologists and science institutions deliver new stories and take on experiments in search of insight into the world of sharks. Also, shark scientists and experts will explore a new hunting ground off the coast of South Africa, and document dramatic battles between predator and prey.
The list of programming is too extensive to list here, but it includes:
• Comedian Rob Riggle campaigns for his own Shark Week special on Shark Trip: Eat, Prey, Chum. It airs at 8 p.m. today.
• Sharkwrecked: Crash Landing features Paul de Gelder and James Glancy as they experience first-hand what it's like to crash land into some of the world's most remote shark-infested waters. It airs at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
• Master illusionist, author and inventor Andrew Mayne attempts to create the first-of-its-kind shark suit to overcome the senses of a great white shark and make himself invisible to the predator in Andrew Mayne: Ghost Diver. And it's all in preparation for putting himself in the middle of a great white frenzy in Australia. It airs at 8 p.m. Friday.
For a total rundown of the week's programming, go to Go.Discovery.com/tv-shows/shark-week/.
Style on 07/28/2019