Latest news with #SharkWeek2025
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
From Soweto to the sea: SA's first Black freediver makes waves
ZANDILE Ndhlovu is South Africa's pioneering Black freediver, widely known as the 'Black Mermaid.' Image: Supplied ZANDILE Ndhlovu holds her breath. She's 25 metres underwater, without oxygen, and face-to-face with a bull shark off Sodwana Bay on KwaZulu-Natal's north coast. Man and beast engage in a silent stare-off. Then the shark glides away. It's not a movie scene, but a regular moment in the life of Ndhlovu - South Africa's pioneering Black freediver, widely known as the 'Black Mermaid.' 'You can't leave until the bull shark stops the stare-down,' she says, because you have to establish dominance. 'And then it eventually leaves, and you just break for the surface because you realise that if you hold yourself and you calm yourself, the animal is calm. So if you just pause in the moment and not freak out, you're already on the winning side.' Ndhlovu, known for her blue braids and fearlessness in the ocean, is a research assistant for an award-winning team of scientists featured in Shark Week 2025, airing this week on Discovery Channel Africa (DStv 121). Throughout the week, a series of documentaries will spotlight African scientists, conservationists, and filmmakers helping to reshape shark science and ocean storytelling. Last year, the series drew over 25 million global viewers. ZANDILE Ndhlovu, known as the Black Mermaid, and her colleagues, marine biologist Ryan Johnson(left) and shark geneticist Gibbs Kuguru, appear in the documentary Great White Reign of Terror. Image: Supplied Ndhlovu and her colleagues; shark geneticist Gibbs Kuguru and marine biologist Ryan Johnson, appear in the documentary Great White Reign of Terror, which investigates a spate of shark encounters in the Eastern Cape. Her job is to dive in and retrieve whatever the science team needs. 'Whether it's to dive in and retrieve a receiver or help with tagging or understand what the problem is; is there a shortage of food for the sharks? Why are they not there? My assistant work is a question of what do the scientists need and how can I get into the water and be able to do that in the most streamlined way that allows us to get closer to wildlife.' The founder of the Black Mermaid Foundation, conservationist, and TEDx speaker, Ndhlovu believes sharks can 'read' your heartbeat. 'That's why you have to pause, make eye contact until it elects that you can go and then you go. The secret is not to act like prey because sharks will always chase,' she says. 'I often say our fear is often the danger. There's a possibility that we can do something to harm them. And so there's something in capturing and holding ourselves accountable to how we show up in wildlife spaces that allow the animals to also be calm.' Sharks, she says, are essential to ocean health. 'They are ecosystem regulators. Without the big sharks, we have larger fish species that bloom and grow unchecked… They can eat up smaller species that are key to coral health.' Ndhlovu can freedive to 35 metres and hold her breath for over five minutes. 'The thing that is most humbling about freediving is that not every day is going to be a strong breath hold day. Some days you wake up and your body's like, no, and then other days you wake up and it's like, okay, cool.' Ironically, the writer and filmmaker who is South Africa's first Black female freediving instructor, grew up in Soweto, a landlocked township in Gauteng. This week, she told the Independent on Saturday that it all started at the age of 28 in 2016 when she went snorkelling for the first time. 'It was so beautiful that I wanted to know what happens after snorkelling,' said Ndhlovu. Scuba diving followed, then freediving, and finally the founding of the Black Mermaid Foundation. 'I said to myself, I think this is what I'm looking for. And from the first moment when I held my breath I knew that that's where I wanted to be.' Before turning to the ocean, Ndhlovu worked in customer relations and ran her own agency. But the ocean tugged at her heart and she listened. 'The pull to this day is the ability to be with the water. And in the water, there's no one identifier — not the idea of being Black or a woman or anything in this world. She's a universal equalizer. To her, we're just all human. And there's something about not holding the burden off of identity. There's something about just being.' Her mission now includes bringing marine access to township children. Through the Black Mermaid Foundation, she's already introduced over 1 000 youngsters from Langa and Gugulethu to snorkelling and conservation. 'Who I am is a conservationist, but at heart, a storyteller. My grandmother's table is where I learned about stories. I think about using stories as a powerful tool for change, for narrative expansion, for conservation.' To this day Ndhlovu calls Sodwana Bay her underwater home because that's where she had her first open water dive. 'It's a very special place to me… It's the one place where you could come across anything; great white sharks, bull sharks, whale sharks, whales. It's such a magical part of the country.' However, she warns that Sodwana Bay is already showing signs of climate change because recently she went diving there and noticed coral bleaching. She believes that local coastal communities who are often wrongly blamed for what's happening in our waters have a crucial role in conservation. 'Local communities may not be the hardest hitters of impact on the ocean, but when we're catching small fish, that kills reefs, which means less fish… There is a powerful place for ocean literacy, education that allows communities to see how we can do better together.' As Shark Week hits local screens, and Ndhlovu starts a new six month course for children in Philippi, Cape Town she reflects on what her journey means. 'Just to see these shows come home is powerful because, again, it's just such a reminder that regardless of where you come from, you don't know where the world will take you. Even as a girl from Soweto, who only found the ocean at 28 years old, it's never too late. But also the world is open and what a time to be alive.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shark Week 2025: How to watch 'Expedition Unknown: Shark Files' and more of the annual summer series
What to know about 'Dancing with Sharks' and more fin-tastic Shark Week specials. Have you noticed the sharks are late this year? Shark Week 2025 finally splashed onto our screens this past Sunday, just in time for the hottest days of the year — the perfect time to sit inside with the AC blasting while you watch hours of new shark content every night, or go take a dip in the water yourself (if you're brave enough). This year's week of shark-centric content, courtesy of the Discovery Channel, includes Dancing with Sharks, an "unprecedented" underwater dance competition between divers and their toothy dance partners. Dancing with the Stars alum Tom Bergeron hosts the Shark Week special. Tonight you can catch fin-tastic programs, including Expedition Unknown: Shark Files, Expedition X: Malpelo Monster Shark and Alien Sharks: Death Down Under. Are you ready to dive into Shark Week? Here's everything you need to know, including where to stream Shark Week, the full Shark Week TV schedule and more. How to watch Shark Week 2025: Dates: July 20-26 Time: 8 p.m. nightly TV channel: Discovery Streaming: HBO Max, Discovery+ When is Shark Week 2025? This year's Shark Week falls a little later than usual, kicking off this Sunday, July 20, and running through Saturday, July 26. Shark Week channel: Shark Week content airs on the Discovery Channel and will be available to stream on Discovery+ and HBO Max. Where to stream Shark Week: Shark Week 2025 host: There's been no announcement of a Shark Week host or "master of ceremonies," a concept that was introduced in 2022. Past celebrity hosts of Shark Week include Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Jason Momoa and, most recently, John Cena. Shark Week 2025 schedule: All times Eastern Sunday, July 20: 8 p.m.: Dancing With Sharks 9 p.m.: Air Jaws: The Hunt for Colossus 10 p.m.: Great White Assassins Monday, July 21: 8 p.m.: Great White Sex Battle 9 p.m.: Jaws vs Mega Croc 10 p.m.: In the Eye of the Storm: Shark Storm Tuesday, July 22: 8 p.m.: Great White North Invasion 9 p.m.: How to Survive a Shark Attack 10 p.m.: Black Mako of the Abyss Wednesday, July 23: 8 p.m.: Expedition Unknown: Shark Files 9 p.m.: Expedition X: Malpelo Monster Shark 10 p.m.: Alien Sharks: Death Down Under Thursday, July 24: 8 p.m.: Surviving Jaws 9 p.m.: Caught! Sharks Strike Back 10 p.m.: Frankenshark Friday, July 25: 8 p.m.: Great White Reign of Terror 9 p.m.: Florida's Death Beach 10 p.m.: Bull Shark Showdown Saturday, July 26: 8 p.m.: Attack Of The Devil Shark 9 p.m.: Battle for Shark Mountain
Fast Company
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
How to watch Shark Week 2025 and why Discovery's franchise continues to have teeth after all these years
Da dum. Da dum. There's something in the water this week—or, more accurately, on your television screen. Discovery's Shark Week 2025 began yesterday (Sunday, July 20) and runs though Saturday, July 26. Let's take a look at the history of this scale-filled event, its enduring legacy, and what's new this year. Then we will do a deep dive on how to tune in. A brief history of Shark Week The Discovery Channel's 'fin-tastic' fanchise first commenced on July 17, 1988, when the program Caged in Fear tested new motorized cages designed to resist shark attacks. The goal of this program, and the nine others that premiered that week, was to educate the public about these misunderstood sea creatures. The event was so successful that it almost doubled the network's prime-time average, and so a tradition was born. This year marks 37 years of Shark Week. How does Shark Week maintain the hype? In a world of endless streaming options, it is impressive that a traditional cable network's event can endure and still attract fans. Part of the allure is the subject matter itself. People are fascinated and frankly terrified of the mysterious shark. This primal awe will always remain a satisfying itch to scratch. The lack of appointment viewing television creates a void that Shark Week gladly fills. The fins and sea water create anticipation, a sense of urgency, and satisfaction that is hard to get anywhere else. It also creates community as those you watch it with undergo a shared experience. Plus its long history is nostalgic for many. Shark Week has evolved over the years by embracing streaming, social media, and celebrity culture. Beyond cable, you can catch in on HBO Max and Discovery+. Big moments are shared on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram and quickly go viral. Celebs such as Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Jason Momoa, and Shaquille O'Neal have hosted the event. An ability to adapt has cemented this week's legacy. What's new with Shark Week this year? This year there was much hype around Dancing with the Sharks, hosted by former Dancing with the Stars MC Tom Bergeron. This kicked the week off, airing yesterday at 8 p.m. local time. If you missed the scuba diving handlers using bait to dance with their finned friends, don't worry: You can watch catch it on HBO Max. Another program to look forward to this year is How to Survive a Shark Attack, which is hosted by real-life shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder. In 2009, he was attacked by a bull shark in Sydney Harbor, and as a result lost his right arm and leg, but still managed to survive. His tips and tricks just might help save a life or two. This program airs on Tuesday, July 22, at 9 p.m. For a full look at the programming schedule, click here. How can I stream or watch Shark Week live?
Metro
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
7 of the most thrilling TV shows to watch for Shark Week
Shark Week is one of TV's longest running traditions – here's how you can mark the Discovery Channel's celebration in your own way from the UK. First observed in 1988, Shark Week sees the Discovery Channel – and other broadcasters in later years – dedicating a week of TV programming to sharks. Aimed at deconstructing and debunking myths about sharks, Shark Week also aims to raise awareness of conservation efforts around the world and is running from July 20 to July 26 in 2025. The initiative has drawn some criticism over the years for featuring less and less non-fiction material, but Shark Week still remains popular with Discovery Channel subscribers and shark fans. For many fans who've watched Shark Week's programming since they were children, the annual event remains 'the favourite part of summer' for them. Not all Discovery Channel content is available in the UK, however – so here's how you can observe Shark Week your own way from your living room this July. What better place is there to begin Shark Week 2025 by spending time with Robert Irwin, the son of the late conservationist and TV presenter Steve Irwin. Steve tragically died at the age of 44 while filming a documentary about the Great Barrier Reef in 2006, back when son Robert was just three years old. Now, Robert is continuing his father's incredible legacy, focusing not just on wildlife protection and conservation, but on educational TV documentaries as well. His documentary film Crikey! It's Shark Week debuted in 2021 and is available to watch in the UK during Shark Week with a subscription to Discovery Plus. Crikey! It's Shark Week sees Robert – who was 18 at the time – follow in his father's footsteps and come face to face with a great white shark for the very first time. The British 2017 documentary Of Shark and Man, directed by David Diley, is one of the most acclaimed and celebrated documentaries to focus on sharks. Available on AppleTV and Amazon Video, Of Shark and Man sets up shop in the Shark Reef of Fiji in the South Pacific Ocean – it eventually won five international documentary awards. The film follows David as he leaves his life in northern England to swim with sharks in the South Pacific, with one stunt finding David swimming among 60 bull sharks. It became so popular among fans that it ended up as one many documentaries made by David that analysed the relationship between humans and sharks. UK Film Review gave it five stars, adding: 'Not only is it a remarkable film, showcasing a side to sharks we've never seen, it's an entertaining, grounded and informative experience.' Available on Discovery Plus, 2018 documentary film Sharkwrecked follows two shark experts pushing themselves to dangerous limits and facing up against the ultimate challenge. Staging what it would be like to be shipwrecked in the middle of the ocean with only 48 hours of supplies, Sharkwrecked sees two shark obsessives stranding themselves in dangerous conditions. The synopsis on Discovery Plus explains what goes down: 'Paul de Gelder and James Glancy take on a dangerous new challenge. 'They spend two days marooned in the ocean with no food or water, [surrounded by] some of the most dangerous sharks in the world.' A brand new death-defying reality series started earlier this month, with Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters available to stream on ITVX. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to watch big-name celebrities like Helen George, Lucy Punch and Rachel Riley share the sea with a bunch of sharks, then look no further. The six-part series will see seven celebrities pushed to the limit as they face one of humanity's biggest fears, all while trying to help dispel the stigma surrounding the prehistoric creatures. The Bahamas might be a luxury holiday destination, but they're also home to more than 40 different species of shark, earning it the title of 'Shark Capital of the World'. The famous faces jetting off to The Bahamas get some help from the show's shark experts, but they still have to face parts of the challenge alone. Sadly not introduced by David Attenborough, Shark proved the BBC are still among the very best when it comes to producing and delivering the very best nature documentaries. From 2015, Shark was a three-part series made in conjunction with the UK arm of the Discovery Channel – it's narrated by Withnail & I actor Paul McGann. While all three episodes aren't available on BBC iPlayer, the final episode – titled Beneath the Surface/Facing Extinction – is available for shark fans to stream. The BBC's synopsis reveals the following: 'A look at how an international team of scientists is trying to change people's perceptions of sharks. 'Their research is revealing that sharks can be sociable and intelligent, and they could even help solve some of the toughest medical challenges of the 21st century.' It concludes: 'However, the breakthroughs come at a time when many sharks face extinction. Science may now be the only way to save them.' Sticking with the BBC, Why Sharks Attack is a 2023 documentary film that arrived as part of the Why…? series that also focused on plane crashes and building collapses. The documentary was made in response to three shark attacks that took place of the coast of Egypt across 2022 and 2023, during which three people were killed. The BBC explain: 'After three recent fatal shark attacks in Egypt, this film investigates whether pressure from human activity and climate change is altering the behaviour of sharks.' Narrated by Priyanga Burford, the series takes a look at different types of sharks around the world and the behaviours they've developed in order to keep surviving. Available on Apple TV, Shark Lockdown tracks how hunting patterns changed for sharks during Covid-19 lockdowns, with the presenting risking their safety in more ways than one. More Trending A synopsis of the documentary provided by Amazon Video states: 'Expert Kina Scollay climbs inside a mobile dive cage – the 'Snackbox' – on a quest to find monster shark 747 and solve an even bigger mystery.' The most shocking images come when Kina descends into the ocean near New Zealand and is almost immediately confronted by one of the biggest sharks in the world. View More » Apple TV says: 'In the waters off New Zealand, female great white sharks can be over 20ft long.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The Cosby Show star Malcolm-Jamal Warner dies aged 54 in 'accidental drowning' MORE: The 'truth' behind South Park star's controversial exit 17 years after his death MORE: Netflix quietly adds 8 episodes of 'outrageous' thriller – and fans are devouring it
USA Today
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Shark Week starts now! How to watch Discovery Channel on Sling with HBO Max
It's Shark Week! From Jaws to Sharknado, pop culture has been obsessed with our toothy, ocean friends for decades and this week highlight's that. Shark Week is an annual programming-based celebration hosted by Discovery Channel every year. Discovery Channel content is available on HBO Max with Sling. The week is full of Shark-related content on Discovery, starting on Sunday, July 20 and running until Saturday, July 26. From the launch of the special, Dancing with Sharks on Sunday, July 20 to the Battle for Shark Mountain on Saturday, July 26, Shark Week is jam-packed with shark-related learning. Here's everything you need to know to watch Shark Week 2025 on HBO Max with Sling: How to watch Shark Week on HBO Max with Sling Shark Week is hosted by the Discovery Channel, and all of their content is available with an HBO Max add-on to your Sling TV subscription. Shark Week kicks off on Sunday, July 20 and ends on Saturday, July 26. Get Sling with HBO Max today How much does the Sling + HBO Max bundle cost? Sling TV has several add-on packages that allow you to customize your at-home streaming experience with more sports, movies and entertainment. Get your first month of Sling for 50% off and score $5 off per month after that when you sign up for the Sling Blue and HBO Max bundle. Your first month of Sling Blue and Max add-on will start at $34.99 (normally $57.97) and include access to the HBO Max app, HBO Channels and On Demand. Prices will vary depending on other add-ons and offers you choose to include in your package. Here is a break down of the differences between Sling Orange and Sling Blue: Stay in the know: Sign up for USA TODAY Shopping text alerts today Shark Week 2025 full schedule
