We’re Swimming in Great Shark Documentaries!

You either love sharks or you misunderstand them.

Published on February 26, 2025 by PBS

This collection of documentaries about one of the ocean’s oldest animals (shark fossils date back over 400 million years) is a great place to learn more about pre-historic and present-day sharks. With these science-focused shows, you’ll learn about some of the 500 shark species, clear up some myths about them, and maybe even spark a lifelong love of sharks. You’ll also meet scientists who are helping sharks survive in increasingly vulnerable environments.

You can also start your shark appreciation journey by getting to know sharks with NATURE’s shark fact sheet.

Sharks Unknown with Jasmin Graham

Shark scientist Jasmin Graham travels to shark hotspots in North America to interview her scientist peers and research collaborators. Jasmin and her guests investigate little-known shark species and use cutting-edge technology to solve mysteries about shark biology and ecology. This series showcases the next generation of shark scientists.

Sharks Unknown teaches us about sharks famously strong sense of smell, how scientists track sharks, and meet the very mysterious and enormous basking shark. That's not even half of the episodes!

Have Humans Always Feared Sharks?

From the series Monstrum: Despite the extreme rarity of attacks on humans, Sharks have become perhaps the most widely feared animals on the planet. How did this happen? They're not naturally aggressive towards humans and kill fewer people each year than falling coconuts. So what gives?

Sharks Are Showing Up Earlier—and Staying Longer

From NOVA: Tiger sharks are being spotted off the coast of the New England earlier than usual, and they’re hanging around for longer. What's going on? And are they here to stay.

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Learn About Megalodon Sharks

The Fossil Hunter Uncovering Florida's Past

America Outdoors: Understory

Baratunde Thurston meets Jonathan Valentine who dives, digs, and searches for fossils all over Florida. Some of his discoveries include Megalodon Shark teeth, American Mastodon molars, and even an extinct Rhino tooth. But fossil hunting in Florida is more than just a hobby. It’s also a way citizens can uncover the state's prehistoric past and contribute to the field of paleontology.

Why is NC Megalodon Country?

SciNC | PBS NC

North Carolina is a hot spot for fossilized teeth from the extinct megalodon shark. Why? And what can we learn about this massive ancient predator from the teeth it left behind?

Sharks of Hawaii

From NATURE:

Learn surprising facts about the sharks that call the warm waters near Hawaii’s islands their home. Meet the Whitetip reef shark, Whale shark, Tiger shark and more. This episode is streaming with Passport until April 24, 2025.

As with any PBS NATURE film, the key to getting the shots is time spent out in the field. Fortunately, for the crew of "Sharks of Hawaii" that meant the tropical islands of Hawaii.

Socorro: Expedition Shark Island

Expedition with Steve Backshall

Dive with Steve on an expedition to the remote volcanic island of Clarion in the Revillagigedo National Park. Steve and his team are looking to discover where shark mothers give birth and help protect a new generation of these ocean giants.

Sharks in Belize: Jaguars of the Sea

Changing Seas

The Belize Barrier Reef is home to a diverse array of top predators like lemon sharks, nurse sharks, tiger sharks, and Caribbean reef sharks. In a unique collaboration, local fishers leverage their generational knowledge to help marine scientists and fisheries managers keep shark populations healthy for all.

Sharks!

From PBS NC's Sci NC: Great white sharks on the North Carolina coast, sand tiger sharks and shipwrecks, black tip shark migration and fossilized megalodon shark teeth.

Diving Deep: Chris Fischer's Journey to Save Sharks and Brin

From KET's Kentucky to the World: Welcome Chris Fischer, OCEARCH Founder and Expedition Leader, home to Louisville for an exclusive live program on Monday, May 16, 2022, at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts’ Bomhard Theatre.

Fischer grew up in Kentucky, chasing fish and frogs, and went on to be a shark expert and advocate. He's conducted dozens of expeditions to research the ocean's balance keepers: sharks.

Science, Nature & Our World