Programming line-up for July 2024's Nat Geo WILD Sharkfest and Discovery Shark Week.

by Thinus Ferreira

The TV waters are shark-infested as Discovery Channel and National Geographic compete with a duelling Shark Week and a Sharkfest in July.

Discovery Channel (DStv 121) has its Discovery Shark Week that kicks off Monday 15 July at 17:00, with three local shark experts - Zandile Ndhlovu, Leigh de Necker and Dr Alison Towner who appear across various episodes over the week.

Ndhlovu, known as The Black Mermaid, appears in Monster Hammerheads: Species X and Belly of the Beast: Bigger and Bloodier, with De Necker who appears in 6000-LB. Shark. Towner is an expert who appears in Great White Danger Zone.

On Nat Geo WILD (DStv 182 / StarSat 221) the channel's Sharkfest starts on 20 July on weekends at 18:00, and runs until 28 August with shark-themed programming that will also be available on the streaming service Disney+.

DISCOVERY CHANNEL

Shark scientist Dr Alison Towner appears in Great White Danger Zone on Monday 15 July at 17:15 as her team investigates a new Great White hotspot off the South African coast, uncovering unusual behaviours in these predators. 

"Southern African white sharks are currently a subject of intense mystery. Human activities and killer whale predation have drastically shifted their habitat use in this region," she explains.

"Great White Danger Zone investigates how white sharks are adapting to these changes at the southern tip of Africa."

Zandile Ndhlovu appears on Tuesday 16 July at 18:10 as she dives with Dr Austin Gallagher in the Turks and Caicos, investigating a potentially new species of aggressive Hammerhead sharks in Monster Hammerheads: Species X. 

"Joining Monster Hammerheads: Species X was an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for freediving and showcasing the beauty and diversity of sharks," says Zandile Ndhlovu, South Africa's first black female freediving instructor and founder of the Black Mermaid Foundation.

She also joins Dr Gallagher’s team in Belly of the Beast: Bigger and Bloodier on Sunday 21 July at 17:15 where they study massive great whites in New Zealand.

In 6000-LB. Shark on Saturday 20 July at 18:10, the marine biologist Leigh de Necker teams up with Tom "The Blowfish" Hird to track down massive Great White Sharks off the coast of New Zealand.

"Filming 6000-LB Shark for Discovery Shark Week 2024 in New Zealand was truly one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life," she says.

"To witness these magnificent creatures in their element, surrounded by five, six, even seven at a time, was awe-inspiring. These weren't just any sharks - we're talking chunky animals between 3.5 and 5.5 meters in size! My marine biologist brain was in overdrive! Why were there so many sharks? Why were some so large? What were they feeding on? Could any be our South African sharks?"

Other Discovery Shark Week programming this week include:

Deadliest Bite, Tuesday 16 July 17:15

A group of shark experts set out to discover which shark species has the deadliest bite. Using bite force meters, biomedical imaging, and a cutting-edge super slow-motion camera rig, they'll document and analyse shark bites like never before.

Great White Serial Killer: Sea of Blood, Wednesday 17 July 17:15

After fatal shark attacks in 2022 and 2023 off the shore of a Mexican fishing village, shark attack survivor Paul De Gelder joins shark investigator Brandon McMillan to work with locals to identify the killers and help prevent future attacks from happening.

Alien Sharks: Ghost of Japan, Thursday 18 July 17:15

Wildlife biologist Forrest Galante explores the alien world of Japan's oceans. Teaming up with deep-sea shark expert Christina de Silva, they search for the extremely rare Japanese angelshark, the "ghost of the sea".

Jaws vs. Leviathan, Friday 19 July 17:15

In New Zealand, a clash of titans is about to erupt: the Great White versus a massive leviathan. Dr Tristan Guttridge and Kina Scollay simulate epic battles and study orca tactics to discover the ultimate predator.

Sharks of the Dead Zone, Saturday, 20 July 17:15

Dr Tiara Moore has discovered bull sharks thriving in polluted, algae-filled lagoons. Teaming up with Dr Craig O'Connell, they study why pregnant females still migrate there and how their pups survive in a seemingly hostile environment.

Shark Attack Island, Sunday 21 July 18:10

A South Pacific paradise has become a shark attack hot spot with Bull, Tiger and Great White sharks moving closer and closer to resort beaches. Seven people have been killed in just the last five years, some in knee-deep water only steps from the sand.

NAT GEO WILD

National Geographic's latest Sharkfest will run over four weeks on the Nat Geo WILD channel, with 26 hours of shark programming.

Some of the shark programming include:

Shark Beach with Anthony Mackie: Gulf Coast, Saturday 20 July 18:00

Anthony Mackie returns to his hometown of New Orleans in this hour-long special where he investigates a fishing phenomenon called depredation, in which a shark preys upon a fisherman's catch and consumes it before it can be retrieved.

Shark Attack 360, Sunday 21 July 18:00 (ends 25 August)

Eight hourlong episodes. Nat Geo Explorer and Marine Biologist Dr Diva Amon leads a team of scientists to uncover new facts about shark attack cases with the help of real-world experiments and a state-of-the-art immersive lab to bring us closer to sharks than ever before.

Baby Sharks in the City, Saturday 27 July 18:00

Shark biologists have discovered a nursery of Atlantic great whites right off the coast of New York City. Watch as they deploy a state-of-the-art camera tag to reveal the secret life of the baby great white for the first time in these Atlantic waters.

Sharks Gone Viral, Saturday 3 August 18:00

It's a social media feed frenzy as comedians Helen Hong, Keon Polee and the Sklar Brothers deep dive into the internet’s wildest shark videos - from lightning-fast shark attacks to sharks living on a golf course - while a panel of experts explore the science behind social media's most influential fish.

Supersized Sharks, Saturday 10 August 18:00

Norfolk Island off the Australian coast is home to some of the largest tiger sharks in the world. For the first time, scientists are diving in to answer why there are so many huge tigers there. Shark biologists Lauren Meyers, Charlie Huveneers and Adam Barnett lure the giants to their boat to investigate and make a surprising discovery.

Attack of the Red Sea Sharks, Saturday 17 August 18:00

This special investigates why sharks killed three people in less than a year in the coastal waters of Red Sea resorts. Multiple witnesses captured the gruesome attacks, with the videos quickly going viral, sparking confusion and hysteria. Are these attacks part of a growing trend that is becoming more common worldwide?

Shark vs Ross Edgley, Saturday 24 August 18:00

Swimmer and shark advocate Ross Edgley faces his greatest challenge yet as he attempts to pit his mind and body against the most formidable predator in the ocean. Testing the limits of his speed, strength, hydrodynamics and endurance, Ross will push his body to its extremes to understand what makes sharks such incredible and versatile predators.

TV REVIEW. Secrets of the Elephants on Nat Geo WILD is a moving and emotional natural history documentary series.

  

    9 TV's

by Thinus Ferreira

Some of the biggest creatures on the planet who've roamed the world for over 6 million years are shown to be as majestic as ever but also in dire need of help in James Cameron's evocative, hauntingly beautiful and triumphant new natural history series, Secrets of the Elephants, on National Geographic WILD and Disney+.

Desert elephants, forest elephants, Asian elephants and elephants from Africa's savannah feature in mesmerising camera-followed stories in their beautiful, yet challenging landscapes - stunningly captured in the new four-episode series with Natalie Portman as narrator.

All four episodes will be broadcast back-to-back as part of 2023 Earth Day on Saturday, 22 April on National Geographic WILD (DStv 182 / StarSat 221) from 18:45, and is also being released on Disney+.

Get ready for a literal "cliffhanger" in the Africa savannah episode, and a perilous birth and get-up-and-go journey in the Namib desert episode - both of which National Geographic screened to critics before the series debut on Saturday.

Filmed over many months - following a wide array of elephants from newborns to so-called "super tuskers".

Secrets of the Elephants will leave you emotional as the show's TV pages turn - as if paging through a family album - reflecting on moments of communal joy, celebration, suffering, danger, rebirth, feasting, following, leading, growing up, motherhood, far-flung journeys, and yes, the sorrow and loss of the last loving and mournful trunk-touch that follows after death.

Secrets of the Elephants is a magnificent series about elephants around the world, their journeys over millennia, and now, with modern man in the picture - their decline.

The mood music and cinematography in Secrets of the Elephants are absolutely breathtaking - along with the elephants chosen - following their ever-onward journeys looking for food and water, often under some of the harshest conditions imaginable. And yet these giants endure. 

Some episodes will require parental guidance as it shows elephant life in all its forms from birth to death and even a trunkless toddler - as cameras get up really close and hover far above as they capture these massive creatures who wander the Earth for over 60 years if mankind leaves them alone.

The series from Oxford Scientific Films - with James Cameron, Lucinda Axelsson and Caroline Hawkins as executive producers - features the renowned National Geographic Explorer and elephant expert Dr Paula Kahumba, as well as other experts across the various episodes.

The four mesmerising episodes are not just highly teachable and educational event television that can and should be shown in schools - Secrets of the Elephants is moving, emotional natural history television. 

As a viewer, you cannot help but identify with these massive, smart creatures who remember everything and their so very human longings: To be loved, to feel protected, to play in the water, to sometimes jump in the mud, to be close to your mother, to protect each other, to grieve those lost, and to walk through the wide, scary world together.

Secrets of the Elephants on Nat Geo WILD is not just crammed full of information and knowledge about elephants, their narrowing place in our world today, and their plight - the episodes are highly successfully constructed to resonate on an emotional level that makes you feel their lives. 

You live their journey and through that walk away - as they continue on - with a greater understanding of living giants who deserve and require the protection from a much smaller two-legged species.

The 4 episodes of Secrets of the Elephants are shown back-to-back on National Geographic WILD (DStv 182 / StarSat 221) on Saturday 22 April from 18:45, and are released on Disney+ on the same day.

National Geographic debuts new 4-episode series Secrets of the Elephants on Nat Geo WILD and Disney+ on 2023's Earth Day on 22 April.

by Thinus Ferreira

A new 4-episode natural history documentary series about elephants from National Geographic, Secrets of the Elephants, premieres today, 2023's Earth Day, on Nat Geo WILD (DStv 182 / StarSat 221) and on Disney+.

The four episodes of Secrets of the Elephants are all shown back-to-back on Nat Geo WILD from 18:45 this evening.

James Cameron is one of the executive producers, with Natalie Portman as narrator, with Secrets of the Elephants giving viewers a look at the intricately complex lives of elephants across the world.

Secrets of the Elephants travels the world - from the Savannahs of Africa to the urban landscapes of Asia - to discover the strategic thinking, complex emotions and sophisticated language of elephants, shaping a unique and dynamic culture.

The elephant expert Dr Paula Kahumbu appears throughout the 4-episode series, along with other experts in different episodes. 

With beautiful cinematography - each like mini-films - the series shows the extraordinary lives of different families of elephants but also highlights how similar they are to us. 

According to National Geographic, Secrets Of The Elephants "will change everything you thought you knew about elephants forever".

"Elephants have long been a source of wonder and mystery with their rich emotional lives and almost supernatural ways of navigating the world. In Secrets of the Elephants, we travel the globe to meet different families of elephants - desert elephants, forest elephants, Asian elephants and African savannah elephants" the yellow frame company says.

"Each with their own specific set of cultural behaviours passed between them, elephants have an incredible story of intelligence, grace and survival to tell. They are powerful, loving and wise but only now are we starting to unlock the deepest secrets of the elephants."

"Their strategic thinking, complex emotions and sophisticated language have created a unique and dynamic culture making them more like us than we ever thought possible. The four-episode series explores the courage, tenacity and complexities of elephant life in unique contexts". 

ALSO READ: TV REVIEW. Secrets of the Elephants on Nat Geo WILD is a moving and emotional natural history documentary series.

Nat Geo Wild's conservation kids show Team Sayari to continue with new episodes from March 2023.

by Thinus Ferreira

Team Sayari, National Geographic's first pan-African kids conservation show done by The Walt Disney Company, is continuing with further new episodes on Saturdays at 13:00 from 4 March on Nat Geo Wild (DStv 182 / StarSat 221). 

Team Sayari, produced by the Kenyan production company White Rhino Films, has a group of youth presenters in studio - Mysha Hodson (15), Marita Lucas (14), Shanah Manjeru (16), Railey Mwai (12) and Adarsh Nagda (14) - who start each episode in the so-called "Sayari basecamp" where a gigantic tree, with a textured trunk named Funzi gives challenges and provides environmental information.

Team Sayari also makes use of a range of young field presenters across Africa - Thandolwethu Fani (15), Khahliso Khojane (15), Sabrina Kilumanga (11), Atule Mazane (14) Christian Mekhi (11), Toluwanimi Olaoye (13) and Sheilah Sheldone (14) - who visit the wild to meet African experts to learn about various environmental challenges.

New Team Sayari episodes on National Geographic Wild will continue to showcase insights, facts and adventures throughout the natural world.

National Geographic will soon launch a Team Sayari web-based app which will be providing digital extensions of the programme as well as fun activities for kids to engage with the natural world.

National Geographic goes HD on DStv, as Nat Geo Africa unveils upcoming Summer 2022 factual content slate.

by Thinus Ferreira

The National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD linear TV channels finally switched to high-definition (HD) on MultiChoice's DStv this week with National Geographic using the upgrade to unveil its upcoming Summer 2022 factual entertainment content slate for Africa, including its first pan-African kids show Team Sayari, more Bear Grylls, and the celebrity chef-adventurer Gordon Ramsay competing against other chefs and eventually also his own daughter in a new series.

After many years as standard-definition (SD) channels, National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD - also available on China's StarTimes and StarSat in Southern Africa - finally switched to high-definition (HD) on Wednesday on MultiChoice's DStv pay-TV service in South Africa and across pan-African countries.

"The exciting line-up of National Geographic programming delivers on our core purpose to tell exceptional stories that ignite wonder and inspiration for people of all ages, enabling them to better understand the world and their place in it," said Christine Service, senior vice president and general manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa.

"We can't wait to bring these wildly entertaining documentary series, feature documentary films and extraordinary natural history shows from the best storytellers in the world to viewers across the continent, and especially in HD for the very first time."

Speaking at the National Geographic Africa Summer 2022 factual showcase about how The Walt Disney Company Africa keeps its collection of linear TV channels like National Geographic strong with vibrant, first-run content to keep these channels a compelling TV destination amidst the growth of video streaming, Christine Service said "our linear channels business is hugely important to us - and certainly on the African continent".

"We continue to produce vast amounts of for all of our different distribution platforms - our linear business, our direct-to-consumer [Disney+], for cinema. So we're just about great storytelling and great content that we can deliver in many different ways to audiences across the globe."

Tracy-Ann van Rooyen, senior manager for programming and scheduling at The Walt Disney Company Africa, said she's personally looking forward to keep watching Primal Survivor: Mighty Mekong, as well as another season of Running Wild with Bear Grylls.

"Hazen Audel is that real adventurer with that real spirit and he goes through the Mekong basin and it just happens to be monsoon season and he has to go through all of the treachery of climbing mountains. Every season of Primal Survivor has showcased this man's mental capacity to just overcome what he's doing."

"You as a viewer sit back and go 'why?' but it's that adventure spirit that you just keep tuning into. I've been a fan of Bear Grylls for many years and I love what he's done with Running Wild with Bear Grylls. Not only are you watching him teach survival skills but also going on an emotional journey".

"Gordon Ramsay's next series is Gordon Ramsay: Unchartered Showdown. He'll be going up against other Michelin-star chefs and in the final episode you'll see him go up against his own daughter. So it's really a question of practice what you preach, who did you raise?"

Amping up pan-African content

On supporting the South African and pan-African TV industry, Tracy-Ann van Rooyen said "we're doing the best we can with Team Sayari".

As National Geographic's first locally-produced pan-African children's production starting on Saturday 24 September at 13:00, Nat Geo hopes the series which features a group of young conservationists will be the springboard for even more local content.

"We're making sure that the story we're telling is pan-African and in South Africa we have our satellite production companies which are producing and telling the stories that you see, and we are briefing them from a National Geographic perspective - so grooming production teams in South Africa to be able to meet a brief that is of a National Geographic standard."

"Alongside that, we do have local series such as Snakes in the City and of course the stories being told by filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, so we are amping up."

From Arabia to athletes and Tut to cooking

Bear Grylls is back with Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge on Wednesday 28 September at 21:00 in which he goes on more survival outings with American celebrities ranging from Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman to Simu Liu and Anthony Anderson.

The fourth season of Europe from Above will start on 28 September at 19:00 on National Geographic, tracking the changing seasons across a year in Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Romania, Serbia and Scotland. 

Lost Treasures Of Arabia starts on Friday 28 October at 19:00, investigating AlUla's unsolved mysteries. This TV special reveals the historical heritage, natural assets and immense legacy of art that continues to inspire future generations in this Middle-Eastern city.

To celebrate the centennial anniversary of the tomb of King Tutankhamen by Howard Carter 100 years ago in 1922, National Geographic will premiere Tut’s Toxic Tomb on Friday 18 and 25 November at 19:00, with library content King Tut in Color on Friday 4 November at 19:00 and Tut’s Treasures, The Golden Pharaoh on Friday 11 November at 19:00.

Gordon Ramsay: Unchartered Showdown starts on 9 November at 21:00 on National Geographic in which the Michelin-star faces off against those closest to him, including going head-to-head with his daughter Tilly in a culinary showdown.

The Navy veteran Big Moe Cason goes on an epic journey to seek out the most mouth-watering dishes cooked over an open flame in World of Flavour with Big Moe Cason starting on National Geographic on 30 November at 21:00, exploring the connections between American barbeque and cultures around the world.

The second season of Critter Fixers will premiere on Friday 11 November at 18:00 on Nat Geo WILD with Dr Hodges and Dr Ferguson, two longtime friends who operate their veterinary hospital in Georgia in the United States.

Edge of the Unknown starts on Sunday 25 December on National Geographic as an epic new 10-episode series by the Oscar producers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. Audiences get to go inside the minds of pioneering adventure athletes as they recount the most consequential moments of their lives on their journey to perfect the mastery of their craft.

National Geographic unveils its 2021 Sharkfest line-up in July on Nat Geo WILD with 21 hours of original shark programming starting with Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth.

by Thinus Ferreira

National Geographic will do 21 hours of original programming every Saturday and Sunday in July at 18:00 on Nat Geo Wild (DStv 182 / StarSat 221) as part of its 2021 Sharkfest, starting with the premiere of Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth on 3 July.

Shark Beach With Chris Hemsworth follows the film star as he embarks on a mission to investigate how humanity can live more harmoniously with sharks.

The  one-hour documentary special from Nutopia features shark icon and conservationist Valerie Taylor, who takes Chris Hemsworth for a shark dive to experience nurse sharks firsthand, while other shark experts discuss new preventative measures and the latest technology to help stave off shark-human encounters.

Other shark shows include Shark Attack Investigation: The Paige Winter Story, where experts unpack the details of Winter’s attack and the inspirational story of how the teenager remains an advocate for sharks.

There is also the 6-part series Shark Attack Files that investigates bizarre and fascinating shark behaviour and that features footage from actual attacks, interactions and behaviour captured by both professionals and observant bystanders.

As part of the 2021 Sharkfest there is also 6 new episodes of When Sharks Attack, which takes a look at why there are spikes in shark attacks, and Croc That Ate Jaws. 

Shark Gangs reveals what is behind the shark behaviour of hanging out in groups while Rogue Shark? explores a series of shark attacks in Australia.

"The mysteries of the ocean's most iconic predators are so vast, even with 8 years of shark-focused content under our belt, there still remains more to be discovered," says Janet Vissering, senior vice president of development and production at National Geographic Partners.

"Like every year, shark scientists and oceanic experts have pulled out all the stops for this year's Sharkfest, revealing new discoveries, shocking revelations and bizarre shark behaviour never seen before."

Evert van der Veer, vice president of media networks at The Walt Disney Company Africa, says "National Geographic Wild’s Sharkfest has become a celebrated annual event for our viewers across the continent, adding to our rich premium wildlife programming that brings the world’s fascinating animals to screens".

"Few creatures hold a fascination as much as sharks and we are excited to reveal and explore more with exciting, intriguing and exhilarating specials."

Below is the 2021 Sharkfest original programming line-up:

Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth

Saturday 3 July, 18:00

In this one-off special Chris Hemsworth embarks on a personal mission to investigate how we can live more harmoniously with sharks. Chris, an enthusiastic surfer and renowned environmentalist, is fascinated by the ocean’s top predator. 

He's equally perplexed by the dangers they pose to humans when we venture into shark territory. In Shark Beach with Chris uncovers the complicated truth behind the alarming increase in shark attacks in Australia. 

Joined by surfers, conservationists, shark advocates and marine biologists, Chris begins his journey in his own backyard at Byron Bay, Australia. He explores new preventative measures and technology which can help stave off shark-human encounters.  

He dives with sharks himself and accompanies a tagging team as they handle a captured great white, helping release it back into the ocean. Chris’s mission to understand sharks is more than a journey:  he’s searching for answers to help us live more peacefully with these magnificent creatures. 

When Sharks Attack 7 - Terror in Texas

Saturday 3 July, 18:45

Every year, Galveston Island in south Texas greets upwards of 5 million visitors to its beaches. In 2004, the fishing, surfing and beach play were shattered when 3 locals were attacked by sharks just weeks apart. 

Shark attacks are rare off Texas beaches, so locals want answers. Experts examine what might have happened. Are the changes permanent? And will Galveston beaches ever be safe again?

When Sharks Attack 7 - Mayhem in Miami

Saturday 3 July, 19:30

The crystal clear waters just north of Miami, Florida is some of the most popular coastline in the United States. But in 2017, locals and tourists fell victim to a mysterious rise in shark attacks. Over the course of the year, 9 beachgoers were bitten. A team of investigators uncover clues in their search for the truth.

When Sharks Attack 7 - Predators in Paradise

Saturday 3 July, 20:15

In 2016, sharks descend on the island of Maui, turning paradise into chaos. 7 attacks in 11 months - more than twice the previous 10-year average.

Attacks are usually rare here. Experts investigate awe-inspiring, underwater volcanoes and ancient craters, to the bizarre, mutant sharks from Fukushima, to a dark secret about Maui’s sewage system. What they uncover could be cause for global concern.

When Sharks Attack compilations – Gulf Coast Reckoning

Sunday 4 July, 18:00

Shark attacks are causing panic along the Gulf. Harrowing incidents in Florida and Texas leave experts scrambling for answers. Could the attacks in Florida and Texas be related? What investigators discover could impact vacationers everywhere.

When Sharks Attack compilations – Trouble in Paradise

Sunday 4 July, 18:45

The Bahamas is a dream vacation destination. But for some, the dream quickly becomes a nightmare. A string of shark attacks terrifies beachgoers and concerns experts. Investigators must find the cause, to save lives and help the tourist-dependent community.

When Sharks Attack compilations – Trouble in Paradise

Sunday 4 July, 19:30

The tiger shark is the second deadliest species to humans, behind only the great white. In Hawaii, a string of tiger shark attacks has the community on high alert. Experts must find the reason why tiger sharks are biting humans, before the next devastating encounter.

Rogue Shark?

Saturday 10 July, 18:00

In October 2018, the remote islands of the Whitsunday in Australia were rocked by a series of shark attacks. Incredibly, all the victims were attacked in the same small patch of ocean, no larger than four football fields. Was a rogue serial killer on the loose? Or was something new drawing sharks and humans into conflict?

When Sharks Attack 7 - Chaos in California

Saturday 10 July, 18:45

San Diego, California is one of the most visited coastal destinations in the country. But in 2009, this community was rocked by a spate of shark attacks. After a deadly incident the year prior, there were six bites in just over six months. A group of experts revisit the accounts to determine the cause of the spike.

When Sharks Attack 7 - North Florida Frenzy

Saturday 10 July, 19:30

Jacksonville, Florida’s amazing beaches are the best-kept secret in the South. But this peaceful paradise was rocked in 2015 and 2016 when 12 shark attacks defied the odds and left locals searching for answers. From surfers to swimmers, experts re-visit the circumstances of these attacks and search for answers.

When Sharks Attack 7 - Devastation Down Under

Saturday 10 July, 20:15

In 2009, fear grips Australia when sharks terrorize the coastal community of New South Wales. 17 attacks over the course of the year - more than 4 times the annual average. Interactions with sharks here are usually rare, leaving experts searching for answers and what they discover could impact beach-goers around the globe.

The Sand Eating Shark

Sunday 11 July, 18:00 (Repeat 20:15)

In Fernando do Noronha, offshore Brazil, lemon sharks have mastered the art of catching sardines in the surf zone… with the help of unexpected allies!

When Sharks Attack compilations – Carolina Dread

Sunday 11 July, 18:45

Sharks are invading Carolina waters, leaving experts searching for answers. Strings of shark attacks in North and South Carolina threaten beachgoers as well as the tourist-driven way of life for coastal communities. The mystery behind the attacks must be solved, but the problem may be more dire than anyone could have guessed.

When Sharks Attack compilations – Most Shocking Spikes

Sunday 11 July, 18:45

The most shocking strings of shark attacks ever recorded may help experts prevent future attacks. The Jersey Shore 1916 attacks inspired the most infamous shark story in history, Jaws, but the real-life tale is even more terrifying. 

A string of attacks in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt leaves experts dumbfounded, but all is not what is seems. And history may be repeating itself with a double-shark attack in New York.

Shark Attack-Tics

Saturday 17 July, 18:00

We’re all familiar with Jaws. But the Great White is not the only shark to rule the oceans. We’ll watch Wobbegong sharks go tail-fishing and Epaulet sharks walk on land. 

From the tiger shark that chews through metal to the reef tips that prowl in packs…sharks come in 500 different shapes and sizes and many are top-notch hunters in their own right.

Shark Attack Files Part 1, Great Whites Vs Cage

Saturday 17 July, 18:45

Cage diving is a popular way to see sharks – until they ram, bite or get behind the bars. A few key factors may explain this troubling behaviour.

Shark Attack Files Part 2, Land Shark

Saturday 17 July, 19:30

Most shark attacks happen near shore and more sharks are being spotted on beaches across the world. Could sharks one day step onto land?

Shark Attack Files Part 3, Deadliest Bite

Saturday 17 July, 20:15

Shark experts examine the jaws of the world’s three deadliest shark to determine what about a shark's bite is so deadly.

Shark Gangs

Sunday 18 July, 18:00 (Repeat 20:15)

For years sharks have been viewed as solitary predators, but scientists have recently discovered a surprising new behavior. 

In this special, we reveal how this apex predator likes to hang out in gangs. So what is behind this behavior? Do sharks enjoy a social life or are they working together to become even more effective hunters?

50 Shades of Sharks

Sunday 18 July, 18:45

50 Shades of Sharks reveals facets of sharks that are rarely chronicled; they’re fragile, delicate, ingenious, collaborative and even clumsy at times.

World's Most Dangerous Shark?

Saturday 24 July, 18:00 (Repeat 20:15)

By some estimates, the Oceanic Whitetip has attacked and eaten nearly 2 000 humans - more than the Great White, Tiger and Bull sharks combined. But could the “Most dangerous of all sharks….” be even more dangerous?

Shark Attack Files Part 4, Man vs Shark

Saturday 24 July, 18:45

Never-before-seen footage explores the most astounding shark attacks from the last several years – and how each victim fought back.

Shark Attack Files Part 5, Man vs Shark

Saturday 24 July, 19:30

Over the past two decades, there have been multiple instances of sharks attacking humans in pairs - is there something fishy going on?

World's Biggest Bullshark?

Sunday 25 July, 18:00 (Repeat 20:15)

Marine Ecologist, Dr Neil Hammerschlag teams up with former Royal Marine Commando, James Glancy and Evolutionary Biologist, Dr Toby Daly-Engel to uncover how Big Bull, one of the largest Bull Sharks ever caught, grew to become a giant and find out if there could be more like her.

The Sharks of Hawaii

Sunday 25 July, 18:45

A living Eden for all creatures, including one of the most misunderstood in the entire world – the shark. Some 40 species call these waters home, and so does world-renowned wildlife cinematographer Paul Atkins. 

This film will take us from the remote reefs of the Hawaiian archipelago to the world-famous beaches of Waikiki. The sharks here offer up extraordinary behaviour, some seen nowhere else on earth.

Shark Attack: The Paige Winter Story

Saturday 31 July, 18:00

Paige Winter was only 17 years old when she lost a leg and portion of her hand to a shark. Experts unpack the details of Paige’s attack to determine what kind of shark is responsible and what can be done, if anything, to avoid this happening again. 

Despite all Paige has lived through, this inspirational teen remains an advocate for sharks and, with the guidance of professionals, takes brave steps to overcome her greatest fears.

The Croc That Ate Jaws

Saturday 31 July, 18:45

What happens when two of the world’s most deadly and ancient predators go head to head? Drawing on spectacular UGC from around the world, and the latest scientific research, shark and croc experts Dr Mike Heithaus and Dr James Nifong unpack and analyse the evidence. 

With growing signs crocs and alligators are pushing far out to sea and deep in to shark territory, are clashes on the rise?

The Walt Disney Company Africa Media Networks shares some early-2021 programming highlights across Disney Channel, Disney Junior, FOX, National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD and ESPN.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Walt Disney Company Africa Media Networks wasn't able to do a physical 2021 new year highlights showcase this year because of the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic but still issued programming highlights across its TV channels in the form of a press drop to journalists.

Here are some of them:

Disney Junior (DStv 309)

I literally just discovered Bluey at the end of last year as a new TV show about a month before The Walt Disney Company Africa Media Networks alerted me to it.

It's interesting as a children's show because you can watch it as an adult or as a parent and you will actually be quite entertained by it as well because it works on another level than just entertaining and educating a child.

It's actually quite insightful and revealing because a character like the dad would, for instance, be asked to come and play and he would say something like he doesn't want to, he's tired. You usually don't find that in children's shows.

Bluey is described as "a funny and honest look at modern family life". The Australian blue heeler puppy Bluey has a boundless imagination and loves to turn daily life into playful adventures. 

Bluey and little sister Bingo throw themselves into exploring their world, using gameplay to conquer their fears and to try out adult roles.

The second season of Bluey starts on 22 February.

Disney Channel (DStv 303)

The Disney Original Movie, Upside Down Magic, premiered on the channel in late-January and can still be seen in which the 13-year old Nory discovers that she can "flux" into animals and that her best friend Reina can manipulate flames.

Together they enter the Sage Academy for Magical Studies where Reina's expert ability to harness the power of fire lands her at the top of her class of "Flares", but Nory's wonky magic and proclivity for turning into a 'Dritten" (half-kitten, half-dragon) lands her in a class for those with Upside-Down Magic.

The second season of the animated series Amphibia has started in February on Disney Channel on weekdays at 15:15.

Amphibia is a frog-out-of-water animated comedy series that chronicles the adventures of 13-year old Anne Boonchuy, who is magically transported to the fantastical world of Amphibia, a rural marshland full of frog-people.

There she meets an excitable young frog named Sprig Plantar, his unpredictable sister Polly and over-protective grandpa Hop Pop. With Sprig's help, Anne will transform into a hero and discover the first true friendship of her life.

FOX (DStv 125 / StarSat 131)

The first episode of the so-called "extended" 10th season of the long-running zombie drama series The Walking Dead will premiere on the channel on Monday 1 March.

This 10th season that started in 2019 and got delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic that impacted production, got 6 additional episodes added, to take the season episode number to 22. These last 6 episodes are now starting with FOX Africa showing them both as a simulcast with the United States and again during primetime.

The 6 additional episodes of The Walking Dead's 10th season (starting from episode 1017) will air simulcast with America at 03:00 in the mornings, South African time, and again in primetime on Monday nights at 20:45. 

National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220)

The channel has some hard-hitting programming like North Korea: Inside the Mind of a Dictator scheduled for 2 March and 9 March at 21:00. The documentary will give viewers unprecedented access into one of the most secretive countries in the world.

Nat Geo WILD (DStv 182 / StarSat 221)

Snakes in the City filmed in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa is back for a 7th season with the snake-catchers Simon and Sioux as they try to catch some of the deadliest snakes in the most bizarre situations and then release them back into the wild.

In 7 seasons this is probably the first time I think there's ever been publicity done for this specific show. Nat Geo says viewers can watch as the snake catchers solve snake problems like deadly forest cobras at wedding venues, enormous pythons guarding their eggs, and even lethal black mambas inside ceilings.

Of course, the 10th Big Cat Month is taking place during February on Nat Geo WILD as well, with all of the programming details that you can find in this article here.

ESPN (DStv 218 / StarSat 248)

There was the 55th Superbowl and ESPN also has NBA basketball coverage.

When it comes to football ESPN also shows the Scottish Premiership with the top division of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).

National Geographic rolls out 10th Big Cat Month on Nat Geo Wild in February 2021 with 7 premiere specials including Tiger Queen of Taru.

by Thinus Ferreira

National Geographic is doing its 10th Big Cat Month in February 2021 and will again broadcast a lot of special appointment programming on its Nat Geo Wild (DStv 182 / StarSat 221) channel, featuring various big cats in the wild, including 7 premiere specials.

Besides the specials, National Geographic's month-long event will include several interstitials that will be broadcast in-between programming, featuring National Geographic Explorers who are working to protect big cats around the globe.

"Big Cat Month is an exciting television event for us every year and a firm viewer-favourite. This year is particularly special as we will be broadcasting no less than seven premieres highlighting the incredible lives led by these ferocious felines, to many of whom, Africa is home," says  Evert van der Veer, vice president, media networks, The Walt Disney Company Africa. 

"Even more remarkable is that many of the filmmakers are actively involved in wildlife conservation themselves, including  Aishwarya Sridhar, who makes her debut on the channel with the premiere of Tiger Queen of Taru".

The National Geographic Society is partnering its Big Cats Initiative with National Geographic Wild for Big Cat Month.

Nat Geo Wild's Big Cat Month starts on 7 February 2021 with the premiere of Jade Eyed Leopard, narrated by actor Jeremy Irons and directed by the acclaimed local big-cat filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert.

In this one-hour special National Geographic cameras capture the story of a young leopard, Toto, during the critical first three years of her life. 

Viewers getto follow this cub with deep aquamarine eyes – an exceptionally rare trait – and experience her challenges and triumphs firsthand as Toto learns the fundamental skills of survival and makes her passage to adulthood. 

Cecil: The Legacy of a King, premieres Sunday, 14 February at 18:00. This special follows the life and legacy of one of the world's most famous lions - Cecil. 

The ultimate big cat king, Cecil was a warrior, a father and a loyal brother. But his untimely death at the hands of an illegal hunt in Zimbabwe - spelt the end of his extraordinary reign; evoking feelings of fury and sadness to all who hear his tale across the globe. 

Still in Africa, Serengeti Speed Queen tells the story of cheetah Nzuri, the speed queen of the Serengeti – for whom being fast isn’t enough – on Sunday, 21 February at 18:00m.

She is constantly bullied by hyenas on the grassland and hunted by lions in the marsh. When two of her cubs are killed, the family is exiled to the forest. There, she learns to adapt her hunting methods and adds strategy to speed in order to outwit her enemies and steer her remaining cubs successfully to adulthood.

Nat Geo Wild's Big Cat Month 2021 culminates in the premiere of Tiger Queen of Taru, by filmmaker Aishwarya Sridhar on Sunday, 28 February at 18:00. 

This unique special that was filmed over six years tells the story of Maya the tigress in a tiger reserve in Tadoba, Central India. 

Here, Bengal tigers chase wild dogs, fight sloth bears and feud among themselves over bloodlines and territory in never-before-seen footage. Maya writes her own rules when it comes to raising a litter, yet motherhood doesn’t come easy. However, one thing is clear, Maya will do whatever it takes to secure her bloodline within the Kingdom of Taru.  

"We partnered with the Jouberts 11 years ago to create National Geographic Society’s Big Cats Initiative to shed light on these vital and vulnerable wild felines," says Colby Bishop, senior director of wildlife programmes at National Geographic Society.

"More than a decade later, the initiative continues to make major strides in its mission to protect big cats in the wild, including the removal of 13 000 life-threatening snares from their habitats; building more than 2 100 livestock enclosures to reduce human-wildlife conflict with big cats, and providing funds for grantees to work in more than 300 communities."

"National Geographic Wild is the perfect platform to premiere Jade Eyed Leopard as part of Big Cat Month 2021 and to inspire further protection for these majestic creatures around the world," says Colby Bishop.