Movies

‘All the Sharks’ might be the friendliest competitive shark show you’ll see this summer

BBG News

For over five decades, the movie “Jaws” significantly impacted pop culture, giving birth to numerous subpar sequels and imitations, transforming an ordinary fish into a cinematic terror, while “Sharknado” humorously redefined it as a joke 12 years later. It’s true that sharks had already been a cultural presence before “Jaws,” often labeled as “man-eating,” though it’s worth noting that humans consume sharks far more frequently than the reverse. Despite not being as inherently cute as dolphins or whales, they have found ways to charm us through plush toys and animated characters.

Titled “All Sharks,” this exciting competition airs on Netflix starting Friday. The show features four teams of two photographers competing to capture images of the widest variety and greatest number of shark species over just two eight-hour days. They’ll be dropped into the waters around Japan, Maldives, South Africa, Australia, Bahamas, and Galapagos Islands. There’s an impressive diversity of species here – hammerhead sharks, walking sharks, whale sharks, tawny nurse sharks, pajama sharks, pelagic thresher sharks, tiger sharks, tasseled wobbegong sharks, puffadder shy sharks, baby sharks, mommy sharks, and daddy sharks, to name a few. There are reportedly 124 species of sharks in Japanese waters alone, and over 200 off South Africa’s coast. Points are given based on the rarity or abundance of each species in its respective location. Contrary to some expectations, these sharks aren’t monsters or jokes; one contestant even found the banded houndshark “freaking adorable… their little cat eyes, their subterminal mouth.

This competition resembles shows like “The Great British Bake Off” or “MasterChef Junior,” being more of a friendly contest rather than cut-throat. Unlike other competitions, there’s no room for sabotage, and the only strategy is to predict where the sharks might be found, whether they’re eating, swimming, or relaxing. The grand prize of $50,000 goes to the winners’ chosen marine charity, but prizes are also given to the episode’s top-scoring team (like cool gear and seaside vacations). The main objective isn’t winning per se, but rather staying in as long as possible because it’s enjoyable. Even when things don’t go a team’s way, they maintain positive attitudes throughout.

The individuals in question are visually appealing due to their roles on television, and they maintain fitness for the demands of their work. Many possess professional knowledge about marine life, fish, water environments, or wild creatures – with Brendan and Chris known as the Shark Docs, Aliah and MJ making up Gills Gone Wild, and so forth. The team British Bait Off consists of Sarah, an environmental journalist, and Dan, an underwater cameraman who enjoy a nice cup of tea. Lastly, Randy and Rosie are collectively known as the Land Sharks. Dreadlocked Randy, a wildlife biologist, often faced stereotypes in his academic career but continues to pursue what he loves. Rosie, an ecologist focusing on apex predators, strives to empower girls by demonstrating that it’s acceptable to be strong and work with these extraordinary animals, even if it involves getting messy. She can hold her breath for five minutes.

The program follows typical conventions of its genre: statements given in the present tense that were clearly recorded afterwards; dramatic soundtrack and editing; the “oh dear oh no” storytelling style of boisterous host Tom “The Blowfish” Hird, with his braided pirate-like beard, who is known as a heavy metal marine biologist online. Scenes featuring great white sharks (the species synonymous with “Jaws”) are added for excitement, but unfortunately, none are seen in this episode.

Despite any massaging applied, “All the Sharks” is undeniably authentic. The competitors face turbulent waters, powerful currents, jellyfish and various venomous creatures, unwanted fishermen, limited oxygen, fluctuating visibility, and sudden appearances of orcas. And while sharks, with an abundance of usual meals, don’t appear overly intrigued by humans, they can sometimes appear in large, alarming numbers. (That’s why the phrase “shark-infested waters” was coined.) The ocean, playing its unpredictable role, is another character in this story. Beneath the surface, scenes filled with colorful fish and coral reefs can be surprisingly calming. Some liken it to being within a screensaver.

As part of the experience, you’ll discover fascinating insights into shark behavior and their biology. This learning journey often carries a subtle or overt emphasis on conservation. For each species we encounter, there’s an illustration that provides details not just about its size, weight, and lifespan, but also its status regarding endangerment – regrettably, many are at risk.

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2025-07-03 13:31

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