TV Interview!
Molly Carlson, Kendyl Berna, Kinga Philipps, Tom “Blowfish” Hird and Paul de Gelder of Shark Week on Discovery
by Suzanne 7/21/26
I always enjoy talking to the engaging personalities of “Shark Week!” The specials that Discovery puts on every July are very entertaining as well as educational. I just love talking to interesting, educated, and smart people who have lived fascinating lives, like these five. They’re all activists as well as experts in their fields. I could talk to them for hours, honestly, but I only get 5-10 minutes every year, so I try to make the most of it. I hope you enjoy our videos and check out all the great Shark shows coming Sunday, July 26 through Saturday, August 1st. Here’s a handy schedule for you!
The interview with Kenda Berna will be a little late – come back soon to check it out!
Molly Carlson
Kendyl Berna
Kinga Philipps and Tom “Blowfish” Hird
Paul de Gelder
MORE INFO: Official Site Preview
ABOUT THE STARS
Molly Carlson is a Canadian professional high diver, multi-time Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series runner-up, and social media star who is featured on Discovery’s Shark Week by executing a high-stakes stuntdive out of a helicopter into a tiny shark cage. See more on her Official Website!
Kendyl Berna is a documentary filmmaker and environmental scientist from Southern California who specializes in adventure and wildlife TV productions. Visit her Official Website for more!
Kinga Philipps (born August 16, 1976) is a Polish American actress and journalist. She has been a correspondent for a variety of networks including: USA Network, AMC, Food Network, Current TV, Fox Sports, SyFy, National Geographic Channel and Travel Channel. See more on her Official Site!
Tom “Blowfish” Hird is a marine biologist, broadcaster, and author known as the world’s only heavy metal marine biologist. Originally from Bristol, UK, he hosts Netflix’s All The Sharks, appears regularly on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, and wrote the book Blowfish’s Oceanopedia. Read more on his Official Site!
Paul de Gelder is an Australian motivational speaker, author, television host, and shark conservationist who famously survived a brutal bull shark attack in 2009. A former elite military clearance diver, he turned a life-altering tragedy into a platform for global advocacy, resilience training, and environmental activism. Today, he lives between Sydney and Los Angeles, balancing careers in public speaking and media production. Learn more on his Official Site!
DISCOVERY’S SHARK WEEK RETURNS WITH 20 ALL-NEW PREMIERES SHOWCASING NONSTOP ACTION, EPIC ENCOUNTERS, AND HEART-POUNDING INVESTIGATIONS BEGINNING SUNDAY, JULY 26 AT 8PM ET/PT
Shark Week 2026 Full Slate:
SUNDAY, JULY 26
“K-Pop Shark Heroes” premieres at 8PM ET/PT on Discovery
After a recent series of shark encounters off the Korean Peninsula, actor and comedian Ken Jeong joins forces with GRAMMY®-nominated singer and lifetime shark lover REI AMI on a mission to reshape the perception of sharks across East Asia and around the globe, fueled by the power of K-POP.
“Air Jaws: Red, White and Breach” premieres at 9PM ET/PT on Discovery
Across the U.S. coastline, a new phenomenon is emerging as great white sharks are captured on film breaching in California like never before. Filmmaker Jeff Kurr, marine biologist Alison Towner, and cinematographer Andy Casagrande set out to capture this unprecedented behavior and uncover the secrets behind the Great American Breach.
“Invasion of the Mega Sharks” premieres at 10PM ET/PT on Discovery
Shark researcher Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, joined by Shark Week expert Paul de Gelder, leads a team on a high-risk mission to track down “Big Rose,” a record-breaking great white believed to be one of largest predators in the North Atlantic. Using innovative tagging technology and daring field operations, they venture to a newly discovered shark hotspot off Nova Scotia aiming to transform our understanding of these ocean giants.
Encores run at 11PM ET/PT on Discovery.
MONDAY, JULY 27
“Bull Shark Dinner Bell” premieres at 8PM ET/PT on Discovery
Shark attack survivor and advocate Paul De Gelder teams up with apex predator specialist Rosie Moore in Jupiter, Florida to investigate what triggers giant bull sharks to confront humans, testing human behavior in the ocean, extreme weather events and prey preferences to determine what factors ring the loudest dinner bell.
“House of Sharks” premieres at 9PM ET/PT on Discovery
Off the coast of New Zealand lies a hidden shark battleground, where three distinct groups of great whites organize into competing “houses” and may be competing with one another to gain control of a major seal feeding ground. Marine biologist Dr. Tristan Guttridge and underwater cinematographer Kina Scollay venture into the middle of the action on an epic expedition, using brand new builds and massive blood bombs to document this new competitive behavior. As they investigate, they uncover the possibility that these clans of great whites recognize kin and return season after season to their ancestral territories, raising the theory that these predators aren’t solitary hunters, but rival dynasties at war.
“Biggest Mako on Earth” premieres at 10PM ET/PT on Discovery
For decades, rumors have swirled about massive,15 to 20-foot mako sharks patrolling the deep waters off Southern California. Long dismissed as fishermen’s tales, new footage, along with a recently published photo capturing a mako that appears to push 15 feet, is now forcing scientists to rethink everything they know about these oceanic apex predators. Marine biologist Tristan Guttridge, alongside conservationist Kendyl Berna and shark tagger Keith Poe, leads an investigation to determine whether the world’s biggest mako is real – and hunting in the coastal waters of Santa Catalina.
Encores run at 11PM ET/PT on Discovery.
TUESDAY, JULY 28
“Jurassic Sharks” premieres at 8PM ET/PT on Discovery
In a Shark Week first, revolutionary CGI resurrects the ocean’s most bizarre Jurassic sharks, bringing them to life like never before. Guided by the rare living sharks that once shared their seas, real-world expeditions seamlessly merge with cutting-edge visual effects to uncover stories from the deep and prehistoric seas in ways never before possible.
“Jaws vs Orca” premieres at 9PM ET/PT on Discovery
For millennia, the great white shark has reigned as the ocean’s ultimate apex predator. But now, a new challenger is emerging: the killer whale. Around the world, sharks are washing ashore with their livers removed with chilling precision while in the Strait of Gibraltar, orcas are targeting sailboats – ramming hulls, crippling rudders, and sinking vessels. To investigate this alarming shift in behavior, Dr. Tristan Guttridge places himself directly in the path of an orca encounter, using their attacks on boats to reveal how these predators hunt and ultimately, how they may be taking down great white sharks.
“Chum Island: Catching a Killer” premieres at 10PM ET/PT on Discovery
In this Shark Week whodunnit, a rare surge of highly aggressive shark attacks hit a tight-knit community off Australia’s southern coast, prompting marine biologist Dr. Riley Elliott to find and tag the oceanic suspects. But when he discovers this could be a new, elusive population of sharks, he builds the world’s first “chum island” to lure them in and uncover if they are the ones responsible for the attacks.
Encores run at 11PM ET/PT on Discovery.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
“Expedition X: Atomic Sharks” premieres at 8PM ET/PT on Discovery
Phil Torres and Heather Amaro travel 5,000 miles west of the U.S. to the remote Marshall Islands, home to the world’s largest shark sanctuary, where apex predators are exhibiting highly aggressive behaviors and erratic swimming patterns. Between 1946 and 1958, the United States military detonated 67 nuclear bombs around the island, raising questions about their lasting impact on marine life. Now, the team dives into these dangerous waters to investigate reports of “mutant” sharks and uncover whether atomic blasts could be to blame.
“Expedition Unknown: Shark Secrets” premieres at 9PM ET/PT on Discovery
Global explorer Josh Gates travels back in time and dives into the history behind some of the world’s most infamous shark encounters, from the earliest known shark attack to the mystery surrounding the shark feeding frenzy faced by sailors following the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in remote waters. He also investigates the legendary “Stronsay Beast,” a mysterious creature that washed ashore in Scotland in 1808, long thought to be a sea monster. But could it in fact be the remains of a massive shark?
“Alien Sharks: Untamed America” premieres at 10PM ET/PT on Discovery
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, wildlife biologist Forrest Galante embarks on a nationwide quest to find the nation’s most bizarre and dangerous alien sharks – from glowing swell sharks to elusive sawfish – proving the ultimate shark adventure is right here at home.
Encores run at 11PM ET/PT on Discovery.
THURSDAY, JULY 30
“What Shark Attacked?” premieres at 8PM ET/PT on Discovery
Shark attacks are extremely rare, but when they happen, the first question is always the same: what kind of shark was it? Leading shark scientists Tom “Blowfish” Hird and Rosie Moore, alongside conservationist Kinga Phillips, investigate mysterious attacks from around the world using cutting-edge forensic analysis – including bite pattern comparison, geographic profiling, video evidence, and eyewitness testimony – to identify the species responsible and uncover why these life-threatening encounters occur.
“How to Train a Great White” premieres at 9PM ET/PT on Discovery
Marine biologist Dr. Tristan Guttridge ventures into the shark-infested waters of New Zealand to answer a provocative question: can sharks be trained? Using techniques pioneered by the U.S. Navy to train dolphins in complex cognitive tasks, the team applies similar methods to great white sharks, testing whether these apex predators can learn, solve problems, and respond to cues. If successful, the experiment can potentially redefine shark intelligence and transform our understanding of one of the ocean’s most misunderstood predators.
“Ultimate Shark Dive” premieres at 10PM ET/PT on Discovery
World-class Red Bull high diver Molly Carlson leaps from a helicopter hovering above the open ocean in a bid to complete the highest freefall dive in Shark Week history, targeting a narrow plexiglass cage surrounded by circling reef sharks, or risking a direct plunge into a chum-filled feeding frenzy where seconds mean survival. From concept to execution, this fearless athlete will push herself to the limit with a record-setting stunt that no high diver has ever attempted.
Encores run at 11PM ET/PT on Discovery.
FRIDAY, JULY 31
“Secrets of the Great White Kill” premieres at 8PM ET/PT on Discovery
For centuries, great whites were believed to simply stalk their prey. Now, groundbreaking science believes that these alpha sharks are highly intelligent predators that adapt their hunting techniques in real time. For the first time on Shark Week, the full range of great white hunting tactics will be revealed, reinforcing their status as one of the ocean’s top predator.
“Sharkzilla Takes New York” premieres at 9PM ET/PT on Discovery
After a wave of mauled marine life washes ashore in New York, conservation biologist Dr. Craig O’Connell launches an investigation to find the culprit. When it leads to an old nuclear dumping ground teaming with great whites and makos, he is left with the chilling theory that the predator may be radioactive. A deeper dive reveals an unexpected hotspot for massive makos off the coast of the Hamptons, suggesting that these waters may be hiding something even bigger beneath the surface.
“My Strange Shark Addiction” premieres at 10PM ET/PT on Discovery
How far will people go to fuel their fascination with sharks? For four devoted shark “fin-atics,” their obsession shapes every aspect of their lives. From a dentist who spends every spare moment searching for life-size shark replicas that overwhelm his home to a woman who insists she has a special connection with her shark “boyfriend,” and a world-record holder covered in shark tattoos, this special explores how their daily routines, relationships, and finances revolve entirely around the apex predators they can’t live without.
Encores run at 11PM ET/PT on Discovery.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
“Great White Highway” premieres at 8PM ET/PT on Discovery
Great white sharks are pushing farther up the East coast than ever before and in far greater numbers leading to close encounters, forcing beach closures, and leaving locals wondering where the next attack could happen. Now, a daring team of shark scientists race to install high-tech receivers and tag as many great whites as possible before another harrowing incident rocks the country.
“Thresher Shark: Stun to Kill” premieres at 9PM ET/PT on Discovery
The physics behind the thresher shark’s devastating tail strike has long remained a mystery…until now. For the first time ever, the discovery of a shallow-water feeding ground has made observing this behavior possible. Now, shark scientist Dr. Craig O’Connell and marine biologist Aliah Banchik dive into the direct line of fire as they attempt to reveal exactly how these predators use their tails to stun and kill.
Encores run at 10PM and 11PM ET/PT on Discovery.
Dive into Shark Week across Social:
Follow @sharkweek on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Threads and follow @Discovery on TikTok and YouTube to keep up with the latest. Be sure to use the hashtag #sharkweek to join the conversation. To learn more, please visit www.sharkweek.com.
About Discovery Channel
Across every platform, Discovery Channel is dedicated to connecting audiences who have a passion for adventure and crave a connection to the world around them. Popular series including Deadliest Catch, Expedition Unknown, Naked and Afraid and Gold Rush, along with Shark Week, the annual tentpole programming event, serve as trusted portals that transport viewers directly into thrilling, real, high stakes moments. Through smart, authentic characters whose stories inform and inspire, Discovery celebrates the men and women who will stop at nothing to explore new spaces and achieve their dreams. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com
Discovery Channel is part of Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products which also include: Discovery Channel, HBO Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, HGTV, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.
Proofread and Edited by Brenda
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Kendyl Berna studied Environmental Science with an emphasis in Ecology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. While in college, she took a semester off to work at Discovery Channel and realized that she loved the media side of environmental science and the outreach that it could have. From here, she began her career in documentary filmmaking, particularly specializing in nature, marine, adventure and wildlife and producing shows for networks such as Netflix, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, A&E and others.
Paul de Gelder, a former Australian Navy diver, is a shark conservation advocate and motivational speaker recognized for surviving a 2009 bull shark attack in Sydney Harbour, which led to the amputation of his right leg and part of his right arm. He educates the public about sharks and advocates for their conservation, primarily regarding overfishing and shark finning. Since 2013, de Gelder has frequently appeared in Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” specials , engages in motivational speaking, and authored the book “Shark: Why We Need to Save the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator”. 
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