A new Netflix series, All the Sharks, is redefining the nature documentary by infusing it with the high-stakes drama of a reality competition. The six-episode series follows four teams of “fin fanatics” on a global expedition, but these are not typical reality stars. The cast is composed of credentialed scientists, researchers, and conservationists who bring a level of scientific authority to the contest. The show’s unique format packages breathtaking underwater cinematography and critical marine science within a fast-paced race, creating a new and compelling vehicle for a pressing environmental message.
The Global Hunt
The competition’s premise is a worldwide scavenger hunt: find and photograph as many different shark species as possible. Teams earn points for each species documented, with a scoring system that heavily favors rarity. This incentivizes the pursuit of elusive and ecologically vital creatures, such as the critically endangered Great Hammerhead and the unique, bottom-dwelling Epaulette Shark, known for its ability to “walk” on its fins across reefs. The six-episode journey takes the teams to a diverse array of marine biodiversity hotspots: the Maldives, the Galápagos Islands, the Bahamas, South Africa, Japan, and Australia. Each location presents distinct challenges, from treacherous currents to difficult diving conditions, while offering encounters with different species, from tiger sharks to the snake-like epaulette sharks. The ultimate prize is $50,000, not for personal gain, but for donation to the winning team’s chosen marine conservation charity, reinforcing the show’s core mission.
The Scientific Competitors
The series sets itself apart with a cast of highly qualified experts who approach the competition with strategic, science-based approaches.
- The “Shark Docs” team features Dr. Chris Malinowski, a marine biologist with a PhD from Florida State University and the Director of Research and Conservation at the Ocean First Institute, and Brendan Talwar, a marine fisheries ecologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a member of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group. Their strategy relies on academic rigor, analyzing scientific publications and data to pinpoint the locations of target species.
- The “Landsharks” team, ironically named as both members hail from the American Midwest, consists of Rosie Moore and Randy Thomas. Moore, a geoscientist from Florida Atlantic University, specializes in using geospatial technology to study apex predators and human-wildlife conflict and serves as the citizen science manager for The International SeaKeepers Society. Thomas is a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Air Force and an underwater filmmaker who works with a wide range of species.
- The other teams are composed of equally impressive experts, including wildlife cinematographer Dan Abbot; shark and ray researcher Aliah Banchik, who founded The FINstitute to provide field-based learning for young scientists; and environmentalist MJ Algarra, founder of the nonprofit Clean This Beach Up and a role model for Latinas in STEM.
The Heavy Metal Host
Guiding the competition is Tom “The Blowfish” Hird, a marine biologist, author, and science communicator known for his distinctive “heavy-metal-loving” persona. With extensive experience on broadcasters like the BBC, Discovery’s Shark Week, and EarthxTV, Hird is more than a host; he is an expert guide. A qualified PADI Divemaster and BSAC Dive Leader, he sets challenges for the teams and offers advice drawn from years of his own fieldwork, lending both scientific credibility and an energetic presence to the series. His journey into marine biology was sparked by a childhood fear of sharks after watching Jaws, a fear he channeled into an obsession with understanding the ocean.
A Mission to Save the Sharks
At its core, All the Sharks is a platform for conservation. The series aims to dismantle the persistent “monster” stereotype of sharks, a narrative that has historically undermined conservation efforts. Contestants and the host advocate for turning fear into fascination through education. The show highlights critical conservation issues, emphasizing that overfishing is the primary threat to sharks and rays, with tens of millions killed annually. It also sheds light on the immense biodiversity within this animal group, which includes over 500 species of sharks and 600 species of rays, most of which are not the giant predators of popular imagination. The series champions the idea that a live shark is worth more than a dead one, promoting the economic and ecological benefits of healthy shark populations through ecotourism.
Behind the Production
The series is produced by Best Production Company, with executive producers Kevin Bartel, Myke Clarkson, Devon Massyn, and Chad Hammel. The production house has a demonstrated expertise in the genre, having previously produced Shark Queens for Nat Geo Wild’s Sharkfest. This background, including VP Myke Clarkson’s own journey from herpetologist to television producer, underscores the production’s commitment to scientific authenticity.
All the Sharks premiered on Netflix on July 4.
