This critically acclaimed, ratings darling came about when Discovery Channel decided to dedicate and entire week of programming to the feared fish back in 1987. The cable channel, then still in its infancy having just been launched in 1985, was experimenting with ways to attract viewers during the summer, when broadcast-network programming was between seasons. Shark Week, seven days filled with documentaries and educational shows on the animals, was born. Mixing docudrama-style narration, heart-stopping footage and educational content, the series has since become a summer-television staple with a cultish following.

That's all great, I mean, I find sharks to be as interesting as the next guy and I loved the movie Jaws, but an entire week of shark programs is a bit much. The problem is I fall into the same pattern every year. On Monday I'm excited to watch every bit of Shark Week, then the excitment slowly but surely drops off throughout the course of the week until Friday when I'm praying for the extinction of the entire species.

Also, like Jaws, Shark Week can sometimes further the unnatural fear that people have for sharks with shows like Teeth of Death, Shark Rebellion and Sharkbite Summer. Some marine biologists assert that the week's programming consists mostly of shockumentaries that incorrectly portray sharks as man-eating predators, when in actuality shark related deaths are rather low. In fact, Justin was right in pointing out how much bees suck because they are actually deadlier. I find it interesting how people are so afraid of things that rarely kill humans like lightening, bears, or sharks. Each of which are usually listed on top fears lists.

Some people are reduced to tears at the thought of this.

These are the reasons why I believe that Shark Week sucks and is a total waste of anyone's time. If you agree with me great, if you don't then I will look forward to the hate mail. Have a great week and I promise Justin will be back next time. Also, while you write your hate mail enjoy, enjoy the ending to Jaws.

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