Discovery Channel is kicking off Shark Week 2026 with "K-Pop Shark Heroes," a special airing on Sunday, 26 July, featuring Rei Ami of the fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X (from "KPop Demon Hunters") and comedian Ken Jeong exploring sharks around the Korean Peninsula. The programme is notable for tying the ongoing shark-themed viewing event to the current popularity of the animated hit "KPop Demon Hunters", broadening its appeal beyond typical wildlife documentary audiences.

The special broadcasts live on Discovery Channel from 8pm ET/PT and streams simultaneously on HBO Max, with additional access available through cord-cutting services including DirecTV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV and Philo, several of which offer free trial periods ranging from three to seven days. Pricing varies by provider, with DirecTV starting at $59.99 for the first month before rising to $89.99, Sling and Philo offering cheaper entry points from around $25, and various bundles providing extras such as HBO Max or AMC+ access.