Netflix’s All the Sharks: A strategic approach to featuring sharks
Netflix has been diving into the world of sharks this summer with its latest reality competition show, All the Sharks. After years of being disappointed by some other shark-themed programming, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this new series. But I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging and fun it turned out to be.
In All the Sharks, four teams of two are challenged to capture as many shark photos as possible to earn points. They travel to different continents and oceans, exploring various underwater ecosystems. The teams face constraints like limited time and air supply, adding an element of strategy to the competition.
What sets All the Sharks apart is its focus on highlighting the diverse world of sharks and those who study them. The show features a range of individuals working with sharks, breaking away from the usual whitewashed representation seen in other shark programs.
The competition is friendly yet competitive, with a $50,000 prize for the winners’ chosen charity. The real goal of the show is to educate viewers about sharks, and it accomplishes that goal well. In just the first episode, I learned fascinating facts about the connection between rays and sharks, as well as the unique cleaning stations where fish interact with sharks.
The show also delivers organic drama, surprising challenges, and strategic decision-making by the teams. The conflicts that arise feel genuine, adding to the excitement of the competition. And while the show aims to entertain, it never sensationalizes sharks or portrays them as dangerous predators.
Overall, All the Sharks offers an engaging and educational look at the world of sharks, combined with the thrill of a reality competition. The only downside is some forced dialogue and exposition from the host. But if you’re a fan of sharks or reality TV, this show is definitely worth a watch.