<Tr> <Th> Original Language (s) </Th> <Td> English </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Official website </Th> <Td> Official website </Td> </Tr> <P> Shark Week is an annual, week - long TV programming block created by Tom Golden at the Discovery Channel, which features shark - based programming . Shark Week originally premiered on July 17, 1988 . Featured annually, in July and / or early August, it was originally devoted to conservation efforts and correcting misconceptions about sharks . Over time, it grew in popularity and became a hit on the Discovery Channel . Since 2010, it has been the longest - running cable television programming event in history . Broadcast in over 72 countries, Shark Week is promoted heavily via social networks like Facebook and Twitter . Episodes are also available for purchase on services like Google Play Movies & TV / YouTube, Amazon Video, and iTunes . Some episodes are free on subscription - based Hulu . </P> <P> The first Shark Week premiered in July 1988, with the first show to air being Caged in Fear . A total of 10 episodes aired . Other shows included Sharks: Predators or Prey, The Shark Takes a Siesta, and Sharks of a Different Color . Due to the programming's success, Discovery decided to continue it . </P>

Where did the term shark week come from
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