Reality competition television series are increasingly narrowing their focus on specific themes, ranging from identifying top glassblowers (Blown Away) to recognizing the finest special effects make-up artists (Face Off).

Yet, shark photography has remained uncharted territory in this category—until now.

Netflix’s All the Sharks offers a distinctive challenge to its contestants, requiring them to partake in an underwater scavenger hunt aimed at capturing images of the ocean’s most formidable predators. The tagline suits the show perfectly: “If you aspire to triumph in this competition, you must seek not just any sharks — but…ALL THE SHARKS.”

It merges elements of The Amazing Race with Pokémon Snap, featuring sharks, making it an excellent choice for a summer reality competition marathon.

What is All the Sharks about?

All the Sharks showcases four teams of shark specialists venturing to shark-rich destinations in the Maldives, Galapagos, Bahamas, South Africa, Japan, and Australia to photograph as many sharks as they can.

“Every shark you capture on film grants you points. The rarer the shark, the more points you receive,” host Tom Hird explains in the inaugural episode. The emphasis isn’t on photo quality but on including the shark in the shot. At the conclusion of the series, the team with the highest score earns $50,000 for a marine conservation organization of their choice. Teams can also snag daily rewards like dive computers, regulators, limited edition free diving fins, and diving vacations.

All the Sharks is presented by Tom “The Blowfish” Hird, a “heavy metal marine biologist, dive master, and proud owner of the finest beard in the ocean.” His authentic enthusiasm when announcing the last place seems genuine.

Each destination includes a rarity scale among shark species that teams aim to capture, filmed with breathtaking cinematography by underwater camera operators Tom Park and Dean Spraakman, along with underwater director of photography Duncan Brake. The opening episode takes the team to Fuvahmulah in the Maldives, where the elusive Pelagic thresher shark carries a value of 75 points. In comparison, tiger sharks are valued at just three points due to their prevalence in the region. This contrast between common and rare sharks creates a strategic approach to point accumulation for the teams.

Teams are allotted eight hours each day over multiple days to photograph sharks at every location, with the liberty to direct their boat captain to dive sites on the map. They utilize GoPros, large underwater camera setups, and smartphones above the water’s surface. The show not only showcases the shots taken by each team but also provides overlays of intriguing statistics about each shark, such as size, life expectancy, and conservation status, ranging from least concern to critically endangered.

Enhancing the scavenger hunt atmosphere, there are “game changer” challenges during the competition, requiring teams to photograph sea turtles, pufferfish, and other non-shark species for a competitive advantage.

The standout aspect of the show is the contestants themselves, who are exceptionally well-informed.

The teams on All The Sharks are well-versed in their subject matter

The contestants are authentic shark specialists and seasoned divers adept at swiftly identifying species. Tension arises as divers navigate currents, temperature changes, visibility issues, and various challenges, including encounters with local fishermen, jellyfish stings, and malfunctioning cameras. They must also keep their findings under wraps to avoid point theft. The show aids teams in certain episodes; for instance, in episode 4, set in Cape Recife, South Africa, each team can “chum the waters” with 50 pounds of raw fish to lure sharks. Despite this, the divers maintain composure even when a massive shark swims nearby.

Four teams of two vie for the grand prize: The Land Sharks, featuring wildlife biologist Randy and ecologist Rosie; Gills Gone Wild, comprising marine biologist Aliah and spearfisher MJ; The Shark Docs, with marine biologists Chris and Brendan; and Great British Bait Off, including environmental journalist Sarah and underwater cameraman Dan.

Each diver demonstrates profound respect for the sharks they are documenting, even amidst competition. “To me, sharks represent resilience, adaptability, and strength,” shares MJ in episode 3. “That only deepens my connection to them. I feel a bit misunderstood, just like they do.”

All the Sharks serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity of our oceans

While not as profound as David Attenborough’s Ocean, All the Sharks skillfully highlights the variety of shark species and other marine life. The production consulted shark experts, and their research is clear. Viewers enjoy close-up views of cowtail rays, Epaulette sharks, Wobbegongs, and leopard catsharks.

The variety of shark species available for photography is astonishing. In episode 5, set in the Bahamas, Hird announces a species-diversity bonus for the team that captures the highest number of shark species. Japan alone boasts 127 shark species, with teams on the lookout for banded hound sharks off Oshima Island in episode 3. South Africa’s Port Elizabeth escalates the challenge in episode 4 with 200 species, including the great white shark.

Certain species present significant dangers, accompanied by higher point values for powerful sharks.