A New Wave of Celebrity Challenges
After a decade of showcasing some of the most bizarre and controversial moments on live television, Network 10 has decided to take a break from its long-running show, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. The network recently announced it would be “resting” the program, allowing national icons to breathe a sigh of relief. This show, which once turned Gold Logie winner Grant Denyer into a human icy pole and had Shane Warne attacked by an anaconda, is now off the air.
But just when fans thought they could finally relax, Nine has launched a new series that promises to push the boundaries even further. The show, Shark!, is set to sate the nation’s appetite for celebrity drama and danger. The question on everyone’s lips is: Will this network go as far as sacrificing Scott Cam to a dozen bull sharks?
Scott Cam, the longtime host of The Block, seems to be aware of the risks. Sitting on the edge of shark-infested waters, he says, “I’m sure Channel Nine doesn’t want me to die.” While it might not be the case, the show certainly has viewers wondering if it’s worth tuning in to find out.
A Unique Format with a Purpose
Shark! is adapted from a British format that previously featured comedians like Ross Noble. The show takes six local celebrities and places them in open water with sharks in the Bahamas. Unlike traditional competitions, there are no prizes or winners. Instead, the series focuses on a journey — one that includes escalating challenges designed to force the stars to confront their fears and preconceptions about these animals.
The cast is carefully chosen to reflect a range of reactions to the experience. Influencer Tammy Hembrow and former NRL player Sam Thaiday are eager for the adventure. Sam, who is of Torres Strait Islander descent, feels a deep connection to the sharks, as his family totem is a hammerhead.
On the other hand, frequent fisherman Scott Cam and actor Matt Nable are more cautious. Matt, who knows people who have been attacked on Sydney’s northern beaches, is particularly defensive. Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, meanwhile, is simply petrified and trying her best to overcome a genuine phobia.
Lynne McGranger, fresh off her Gold Logie win, serves as the glue of the group. Funny, plucky, and warm, it’s hard not to root for this 72-year-old as she shares “too much information” about her “nervous belly” before her first dive.
More Than Just Spectacle
Viewers can expect to see celebrities crying and in genuine physical peril (it’s safe to say the insurance costs will be astronomical). However, Shark! aims to be more than just a spectacle. The show is also committed to using these challenges to educate both participants and viewers on water safety, shark behavior, and the importance of these animals for local ecosystems.
Paul de Gelder, the co-host, brings a wealth of experience to the show. A former Australian Navy diver, he has made dozens of shows for the Discovery Channel over the past decade, ever since losing his right hand and leg to a bull shark in 2009. Last year, he even re-created the incident for a special titled How to Survive a Shark Attack (HBO Max).
It’s great to see de Gelder reach a free-to-air audience here, and he pairs well with UK conservationist Annie Guttridge. Together, they navigate the tonal tightrope well, though the messaging can become repetitive at times.
A Show That Sparks Conversation
Given Australia’s high rate of shark bites and fatalities, it’s surprising we haven’t seen something like Shark! sooner. The show is destined to become a talking point, especially as it follows two recent fatal shark attacks — one near Rottnest Island and another on the Great Barrier Reef — and growing calls for a cull.
If you’re watching for the celebrity sadism, rest assured — as of the first three episodes watched for this review, Scott Cam has survived.
Shark! premieres at 7pm, on Sunday May 31, on Nine and 9Now.
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