Chris Malinowski and Brendan Talwar, known as the “Shark Docs,” have won the Netflix reality competition “All the Sharks,” securing a $50,000 prize for marine conservation charities. The duo outperformed three other expert teams in a global race to photograph rare shark species, culminating in a thrilling finale filmed in the Galápagos Islands.
How “All the Sharks” Worked
The competition featured four teams traveling to six locations—the Maldives, Galápagos Islands, Bahamas, South Africa, Japan, and Australia—to photograph as many shark species as possible. Points were awarded based on rarity, with the rarest species like the whale shark worth 100 points. The winning team’s prize money was donated to marine conservation nonprofits of their choice.
Malinowski and Talwar, representing the Ocean First Institute and Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), used scientific research and strategic planning to identify shark hotspots. Their teamwork and relentless diving efforts helped them secure the victory.
The Final Challenge in the Galápagos
The finale, titled “The Grand Fin-Ale,” saw the Shark Docs competing against rivals Dan and Sarah in the shark-rich waters of the Galápagos Islands. Their goal was to photograph a whale shark, but they faced unexpected challenges, including encounters with killer whales, which reduced shark sightings.
Despite the obstacles, the team captured schools of hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, and tiger sharks, earning enough points to win. Host Tom “The Blowfish” Hird doubled the points in the final stretch, helping Malinowski and Talwar secure their lead.
“Galápagos is a place I dreamed of going to. All the animals that we know we’re going to see, there’s nothing more exciting than the Galápagos to a biologist,” said Chris Malinowski during the competition.
The Emotional Highs of the Competition
One of the most memorable moments came when the team encountered killer whales at Darwin’s Arch in the Galápagos. Though it cost them points, the experience was a lifelong dream for Talwar.
“That was my favorite moment, hands down. It wasn’t a shark, but that has been at the top of my bucket list since I was a child. We were crying on the boat when we were done. It was just the most joyful thing,” Talwar recalled.
The Physical and Mental Challenges
Filming was grueling, with teams performing four dives per day across multiple locations. The nonstop schedule left contestants exhausted, but the Shark Docs pushed through for their cause.
“We worked hard for this one. There was nothing easy about it,” Brendan Talwar said after their win.
The Impact Beyond the Show
Malinowski and Talwar donated their prize money to their respective nonprofits—Ocean First Institute and REEF—to support marine research and education. They also launched a YouTube podcast, “The Shark Docs,” to continue spreading awareness about shark conservation.
The show has already inspired young viewers, with one parent sharing a video of their child excitedly shouting “Hammerhead!” while watching.
Where to Watch
“All the Sharks” is now streaming on Netflix, with all six episodes available globally. Fans can follow Malinowski and Talwar’s ongoing work on Instagram (@shark_docs) and their new podcast.
Also read: Netflix’s All the Sharks Finale: Shark Docs Win After Intense Battle in the Galápagos
