The thrilling finale of Netflix’s All the Sharks brought an exciting end to the six-episode competition series. The two remaining teams, Great British Bait Off and Shark Docs, faced off in the waters of the Galápagos Islands to capture photos of the rarest shark species. After days of intense diving and strategy, Shark Docs emerged as the winners, taking home $50,000 for their chosen marine charities.
The show, hosted by Tom “The Blowfish” Hird, followed four teams of marine experts as they traveled to shark-rich locations worldwide. The final episode, titled “The Grand Fin-Ale,” tested the teams’ skills in one of the most remote and challenging environments. The competition was close, but Brendan Talwar and Chris Malinowski of Shark Docs secured victory with their consistent performance and smart tactics.
The Final Showdown in the Galápagos
The finale took place near Wolf and Darwin Islands, known for their rich marine life. Both teams had two days to photograph as many sharks as possible, with rare species like the whale shark worth 100 points. Hammerheads and other local sharks offered fewer points, pushing the teams to take risks for higher rewards.
“It doesn’t get more extreme than this. These waters can be treacherous. And they will push your stamina, your mental ability, and your skills to the absolute limit,” said host Tom Hird.
Great British Bait Off, consisting of Dan Abbott and Sarah Roberts, started strong, finding schools of hammerheads and Galapagos sharks. Meanwhile, Shark Docs changed strategies early, aiming for the elusive whale shark. However, their plans were disrupted when they encountered orcas, which scared away potential shark sightings.
“Where there are orcas, there are no sharks, because the killer whale hunts sharks,” explained one of the competitors.
Despite the setback, Shark Docs bounced back on the second day, finding a tiger shark worth 45 points and multiple hammerheads. With time running out, host Tom Hird announced that all points would be doubled, leading to a frantic final push from both teams.
How Shark Docs Secured the Win
Shark Docs entered the finale as strong contenders, having consistently performed well in earlier rounds. Their teamwork and experience—having worked together for over a decade—gave them an edge. They donated their winnings to REEF (The Reef Environmental Education Foundation) and the Ocean First Institute, both marine conservation organizations they support.
“We came here to win, not just for us but for the causes we believe in,” said Chris Malinowski.
Great British Bait Off, though finishing second, impressed with their determination. They competed for charities MARECO and the American Shark Conservatory, showcasing their passion for marine conservation. Their risky dive into The Secret Cave only yielded a round ribbon ray (20 points), but their effort was commendable.
Fan Reactions and Show Impact
The finale received praise for its breathtaking underwater footage and educational value. Many viewers appreciated the focus on shark conservation rather than sensationalism. Social media buzzed with excitement as fans celebrated Shark Docs’ win.
“This show made me appreciate sharks so much more. The photography was stunning, and the competition was intense!” – Fan comment on Twitter.
The series highlighted lesser-known shark species, from pajama sharks to epaulette sharks, educating audiences on their ecological importance. The friendly yet competitive tone, similar to The Great British Bake Off, made it appealing to a wide audience.
What’s Next for the Teams?
Since the show, the contestants have continued their work in marine biology and conservation. Shark Docs remain active in research, with Chris Malinowski leading projects at Ocean First Institute and Brendan Talwar working with Scripps Oceanography. Great British Bait Off’s Dan Abbott has been involved in wildlife filmmaking, while Sarah Roberts hosts a podcast on conservation.
The success of All the Sharks has sparked discussions about a potential second season. Fans hope to see more teams exploring shark habitats while raising awareness for marine life preservation.