25 reasons to get excited about Shark Week [Pictures]

Discovery's Shark Week -- one of the most successful and longest-running cable franchises ever -- kicks off its 25th anniversary celebration Aug. 12. Which got us to thinking: what makes sharks so special, anyway? Here are just a few suggestions, mixed in with some highlights of Discovery's new programming for the week.

• Also see: Celebrities get in on the Shark Week fun

August 9, 2012