Discovery network special on giant prehistoric shark criticized, but draws record audience

NEW YORK, N.Y. – A Discovery network special that speculated about whether a giant prehistoric shark could still exist today has drawn a passionate response from viewers — both good and bad.

The program, “Megalodon: The Monster Shark Lives,” opened Discovery’s annual “Shark Week” this weekend. With an estimated 4.8 million viewers, it had the largest audience of any show in the 26 years that Discovery has made “Shark Week” a part of its summer programming.

Yet it drew a heated response online from viewers who said airing a “mockumentary” that talks seriously about the existence of a creature known only from its fossils compromises the network’s reputation. One prominent blogger, actor Wil Wheaton, said Discovery owes an apology to its viewers.