Andy Samberg Named Discovery Channel's First Chief Shark Officer for Shark Week

Andy Samberg has landed a new gig: Chief Shark Officer for Discovery Channel's Shark Week.

"I'm overjoyed about being appointed CSO.  Everyone loves Shark Week.  It's the Bill Cosby of week-long television blocks dedicated to sea animals," he said in a statement.

Samberg will host the 24th annual weeklong celebration that features programming dedicated to the ocean's fiercest fish.

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In January, Discovery launched a search for the network's first-ever CSO, who would be "required to swim with sharks (accompanied by professionals, of course), attend Shark premiere parties in NY, L A and Miami (accompanied by celebrities, of course) and help spread the word about the world's most misunderstood predator."
Last year's event, which was hosted by Craig Ferguson, was watched by almost 31 million people.

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"Shark Week is a summertime celebration.  It's about being scared out of your swim trunks but it's also about being entertained and learning something new. Andy Samberg, an incredibly talented comedian and innovator, is the perfect person to bring those elements together and represent Discovery for our biggest week of the year," Discovery President Clark Bunting added.

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