You're looking for blood. Specifically, the corporate, backstabbing, Hollywood kind of blood that only a show like Swimming with Sharks can provide. But here is the thing: finding out where can i watch swimming with sharks depends entirely on which version you are actually looking for. Are you chasing the 1994 cult classic film starring Kevin Spacey as the boss from hell, or are you looking for the 2022 Roku Original series reboot featuring Diane Kruger and Kiernan Shipka?
It is a mess. Streamers lose licenses. Platforms merge. Sometimes things just vanish into the "content vault" because of tax write-offs.
If you want the 2022 series, you basically have one main door to walk through. Since it was produced as a Roku Original, the Roku Channel is the primary home for the show. The good news? It’s free. The bad news? You have to sit through ads. Honestly, the ads aren't even the worst part—it’s the fact that many people think they need a physical Roku stick to watch it. You don't. You can just grab the app on your Samsung TV, Firestick, or even just use a web browser.
The Streaming Reality for the 2022 Series
Let's get specific. The 2022 reimagining of Swimming with Sharks flipped the script by making the lead characters women. It’s a psychosexual thriller that’s way darker than the original movie. If you are in the US, Canada, or the UK, The Roku Channel is your destination.
I checked the listings this morning. It’s still there.
Interestingly, because Roku is trying to expand its footprint, they’ve sometimes licensed their "Originals" to other international partners, but for the vast majority of viewers, if you search anywhere else, you’re going to hit a brick wall. Don't go looking for it on Netflix. It’s not on Disney+. It’s definitely not on Apple TV+.
Why does this matter? Because of "platform exclusivity." Roku paid for this content to lure you into their ecosystem. They want your data and your eyeballs on their ad-supported tier. If you’re outside the US, you might find it on Amazon Freevee in certain territories, but that’s a moving target. Always check the local version of JustWatch before you start a free trial you’ll forget to cancel.
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What About the 1994 Movie?
Maybe you aren't looking for the show. Maybe you want the OG. The movie where Buddy Ackerman (Spacey) tortures Guy (Frank Whaley).
The 1994 Swimming with Sharks is a different beast entirely when it comes to licensing. Because it’s an older indie film, it bounces around. Currently, you can often find it for digital rental or purchase on Apple TV (iTunes), Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu (Fandango at Home).
Sometimes it pops up on Plex or Pluto TV for free with ads. It’s a "library title." That means it’s sold to whoever wants to fill a slot for six months. If you see it on a free service, grab it. It won’t be there forever.
Why This Show is Harder to Find Than You Think
Streaming has entered a "delisting" era. We saw it with Westworld on Max and various shows on Disney+. Shows that aren't massive hits sometimes get pulled to save on residual payments.
Swimming with Sharks (the series) lives in a precarious spot. It was part of the wave of high-end scripted content Roku bought when they acquired the remains of Quibi, though this specific show was a separate development. If you’re asking where can i watch swimming with sharks in 2026, you’re lucky it’s still on the Roku Channel.
I've talked to people in the industry who worry about "dead media." If a show doesn't exist on physical media—and the 2022 series doesn't have a widespread Blu-ray release—you are at the mercy of the server gods.
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- Roku Channel: Free, ads, 2022 Series.
- Prime Video: Rental/Purchase, 1994 Movie.
- Apple TV: Rental/Purchase, 1994 Movie.
- Physical Media: Only reliable way to own the 1994 film forever.
International Barriers and VPNs
If you are in a country where the Roku app isn't supported, things get annoying. You’ve probably seen the "This content is not available in your region" screen. It sucks.
In these cases, people often turn to VPNs to "teleport" their IP address to the United States. Once the VPN is set to a US server, the Roku Channel's web interface usually opens right up. Just keep in mind that many streaming services are getting better at blocking known VPN IP ranges. It’s a cat-and-mouse game.
The Nuance of the "Shark" Genre
Don't confuse these with the Discovery Channel's Shark Week or those "Sharkfest" documentaries on Nat Geo. It happens more than you'd think. People search for where can i watch swimming with sharks and end up watching a guy in a cage in South Africa.
If you actually meant the nature documentaries, those are almost exclusively on Max (Discovery+) or Disney+ (National Geographic).
But the scripted dramas? They’re about human predators. The 2022 series deals with Lou Simms (Shipka), an intern who starts working for Joyce Berman (Kruger). It’s about obsession. It’s about how the film industry grinds people down. It’s cynical. It’s fast.
Is It Actually Worth Watching?
Honesty time.
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The 1994 movie is a masterpiece of cynical 90s filmmaking. It captures a specific "assistant culture" that barely exists anymore because of HR and smartphones, but the psychological toll remains relevant.
The 2022 series is... different. It’s glossier. It’s more of a "guilty pleasure" thriller. Critics were split. Some loved the chemistry between Kruger and Shipka; others felt it was a bit too "melodrama" and not enough "satire." If you liked The Bold Type but wish it had more attempted murder and corporate espionage, you'll dig it.
Technical Specs for the Best Experience
If you're watching on Roku, try to use a device that supports 4K, even though the show’s cinematography is quite dark. The bitrate on free streaming services can sometimes be lower than paid ones like Netflix. This means in dark scenes—of which there are many—you might see "blocking" or artifacts in the shadows.
Using a hardwired ethernet connection to your TV or computer helps stabilize that stream so the ads don't buffer. Nothing ruins a tense scene like a 30-second insurance commercial that gets stuck at 99% loading.
How to Watch Right Now (Step-by-Step)
- Open your browser or smart TV app store.
- Search for "The Roku Channel." You don’t need an account to watch most things, but making one saves your progress.
- Type in "Swimming with Sharks." 4. Check the year. Ensure it’s the 2022 version if you want the show.
- Hit play. If it asks for money, you’re on the wrong app.
If you are looking for the 1994 film, go to Amazon or Vudu. It usually costs about $3.99 to rent. Cheap.
The landscape of where we watch things is shifting constantly. What is here today might be moved to a different "FAST" (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) channel tomorrow. Channels like Tubi and Freevee are constantly bidding for these types of shows.
If you find that it has moved by the time you read this, the most reliable "pro tip" is to check the studio. This series was produced by Lionsgate Television. Sometimes, if a deal with Roku expires, Lionsgate will move their library to their own partner platforms or even Starz.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the most out of your viewing experience and ensure you aren't wasting time, follow these specific steps:
- Verify the Version: Determine if you want the 1994 movie (satire/comedy) or the 2022 series (drama/thriller) before searching.
- Check the App Store: Download The Roku Channel app on your smart TV or mobile device; it is available on non-Roku hardware like Fire TV and Google TV.
- Use a Search Aggregator: Use a site like JustWatch or Reelgood to confirm if the show has migrated to a new platform like Tubi or Pluto TV since this article was published.
- Avoid Third-Party Sites: Stick to official apps to avoid malware. The Roku Channel is a legitimate, free, ad-supported service.
- Check Your Library: If you want the 1994 movie for free, check the Kanopy or Hoopla apps, which allow you to stream movies for free using your local library card.