Plot Synopsis

With the help of behavioral experts, scientists and extreme divers, adventurer Steve Backshall dives and swims with four monstrous animals, as he studies their underwater habits and communication techniques. Some animals, like the hippopotamus, have rarely been studied so closely, because of their unpredictable and extremely aggressive behavior. In addition to the hippo, SWIMMING WITH MONSTERS also documents the world's biggest snake, the anaconda; the terrifying and illusive giant Humboldt squid; and the world's most feared creature -- the great white shark. As part of its 2nd annual MONSTER WEEK, Animal Planet presented the U.S. premiere of this series on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 8pm ET/PT, showing back-to-back, 60-minute episodes, featuring the anaconda and hippos.