Samberg thrown to the sharks

By Chuck Barney

Contra Costa Times

Beginning Sunday, comedian Andy Samberg will host Discovery Channel’s popular Shark Week.

More specifically, he’ll serve as what the network calls its Chief Shark Officer (CSO).

As CSO, Samberg will have his own special and appear in a series of promo spots shot in the Bahamas, where he actually swam among the toothy creatures.

Recently, he spoke to us from Massachusetts, where he was shooting the film “I Hate You Dad.”

Q. So, do any special perks come with the role of CSO?

A. I did get to fly for free to the Bahamas, but once I got there, I swam with some sharks, which kind of cancels the other out.

Really, though, it’s just a thrilling adventure being the face of Shark Week, aka the American dream.

Q. Were you worried about becoming human chum?

A. They were reef sharks, which tend to be relatively mellow. So the risk was pretty low.

Still, there was part of me that wondered if our (film) crew had ever heard of Photoshop.

Like, aren’t we living in an era where we don’t really have to do this? Can’t we just fake it?

Q. Do you think your role as Shark Week CSO will lead to future career opportunities?

A. I don’t know about that, but I expect to get free tickets and food for life at every San Jose Sharks game.

Please get on that right away and make the arrangements.