About Jaws Island

When Jaws premiered in June 1975 on movie screens nationwide, it wasn’t just a movie release — it was a cultural event. Audiences were captivated by the story of a quaint island town terrorized by a colossal, bloodthirsty shark.

Though originally marketed as a horror film, Jaws has become much more than that. It’s a film that continues to resonate deeply with fans around the world.

On the 50th anniversary of this groundbreaking movie, superfans boarded the ferry to “Amity Island” — or rather, Martha’s Vineyard, where Jaws was filmed in 1974. The so-called “finatics” joined an island-wide celebration featuring screenings, autograph signings and reunions.

Listen to Jaws Island, a podcast from WBUR, to explore why, after five decades, “Jaws” continues to sink its teeth into audiences and refuses to let go. Explore iconic filming locations, meet the devoted fans, and uncover the lasting legacy of a movie that still has plenty of fresh blood in the water.

Jaws Island is reported and hosted by WBUR arts correspondent Andrea Shea. Listen and follow on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

Andrea Shea has been working in public radio for more than 30 years. She’s spent the past two decades as an arts reporter at WBUR. Andrea grew up on Long Island, NY where she first saw “Jaws” in 1975. After that, let’s just say she never swam the same way again.

Jaws Island is a production of WBUR.

Andrea Shea, host/reporter, and correspondent of arts & culture
Amory Sivertson, senior producer
Tania Ralli, managing editor of arts and culture
Ben Brock Johnson, director of digital audio
Emily Jankowski, mix and sound design
Paul Vaitkus, production manager, WBUR Podcasts
Samata Joshi, managing producer, WBUR Podcasts
Amy Gorel, senior editor
Katie Cole, producer for digital news