Dragons' Den (2005)
The BBC's landmark business reality series where bold entrepreneurs face a panel of self-made millionaires in a high-stakes bid to secure life-changing investment.
Dragons' Den - Series Information
- Original Title: Dragons' Den
- First Air Year: 2005
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Reality
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 23
- Number of Episodes: 277
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 4, 2005 (United States - TV-PG), January 4, 2005 (Canada - PG)
- Networks: BBC One, BBC Two
- Alternative Titles: Dragon's Den UK (UK), Løvens Hule UK (DK)
- Production Companies: BBC Studios, BBC Studios Productions, BBC Studios Factual Entertainment Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Dragons' Den - Plot
Budding entrepreneurs get three minutes to pitch their business ideas to five multi-millionaires willing to invest their own cash.
Dragons' Den - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in the Den:
It's make or break time.
Where to Watch Dragons' Den
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Dragons' Den - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Peter Jones
- Deborah Meaden
- Evan Davis
- Touker Suleyman
- Duncan Bannatyne
- Theo Paphitis
- Sara Davies
- Steven Bartlett
- Tej Lalvani
- James Caan
Executive Producers
- Samantha Davies
Dragons' Den - FAQs
Has any Dragons' Den pitch become a massive success?
Several Dragons' Den investments have grown into household names. Levi Roots' Reggae Reggae Sauce became a supermarket staple after Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh backed him in 2007. Tangle Teezer, rejected by the Den, also went on to become a global beauty phenomenon — proof the Dragons don't always get it right.
Is Dragons' Den worth watching for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Absolutely. Beyond the drama of the pitches, Dragons' Den offers genuine insight into how investors evaluate business ideas — from market size to profit margins. Whether you're building a startup or simply curious about business, the show delivers entertaining, educational television that holds up across all 23 seasons.
Where can you watch Dragons' Den online?
Dragons' Den airs on BBC One and BBC Two in the UK, and full episodes are available on BBC iPlayer. For international viewers, availability varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and viewing options in your country.
Who are the current Dragons on Dragons' Den?
The panel has evolved over the years. Long-standing Dragons include Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden, who have been fixtures since the early series. More recent additions include Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur and podcast host, alongside Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies, and Tej Lalvani, bringing diverse business expertise to the Den.
How many seasons does Dragons' Den have?
Dragons' Den has aired 23 seasons since its debut in January 2005, accumulating 277 episodes. The show remains in active production, making it one of the BBC's longest-running and most enduring reality formats — a remarkable run for a series built entirely around business pitches.
Is Dragons' Den based on another show?
The BBC format is adapted from the Japanese series “Money Tigers” (マネーの虎), which aired in 2001. The concept was licensed and reimagined for British audiences, and its success spawned international versions including Canada's Dragons' Den and the hugely popular American adaptation, Shark Tank.
How has Dragons' Den been received by critics?
The series has earned strong praise for its compelling blend of business reality and human drama. Critics highlight the chemistry among the rotating panel of Dragons and the genuine tension of high-stakes pitches. It remains one of the BBC's most-watched factual entertainment programmes, consistently drawing millions of viewers per episode.
What shows are similar to Dragons' Den?
If you enjoy Dragons' Den, Shark Tank is the obvious companion — the American equivalent with equally dramatic investor showdowns. The Apprentice offers another business-competition angle, while The Profit follows a single investor mentoring struggling companies. All three scratch the same itch for high-stakes entrepreneurial television.
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