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Entertainment • TV Show

Shark Tank

Shark Tank is an American business reality television series that premiered on ABC in 2009.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Shark Tank is an American business reality television series that premiered on ABC on August 9, 2009. In each episode, entrepreneurs pitch their products or companies to a panel of investors known as the Sharks, who may offer funding in exchange for equity or other terms.

Format

Each episode centers on entrepreneurs presenting their businesses or products to the Sharks. The investors question the presenters and may make offers if they are interested in a deal. The Sharks decide whether to invest in exchange for equity or other deal terms.

Production and broadcast

Shark Tank is an American series that airs on ABC. It is part of the global Dragons' Den franchise, adapted for the U.S. market. The series premiered on August 9, 2009, and by 2026, it had reached its 17th season.

Reception

The series has been a ratings success and has received major recognition, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Structured Reality Program.

Business impact

The show has been associated with significant retail sales from deals made on-air and has become closely associated with entrepreneurship in popular culture.

Key facts

  • The series features entrepreneurs pitching business ideas to a panel of investors called the Sharks.
  • The Sharks decide whether to invest in exchange for equity or other deal terms.
  • The show is the American version of the international format Dragons' Den.
  • It premiered on ABC on August 9, 2009.
  • The series has won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Structured Reality Program multiple times.
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Canadian context

Canadian viewers may recognize the format through Dragons' Den, the international franchise that Shark Tank adapts for the United States.

Frequently asked questions

What is Shark Tank?
Shark Tank is an American reality television series in which entrepreneurs pitch business ideas to investors who may fund them.
When did Shark Tank first air?
It premiered on ABC on August 9, 2009.
What is the show based on?
It is the American adaptation of Dragons' Den, an international television format.
Who are the Sharks?
The Sharks are a panel of investors who evaluate pitches and decide whether to make offers.
What kind of deals are made on the show?
Deals typically involve investment in exchange for equity or other negotiated terms.
How many seasons has Shark Tank had?
As of 2026, the series had reached its 17th season.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark_Tank
    Supports: Premiere date, U.S. origin, ABC broadcast, Dragons' Den adaptation, format, seasons, Emmy wins
  2. ABC — https://abc.com/show/535e2b07-18a9-4d94-9803-9ed8257b9d23/about-the-show
    Supports: Series description, entrepreneurship focus, season information, deal-focused premise
  3. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shark-Tank
    Supports: General description of the series and its entrepreneur-investor format
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Shark_Tank_episodes
    Supports: Episode count and season status as of 2026