Shark Tank (2009) TV Series

About Shark Tank

Shark Tank, first premiered in 2009, is an American business reality television series which is based on the Japanese television show Dragon's Den. The plot revolves around aspiring entrepreneurs from across the United States who come to pitch their innovative business ideas in front of a panel of wealthy and successful 'sharks', trying to convince them to invest money in their ideas.

Making / Production

The show is produced by Mark Burnett and it is aired on ABC. It's a platform where creativity meets opportunity and pressure, each episode having entrepreneurs presenting business ideas that vary from feasible to fanciful. Filming takes place both on-location and in-studio, presenting a mix of direct pitches to the sharks, and cut-scenes revealing the personal and entrepreneurial journey of the guest.

Actors

• Kevin O'Leary, as Himself - Shark: Known for his ruthless remarks and fearless negotiation skills.
• Robert Herjavec, as Himself - Shark: Portrays a very polite and empathetic shark, keen on technology-based businesses.
• Mark Cuban, as Himself - Shark: Owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Cuban is known for his strategic and on-the-spot deal offerings.
• Lori Greiner, as Herself - Shark: Known as the "Queen of QVC," Lori usually invests in products that have mass-market appeal.
• Barbara Corcoran, as Herself - Shark: Renowned real-estate mogul, often interested in businesses that have compelling personal stories.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Despite the tough competition, often negotiators have won deals with more than one Shark, providing opportunities for unique business synergies.
• Some of the most successful products that originated from Shark Tank include Scrub Daddy, Squatty Potty, and the Simply Fit Board.
• Although the sharks may agree to a deal on the show, those deals can still fall apart in due diligence after the show is filmed.

Awards

Shark Tank is critically acclaimed and has received numerous awards and nominations. It was recognized with the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Structured Reality Program from 2014 to 2017 and has multiple nominations in other categories as well.

Quotes

• "Money is my military, each dollar a soldier. I never send my money into battle unprepared and undefended. I send it to conquer and take currency prisoner and bring it back to me." - Kevin O'Leary
• "In business, you don't have to be liked, but you must be respected." - Barbara Corcoran
• "Sweat equity is the most valuable equity there is." - Mark Cuban

Music, Soundtrack

• The opening theme of Shark Tank is composed by Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford, originally performed by Barrett Strong.
• Throughout the show, a suspenseful and upbeat instrumental background score, composed by the production team, complements the energetic pitches and intense negotiation sections.