The first episode of BBC's Dragon's Den aired in 2005.
The British version launched on BBC Two and adapted a format in which entrepreneurs pitch businesses to wealthy investors. The programme became known for its direct negotiations, requests for equity, and the memorable phrase “I’m out” when a Dragon declined to invest.
The year 2005 refers to the British programme’s debut, not the launch of the international franchise. The format originated in Japan, where it was known as Money Tigers, and later spread to many countries under titles including Shark Tank and Dragons’ Den.
The original British panel included Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Deborah Meaden, Theo Paphitis and Rachel Elnaugh. The line-up later changed substantially, but the central pitch-and-investment structure remained the same.