In the BBC television series Dragons' Den, when did the first episode premiere?

The first episode of the BBC television series Dragons' Den premiered on 4 January 2005.

The British version adapted a Japanese business format in which entrepreneurs present investment proposals to wealthy businesspeople. The programme quickly became known for its stark studio setting, detailed questioning and the possibility of receiving a deal in exchange for equity.

The original regular dragons included Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Rachel Elnaugh, Simon Woodroffe and Doug Richard. Several later investors became strongly associated with the programme, including Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis.

The UK series is often confused with the similarly formatted international programmes Shark Tank and Dragon's Den editions in other countries. The BBC show itself began in 2005 and has continued through numerous changes of investors and presenters.