The first episode of the BBC television show Dragon's Den was broadcast in the United Kingdom on 4 January 2005.
The programme brought entrepreneurs into a studio to pitch businesses to a panel of wealthy investors, known as the dragons. Contestants had to explain their products, financial performance and investment needs, then negotiate directly with the panel.
Dragon's Den became part of the BBC's factual-entertainment schedule and was initially shown on BBC Two. The British series is an adaptation of a format that originated in Japan, rather than a completely original British television concept.
The launch date is sometimes confused with the dates of later international versions or with the first appearance of particular dragons. Several investors joined after the opening series, so the original panel was not the permanent line-up. The programme later became one of the best-known British business television formats and inspired versions in many countries.