In the British television show Dragons' Den, on what date did the first episode air?

The first episode of the British television show Dragons' Den aired on 4 January 2005.

The programme brought entrepreneurs into a room to pitch businesses to a panel of wealthy investors, who could offer their own money in exchange for equity. It became the British version of an international format originating in Japan.

The date is sometimes confused with the programme's announcement or production period. Dragons' Den began its British run in January 2005, rather than later in that year. The first series established the core format of entrepreneurs presenting their ideas while the investors questioned their finances, sales and growth plans.

The series has continued through many changes to its investor panel. Although the cast has changed substantially, the central pitch-and-negotiation structure has remained a defining feature of the programme.