The British television series Dragons' Den premiered in 2005.
Its first episode was broadcast on 4 January 2005 on BBC Two. The programme brought entrepreneurs into a room to pitch companies and products to investors, asking for money in exchange for an ownership stake in their businesses.
The year is sometimes confused with the launch dates of other national versions. Dragons' Den is an international format descended from the Japanese programme Money Tigers, and different countries began producing their own adaptations at different times. The British edition therefore has its own distinct premiere date.
The series quickly established a long-running place in British factual entertainment. Its premise has remained recognisable even as presenters, investors and production details have changed. The 2005 launch also predates the arrival of several later investors who became closely associated with the programme.