On what date did the British television series Dragons' Den first air?

The British television series Dragons' Den first aired on 4 January 2005.

The BBC launched the programme as a British adaptation of the Japanese business format Money Tigers. Entrepreneurs enter a room and pitch their companies to wealthy investors, known as dragons, who can offer money in exchange for equity. The first episode established the central structure that has remained familiar: a solo or team presentation, detailed questioning, and negotiation over valuation and ownership.

The programme became part of the BBC’s factual-entertainment schedule and helped make investment pitching accessible to a mass television audience. It also introduced viewers to business concepts such as turnover, gross margin, valuation and dilution.

The date can be confused with the launch dates of international adaptations. Canada’s Dragons' Den began later, while the American version Shark Tank followed in 2009. The 2005 date specifically identifies the original British series, rather than the wider franchise.