On what date did the first episode of the British TV programme Dragons' Den air?
Answer
4 January 2005
The first episode of the British TV programme Dragons' Den aired on 4 January 2005.
The programme launched as a British adaptation of an international investment format in which entrepreneurs present businesses to wealthy investors and seek money in exchange for equity. Its first episode introduced UK viewers to the basic structure: a contestant enters the room, makes an offer, answers questions and tries to negotiate a deal.
The original Dragons were Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Rachel Elnaugh, Doug Richard and Simon Woodroffe. Evan Davis presented the early series. The programme quickly became a notable part of British factual entertainment and helped popularise business terminology such as turnover, valuation and equity among television audiences.
The date is distinct from the programme's announcement or production dates. Dragons' Den began broadcasting in January 2005, making that month part of the show's established launch history.