On what date was the first episode of the British TV show Dragon's Den broadcast?

The first episode of the British TV show Dragon's Den was broadcast on 4 January 2005.

The BBC launched the British adaptation after acquiring the format inspired by the Japanese programme Money Tigers. It became a business reality series in which entrepreneurs presented companies and products to wealthy investors seeking equity stakes.

The first British series introduced viewers to investors including Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Rachel Elnaugh, Doug Richard and Simon Woodroffe. The lineup later changed substantially, helping the programme develop a large rotating cast of Dragons.

The date is sometimes confused with the show's commissioning or production period. Its British television debut came in January 2005, rather than during the earlier development of the international format.