Dragon's Den premiered in the United Kingdom on BBC Two.
The first British episode was broadcast on BBC Two on 4 January 2005. BBC Two was then the BBC channel most associated with factual entertainment, documentaries, arts programming, and distinctive factual formats. The programme's investment pitches gave that schedule a competitive business and entertainment angle.
The series later gained a wider profile as it became an established BBC success, but its original channel remains an important part of its broadcast history. The channel should not be confused with BBC One, which is the BBC's principal general-entertainment network.
International versions use different broadcasters and sometimes different titles. For example, the United States adaptation is Shark Tank, while the British programme retained the “dragons” terminology inherited from the international format.