Shark tank, the critically acclaimed reality show that has inspired a nation to dream bigger and reinvigorated entrepreneurship in america, has also become a culturally defining series. the recipient of the 2016, 2015 and 2014 emmy award for outstanding structured reality program, the business-themed show returns to the abc television network for its eighth season.tough, self-made, multi-millionaire and billionaire tycoons – continue their search to invest in the best businesses and products that America has to offer.
The Sharks will once again give people from all walks of life the chance to chase the American dream and potentially secure business deals that could make them millionaires. The Sharks are billionaire Mark Cuban, owner and chairman of AXS TV and outspoken owner of the 2011 NBA champion Dallas Mavericks; real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran; “Queen of QVC” Lori Greiner; technology innovator Robert Herjavec; fashion and branding expert Daymond John; and venture capitalist Kevin O’Leary. In various episodes during the 2016-2017 season, the feeding frenzy will have six – not five – Sharks circling the tank.

For the first time, the show will provide glimpses of the entrepreneurs’ excitement and anticipation of what they go through backstage in the intense moments before they face the Sharks. In addition, former Google executive/venture capitalist/tech veteran Chris Sacca will return to appear alongside the other Sharks. Shark Tank episodes will continue to include follow-up stories, allowing viewers the opportunity to see how some investments led to success. The entrepreneurs who dare to enter the Tank must try to convince the Sharks to part with their own hard-earned cash and give them the funding they desperately need to turn their dreams into million-dollar realities. All of the good, bad, emotional and even absurd pitches help showcase the “I wish I had thought of that” business ideas and products. But the Sharks have a goal, too – to get a return on their investment and own a piece of the next big business idea.

When the Sharks hear an idea worth sinking their teeth into, they’re more than ready to declare war and fight each other for a piece of it. In addition to winning three back-to-back Emmys, Shark Tank received Emmy nominations for Outstanding Reality Program in 2012 and 2013. The show won the NATPE 2015 Reality Breakthrough Award and in 2016, the BANFF World Media Festival Award and the IRTS Hall of Mentorship Award. Additional recognition includes three Summer Television Critics Association (TCA) nominations for Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming (winning in 2013), four Critics Choice Award nominations for Best Reality Series (winning in 2015 and 2014), NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Reality Series in 2014 and 2015, a Kids Choice Award for Favorite Reality Show nomination and three Producers Guild Award nominations. In season eight, the Sharks are on track to surpass the amount of money offered each season in their investment deals.

Over the past seven seasons, the Sharks have offered more than $87 million to bankroll a creative array of innovative entrepreneurs. During the 2016-17 season, Shark Tank will exceed more than $100 million in deals made in the Tank. Viewers will continue to ride an emotional roller coaster this season, complete with heated fights between the Sharks, ingenious business ideas and touching moments. Whichever way the wheeling and dealing may go, many people’s lives will be better off – because they dared to enter the unpredictable waters of the Shark Tank. Mark Burnett, Clay Newbill, Yun Lingner and Phil Gurin are the executive producers of Shark Tank, which is based on the Japanese “Dragons’ Den” format, created by Nippon Television Network Corporation. The series is produced by MGM Television in association with Sony Pictures Television.