Let's face it - there's a certain thrill to watching Shark Tank. Who doesn't love seeing entrepreneurs squirm as they pitch their ideas facing the sharks' relentless grilling?
But while the show gives us a taste of the entrepreneurial world, we can’t help but wonder: How realistic is Shark Tank? The reality is that startups need more than cold, unsympathetic sharks to flourish. And by more, we mean things like authenticity, support, and genuine connections.
If you’re in the market for some authentic entrepreneurship content, take a look at these 12 alternative shows (un)like Shark Tank.
1. The Profit (CNBC)
Entrepreneurs facing tough times can count on Marcus Lemonis and his team for support and guidance through their program. Even though some have criticized him for being too assertive, there’s no question that he has transformed many businesses for the better. The show digs deep into the complex world of business management to reveal invaluable insights and provide practical tips for anyone striving for success.
2. The Pitch Show (Vox Media)
Unlike shows that pit founders against each other or emphasize cutthroat competition (we won't name names…), The Pitch takes a different approach altogether: one that emphasizes dialogue, transparency and real human connection between founders and investors.alone. Founders have raised over $11 million on the show so far, and you can hear exactly how each deal came together because each episode tells the true story of one founders pitch to investors.
3. Billion Dollar Buyer (CNBC)
Would you like to have insider access to the world of billionaire Tilman Fertitta? Tune in as he scouts out revolutionary products to feature in his many establishments. The show is all about budding entrepreneurs making their pitches and receiving nuggets of wisdom and potential deals from the man himself. What makes Billion Dollar Buyer unique is its commitment to cultivating long-lasting business relations grounded in mutual trust and collaboration.
4. Dragon's Den (BBC)
If you’re into Shark Tank, you must check out its British predecessor. This show features entrepreneurs presenting their ideas to a panel of successful business people known as dragons, similar to the sharks.
Unlike Shark Tank, however, Dragon’s Den features fewer lights and less drama and takes place in a more relatable atmosphere. But what truly sets it apart is the dragons’ warmer mentorship approach toward the negotiation process. Dragon’s Den is all about fostering important partnerships to reach entrepreneurial success.
5. Restaurant Startup (CNBC)
Are you a budding restaurateur with a fresh take on cuisine and profit? Then Restaurant Startup is the show for you!
Starting a restaurant is a lot different than starting a tech company. It has its own demons and opportunities. Restaurant Startup features aspiring restaurateurs pitching their innovative visions and bright ideas to seasoned investors in the hopes of securing funding for their projects.
With a gritty look into the cutthroat world of culinary entrepreneurship, the show gives you a real-world perspective on all aspects of starting and running a restaurant — from menu development to financial management and beyond.
6. Planet of the Apps (Apple Music)
Planet of the Apps is an American reality TV show broadcasted on Apple Music. It was also Apple’s first original television show. This high-paced show highlights groundbreaking ideas of exceptional developers vying for investments from leading venture capitalists and influential advisors. Despite criticism surrounding the show’s perceived triviality, Planet of the Apps unveils a fresh outlook on how technology is redefining traditional business models in various domains.
7. Funderdome Show (ABC)
Steve Harvey hosts Funderdome, a TV show where entrepreneurs present their projects to a live audience and receives funding for the most voted idea. Having the product-market fit is the first important thing on an entrepreneur’s checklist. By centering on public approval and market validation, the Funderdome Show emphasizes the significance of consumer-driven success in today's business landscape.
8. How I Built This With Guy Raz (NPR)
Looking for inspiration and insights on how successful businesses were built? This NPR podcast hosted by Guy Raz gives founders and innovators a place to share their personal stories, journeys, challenges, and lessons learned along the bumpy road of building a company from the ground up. The show offers invaluable perspectives that can help guide your own entrepreneurial endeavors.
9. West Texas Investors Club (CNBC)
Venture into the world of entrepreneurship with Mike "Rooster" McConaughey and Wayne "Butch" Gilliam as they choose the best investment ideas and offer mentorship to bright, aspiring entrepreneurs. The show takes place in vibrant West Texas, showcasing not only promising business ideas but also doing it with a cultural twist. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur and a fan of the Texan vibe, this show might be for you.
10. Making It (NBC)
Hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, Making It is a reality competition show dedicated to crafting and handmade goods. While not directly focusing on entrepreneurship, Making It is more about the creativity, passion, and dedication you need to compete in emerging niche markets. It might just inspire you to turn your creative projects and DIY endeavors into a business plan.
11. Hatched (The CW)
Are you ready to take your consumer product from idea to reality? Then don't miss out on Hatched. By presenting their products to a panel of savvy investors and industry insiders, contestants receive constructive feedback that can help fine-tune their ideas for success in the real market. Good ideas aren’t only fine-tuned but also get the chance to be sourced. With ripe opportunities up for grabs, this show could be the chance you've been waiting for!
12. Cleveland Hustles (CNBC)
Entrepreneurship is tough, but it becomes easier with guidance from established business owners. LeBron James' new show highlights local Cleveland entrepreneurs as they compete for funding and mentorship opportunities. By showing how entrepreneurship can revitalize communities, this program encourages viewers to dream big and make a difference.
Looking Beyond the Tank
While Shark Tank may be entertaining, it’s important to recognize that entrepreneurship goes beyond simply pitching ideas to a panel of investors. There are other shows and podcasts that provide more accurate depictions of the journey. These alternative sources may give you useful insights and an opportunity to learn from real-life examples. This way, you can get a better grasp on both the challenges and the rewards that await you on your journey as an entrepreneur.
