Dragons' Den

(See also)
(Synopsis: Presumably that line is a relic from before we listed radio shows. Add key moment.)
(18 intermediate revisions not shown)
Line 14: Line 14:
Rachel Elnaugh (2005)<br>
Rachel Elnaugh (2005)<br>
Doug Richard (2005)<br>
Doug Richard (2005)<br>
-
Theo Paphitis (2005-12)<br>
+
Theo Paphitis (2005-12, 2019)<br>
Richard Farleigh (2006-7)<br>
Richard Farleigh (2006-7)<br>
Deborah Meaden (2006-)<br>
Deborah Meaden (2006-)<br>
Line 20: Line 20:
Hilary Devey (2011-12)<br>
Hilary Devey (2011-12)<br>
Kelly Hoppen (2013-15)<br>
Kelly Hoppen (2013-15)<br>
-
Piers Linney (2013-15)
+
Piers Linney (2013-15)<br>
 +
Nick Jenkins (2015-6)<br>
 +
Touker Suleyman (2015-)<br>
 +
[[Sarah Willingham]] (2015-6)<br>
 +
Jenny Campbell (2017-18)<br>
 +
Tej Lalvani (2017-)<br>
 +
Sara Davies (2019-)
Online Dragons: Julie Meyer and Shaf Rasul
Online Dragons: Julie Meyer and Shaf Rasul
Line 30: Line 36:
''Sport Relief Does Dragons' Den'', BBC Two, 16 March 2010
''Sport Relief Does Dragons' Den'', BBC Two, 16 March 2010
-
''Dragons' Den Online'' webcast at bbc.co.uk, March 2009 to present, and BBC Two 16 September 2009 to present
+
''Dragons' Den Online'' webcast at bbc.co.uk, March 2009 to 2010?, and BBC Two, 16 September to 19 October 2009 (6 episodes in 1 series)
</div>
</div>
Line 36: Line 42:
== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
-
In this ever-changing world in which we live in, it's sometimes hard to know whether a programme is a game show or not. But when the presenter gives interviews in which he says (and I quote), "It isn't a game show", then that's a dead giveaway. (If the BBC claimed that the Shipping Forecast wasn't a game show, we probably wouldn't believe them. Good job it's not on telly.)
+
In this ever-changing world in which we live in, it's sometimes hard to know whether a programme is a game show or not. But when the presenter gives interviews in which he says (and I quote), "It isn't a game show", then that's a dead giveaway. (If the BBC claimed that the Shipping Forecast wasn't a game show, we probably wouldn't believe them.)
Anyway, before this launched we described it as "a cross between [[Best Inventions]] and [[The E-millionaire Show]]", and now that we've actually seen it, that description pretty much stands. The format is simplicity itself: five venture capitalists (the "dragons" of the title) are placed in a room, would-be entrepreneurs pitch their ideas, and if the dragons are impressed, they may make an investment. Or not. That's pretty much all there is to it, but it works.
Anyway, before this launched we described it as "a cross between [[Best Inventions]] and [[The E-millionaire Show]]", and now that we've actually seen it, that description pretty much stands. The format is simplicity itself: five venture capitalists (the "dragons" of the title) are placed in a room, would-be entrepreneurs pitch their ideas, and if the dragons are impressed, they may make an investment. Or not. That's pretty much all there is to it, but it works.
Line 45: Line 51:
It's a straightforward idea, executed without frills, interesting to watch and it may well change a few people's lives. Can't say fairer than that, and I'm afraid the stigma of being a g*** s*** is just something they'll have to live with. Not that it's held them back in any way - within a year, the show was being affectionately lampooned on sketch shows such as ''Dead Ringers'', and by 2008 BBC Director-General Mark Byford [http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/speeches/stories/thompson_salford.shtml cited ''Dragons' Den''] as an example of how one programme can transform the reputation of a broadcasting centre - in this case, the Manchester Entertainment department.
It's a straightforward idea, executed without frills, interesting to watch and it may well change a few people's lives. Can't say fairer than that, and I'm afraid the stigma of being a g*** s*** is just something they'll have to live with. Not that it's held them back in any way - within a year, the show was being affectionately lampooned on sketch shows such as ''Dead Ringers'', and by 2008 BBC Director-General Mark Byford [http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/speeches/stories/thompson_salford.shtml cited ''Dragons' Den''] as an example of how one programme can transform the reputation of a broadcasting centre - in this case, the Manchester Entertainment department.
 +
 +
== Key moments ==
 +
 +
Davis' statements of the bleeding obvious. Yes, we ''know'' Peter Jones is unhappy that the entrepreneur's just placed a ridiculous valuation of their business. We ''just heard him''.
== Catchphrases ==
== Catchphrases ==
Line 62: Line 72:
The trailer for series eight began with a voiceover (not Evan Davis) saying, a bit sneerily, "This isn't a game show". Sorry, but your protests won't work here...
The trailer for series eight began with a voiceover (not Evan Davis) saying, a bit sneerily, "This isn't a game show". Sorry, but your protests won't work here...
-
There have been several spin-off series in a "where are they now?" vein. 2008's ''Dragon's Den: The Dragons' Stories'' (a.k.a ''Dragon's Den: Outside The Den'') combined profiles of the dragons with behind-the-scenes footage and updates on their investments. Lesley Sharp narrated the series, though Evan Davis appeared as a talking head. Sharp also voiced another 2008 special, ''Dragons' Den: Around the World'', featuring clips from other countries' versions of the show. In 2009, Davis was back on voiceover duty for ''Dragons' Den: On Tour'', which took a region-by-region approach to revisiting former Den visitors, but Sharp returned to narrate the 2010 series ''Dragons' Den: Where Are They Now?''. The 2011 equivalent, ''How to Win in the Den'', was narrated by [[Richard Bacon]].
+
There have been several spin-off series in a "where are they now?" vein. 2008's ''Dragon's Den: The Dragons' Stories'' (a.k.a ''Dragon's Den: Outside The Den'') combined profiles of the dragons with behind-the-scenes footage and updates on their investments. Lesley Sharp narrated the series, though Evan Davis appeared as a talking head. Sharp also voiced another 2008 special, ''Dragons' Den: Around the World'', featuring clips from other countries' versions of the show. In 2009, Davis was back on voiceover duty for ''Dragons' Den: On Tour'', which took a region-by-region approach to revisiting former Den visitors, but Sharp returned to narrate the 2010 series ''Dragons' Den: Where Are They Now?''. The 2011 equivalent, ''How to Win in the Den'', was narrated by [[Richard Bacon]]. Four episodes of ''Dragon's Den: Pitches to Riches'' aired in 2016, 2016, 2018 and 2019; the two 2016 episodes were presented by [[Richard Osman]], while the 2018 episode was presented by Steph McGovern and the 2019 episode by Angela Scanlon. In 2020, a six-part "Best Ever Pitches" series narrated by [[Joe Lycett]] was produced in lieu of new episodes; the [[Impact of Covid-19|Covid-19 pandemic]] also meant that one episode in series 17 had to be postponed by two weeks and re-edited to remove a pitch for an anti-virus air purification unit. It was evidently a late decision, as clips from the excised pitch had already featured in the "next time" montage on the previous episode.  
The BBC launched an online version in March 2009, with Dominic Byrne as host and Julie Meyer and Shaf Rasul as the dragons. The online version has a cap of £50,000.  
The BBC launched an online version in March 2009, with Dominic Byrne as host and Julie Meyer and Shaf Rasul as the dragons. The online version has a cap of £50,000.  
Line 68: Line 78:
<div class="image">[[Image:Dragons den rasul meyer.jpg]]''Online dragons Shaf Rasul and Julie Meyer''</div>
<div class="image">[[Image:Dragons den rasul meyer.jpg]]''Online dragons Shaf Rasul and Julie Meyer''</div>
-
The first series was filmed in the attic space above a furniture shop in Stoke Newington, but subsequent series have used a replica set, first in a real disused warehouse in East London, and later at Pinewood Studios. This has allowed for certain subtle changes to occur between series - the Den has at various times had square pillars, round pillars, and no pillars at all, and eagle-eyed viewers may spot that the "trees" and "buildings" behind the frosted windows (which have themselves changed from rectangular to arched and back again) change position rather more often than one would normally expect! The production moved to Salford in 2012 and they didn't strain too hard to disguise the change, since the stairs now led down into the Den rather than up, and in 2013 they were replaced with a lift (the Den is supposedly on the third floor, though by this point they've messed around with it so much that it wouldn't make any difference if they told us it was in space). Disappointingly, it would also appear that Evan Davis now films his bits separately, as he no longer features in the post-pitch interview segments.
+
The first series was filmed in the attic space above a furniture shop in Stoke Newington, but subsequent series have used a replica set, first in a real disused warehouse in East London, and later at Pinewood Studios. This has allowed for certain subtle changes to occur between series - the Den has at various times had square pillars, round pillars, and no pillars at all, and eagle-eyed viewers may spot that the "trees" and "buildings" behind the frosted windows (which have themselves changed from rectangular to arched and back again) change position rather more often than one would normally expect! The production moved to Salford in 2012 and they didn't strain too hard to disguise the change, since the stairs now led down into the Den rather than up, and in 2013 they were replaced with a lift; the Den is supposedly on the third floor, though by this point they've messed around with it so much that it wouldn't make any difference if they told us it was in space. In real life, everything's on one level and they just insert footage of a lift mechanism as a linking device. Disappointingly, it would also appear that Evan Davis now films his bits separately, as he no longer features in the post-pitch interview segments.
How quickly are former dragons forgotten! In 2009, the subject of "Dragons on ''Dragons' Den''" came up on [[Pointless]]. Of 100 people surveyed, only two came up with the name Rachel Elnaugh, one recalled Richard Farleigh, and nobody remembered Simon Woodroffe or Doug Richard. Sadly, neither did the contestants whose jackpot question this was, so they missed out on seven grand.
How quickly are former dragons forgotten! In 2009, the subject of "Dragons on ''Dragons' Den''" came up on [[Pointless]]. Of 100 people surveyed, only two came up with the name Rachel Elnaugh, one recalled Richard Farleigh, and nobody remembered Simon Woodroffe or Doug Richard. Sadly, neither did the contestants whose jackpot question this was, so they missed out on seven grand.
 +
 +
Board game Linkee, which failed to attract investment from the dragons, was later adapted as daytime quiz [[The Link]].
 +
 +
One edition in 2012 had only four dragons as a result of Hilary Devey being unwell. Technically, an earlier entrepreneur had only had four dragons after James Caan opted out right after an alcohol pitch for religious reasons. And once, Deborah Meaden had to rule herself out immediately because the entrepreneur had approached her previously (they're not supposed to have had prior contact with the dragons). However, when Touker Souleyman fell ill in 2019, Theo Paphitis returned for four episodes as a guest dragon.
== Merchandise ==
== Merchandise ==

Revision as of 18:15, 19 September 2020

Contents

Host

Evan Davis

Dominic Byrne (Dragons' Den Online)

Co-hosts

The Dragons:
Peter Jones (all series)
Duncan Bannatyne (2005-15)
Simon Woodroffe (2005)
Rachel Elnaugh (2005)
Doug Richard (2005)
Theo Paphitis (2005-12, 2019)
Richard Farleigh (2006-7)
Deborah Meaden (2006-)
James Caan (2007-10)
Hilary Devey (2011-12)
Kelly Hoppen (2013-15)
Piers Linney (2013-15)
Nick Jenkins (2015-6)
Touker Suleyman (2015-)
Sarah Willingham (2015-6)
Jenny Campbell (2017-18)
Tej Lalvani (2017-)
Sara Davies (2019-)

Online Dragons: Julie Meyer and Shaf Rasul

Broadcast

BBC Manchester / Sony Pictures International for BBC Two, 4 January 2005 to present

Sport Relief Does Dragons' Den, BBC Two, 16 March 2010

Dragons' Den Online webcast at bbc.co.uk, March 2009 to 2010?, and BBC Two, 16 September to 19 October 2009 (6 episodes in 1 series)

Synopsis

In this ever-changing world in which we live in, it's sometimes hard to know whether a programme is a game show or not. But when the presenter gives interviews in which he says (and I quote), "It isn't a game show", then that's a dead giveaway. (If the BBC claimed that the Shipping Forecast wasn't a game show, we probably wouldn't believe them.)

Anyway, before this launched we described it as "a cross between Best Inventions and The E-millionaire Show", and now that we've actually seen it, that description pretty much stands. The format is simplicity itself: five venture capitalists (the "dragons" of the title) are placed in a room, would-be entrepreneurs pitch their ideas, and if the dragons are impressed, they may make an investment. Or not. That's pretty much all there is to it, but it works.

Image:Dragons den original cast.jpgThe original cast: host Evan Davis (centre) with, l-r: Peter Jones, Doug Richard, Rachel Elnaugh, Duncan Bannatyne, Simon Woodroffe

The one stipulation the producers make is that each entrepreneur must ask for a specific sum of money from the dragons, and must get at least that amount, or no investment can be made. Exactly what is being offered in return for this money, however, (usually a percentage stake in the budding company,) is open to negotiations; and if no single dragon is willing to part with the entire requested sum, they can split the deal between them. Amusingly, the dragons sit with large stacks of cash on the tables between them as the pitches are being made - although it's strictly a prop, and no cash is seen to be handed over (after all, the dragons don't have the luxury of commercial breaks in which to count out the cash).

It's a straightforward idea, executed without frills, interesting to watch and it may well change a few people's lives. Can't say fairer than that, and I'm afraid the stigma of being a g*** s*** is just something they'll have to live with. Not that it's held them back in any way - within a year, the show was being affectionately lampooned on sketch shows such as Dead Ringers, and by 2008 BBC Director-General Mark Byford cited Dragons' Den as an example of how one programme can transform the reputation of a broadcasting centre - in this case, the Manchester Entertainment department.

Key moments

Davis' statements of the bleeding obvious. Yes, we know Peter Jones is unhappy that the entrepreneur's just placed a ridiculous valuation of their business. We just heard him.

Catchphrases

"I'm out."

Inventor

Based on the Japanese format Money no Tora ("Money Tiger").

Theme music

Original theme credited to John Watt. Variations used during the programme arranged by Mike Westergaard.

Trivia

The trailer for series eight began with a voiceover (not Evan Davis) saying, a bit sneerily, "This isn't a game show". Sorry, but your protests won't work here...

There have been several spin-off series in a "where are they now?" vein. 2008's Dragon's Den: The Dragons' Stories (a.k.a Dragon's Den: Outside The Den) combined profiles of the dragons with behind-the-scenes footage and updates on their investments. Lesley Sharp narrated the series, though Evan Davis appeared as a talking head. Sharp also voiced another 2008 special, Dragons' Den: Around the World, featuring clips from other countries' versions of the show. In 2009, Davis was back on voiceover duty for Dragons' Den: On Tour, which took a region-by-region approach to revisiting former Den visitors, but Sharp returned to narrate the 2010 series Dragons' Den: Where Are They Now?. The 2011 equivalent, How to Win in the Den, was narrated by Richard Bacon. Four episodes of Dragon's Den: Pitches to Riches aired in 2016, 2016, 2018 and 2019; the two 2016 episodes were presented by Richard Osman, while the 2018 episode was presented by Steph McGovern and the 2019 episode by Angela Scanlon. In 2020, a six-part "Best Ever Pitches" series narrated by Joe Lycett was produced in lieu of new episodes; the Covid-19 pandemic also meant that one episode in series 17 had to be postponed by two weeks and re-edited to remove a pitch for an anti-virus air purification unit. It was evidently a late decision, as clips from the excised pitch had already featured in the "next time" montage on the previous episode.

The BBC launched an online version in March 2009, with Dominic Byrne as host and Julie Meyer and Shaf Rasul as the dragons. The online version has a cap of £50,000.

Image:Dragons den rasul meyer.jpgOnline dragons Shaf Rasul and Julie Meyer

The first series was filmed in the attic space above a furniture shop in Stoke Newington, but subsequent series have used a replica set, first in a real disused warehouse in East London, and later at Pinewood Studios. This has allowed for certain subtle changes to occur between series - the Den has at various times had square pillars, round pillars, and no pillars at all, and eagle-eyed viewers may spot that the "trees" and "buildings" behind the frosted windows (which have themselves changed from rectangular to arched and back again) change position rather more often than one would normally expect! The production moved to Salford in 2012 and they didn't strain too hard to disguise the change, since the stairs now led down into the Den rather than up, and in 2013 they were replaced with a lift; the Den is supposedly on the third floor, though by this point they've messed around with it so much that it wouldn't make any difference if they told us it was in space. In real life, everything's on one level and they just insert footage of a lift mechanism as a linking device. Disappointingly, it would also appear that Evan Davis now films his bits separately, as he no longer features in the post-pitch interview segments.

How quickly are former dragons forgotten! In 2009, the subject of "Dragons on Dragons' Den" came up on Pointless. Of 100 people surveyed, only two came up with the name Rachel Elnaugh, one recalled Richard Farleigh, and nobody remembered Simon Woodroffe or Doug Richard. Sadly, neither did the contestants whose jackpot question this was, so they missed out on seven grand.

Board game Linkee, which failed to attract investment from the dragons, was later adapted as daytime quiz The Link.

One edition in 2012 had only four dragons as a result of Hilary Devey being unwell. Technically, an earlier entrepreneur had only had four dragons after James Caan opted out right after an alcohol pitch for religious reasons. And once, Deborah Meaden had to rule herself out immediately because the entrepreneur had approached her previously (they're not supposed to have had prior contact with the dragons). However, when Touker Souleyman fell ill in 2019, Theo Paphitis returned for four episodes as a guest dragon.

Merchandise

Dragons' Den: Success from Pitch to Profit (hardback book)

Dragons' Den - Series 1 (R2 DVD)

Dragons' Den - Series 2 (R2 DVD)

Web links

BBC Dragons' Den site

Pictures

A flyer advertising the show

See also

Weaver's Week review

Fortune: Million Pound Giveaway

State Your Case

Without Prejudice?

Feedback

To correct something on this page or post an addition, please complete this form and press "Send":
If you are asking us a question, please read our contact us page and FAQ first.

Name: E-mail:   
A Labyrinth Games site.
Design by Thomas.
Printable version
Editors: Log in