Why Watch Business Television Shows?
In today’s fast-paced world, business television shows offer a mix of education, inspiration, and entertainment. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business student, or a corporate executive, these shows provide real-world insights into leadership, finance, and innovation.
- Learn from real-life entrepreneurs and executives
Understand business strategies, negotiations, and decision-making
Get inspired by success stories and cautionary tales
From reality competition series to docu-dramas and fictional corporate sagas, here’s a list of the best business TV shows you should watch!
Reality Business Shows: Competition & Investment
These shows focus on entrepreneurship, startups, and high-stakes investments.
Shark Tank (2009 – Present)
- Aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to investors (Sharks) like Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary.
Teaches pitching, negotiation, valuation, and investment strategies.
Real-life businesses have skyrocketed after appearing on the show.
Best For: Startups, investors, and business students.
The Profit (2013 – Present)
- Investor Marcus Lemonis helps struggling businesses improve their operations.
Covers branding, finance, leadership, and restructuring.
Shows how businesses can turn failure into success.
Best For: Small business owners and management professionals.
Dragons’ Den (UK & Canada Versions)
- Similar to Shark Tank, entrepreneurs pitch to investors (dragons) for funding.
Provides business valuation insights and deal negotiation tips.
The UK version helped launch brands like Reggae Reggae Sauce and Trunki.
Best For: Entrepreneurs looking to learn investment tactics.
Corporate & Business Drama Shows
These shows provide an inside look at corporate life, leadership struggles, and power dynamics.
Succession (2018 – 2023)
- A media empire struggles with leadership succession and family business drama.
Highlights power struggles, corporate strategy, and financial manipulation.
Won multiple Emmy Awards for its sharp writing and business themes.
Best For: Corporate executives and leadership enthusiasts.
Billions (2016 – Present)
- Focuses on the battle between hedge fund billionaires and federal prosecutors.
Explores wealth, power, and high-stakes financial trading.
Features real-life business tactics used by Wall Street moguls.
Best For: Finance professionals, stock traders, and investors.
Mad Men (2007 – 2015)
- A deep dive into advertising, branding, and corporate culture in the 1960s.
Explores how marketing strategies influence consumer behavior.
Shows the evolution of branding, PR, and leadership dynamics.
Best For: Marketers, advertisers, and brand managers.
Business Documentaries & Educational Shows
For those who prefer real-world case studies and expert insights, these shows provide factual, educational business content.
Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates (2019)
- A documentary on Bill Gates’ problem-solving approach and business philosophy.
Covers technology, innovation, and philanthropy.
Gives a glimpse into the mindset of a billionaire entrepreneur.
Best For: Innovators, tech enthusiasts, and leadership learners.
Dirty Money (2018 – Present)
- Investigates corporate corruption, financial scandals, and business ethics.
Features real cases like Volkswagen’s emissions scandal and Wells Fargo fraud.
Highlights how unethical business practices impact consumers.
Best For: Business ethics students, corporate analysts, and journalists.
The Men Who Built America (2012)
- Chronicles the rise of industrial titans like Rockefeller, Carnegie, and Vanderbilt.
Shows how innovation and ruthless ambition shaped the U.S. economy.
Provides insights into leadership, monopoly-building, and economic strategy.
Best For: History buffs, entrepreneurs, and economics students.
Best Business TV Shows for Entrepreneurs
Show Name | Category | Key Lessons |
Shark Tank | Reality/Investment | Pitching, Negotiation |
The Profit | Business Turnaround | Branding, Restructuring |
Succession | Corporate Drama | Leadership, Power Struggles |
Billions | Finance Drama | Hedge Funds, High-Stakes Deals |
Mad Men | Marketing & Branding | Advertising Strategies |
Inside Bill’s Brain | Business Documentary | Innovation, Problem-Solving |
The Men Who Built America | Business History | Economic Growth, Monopoly Strategies |
Each of these shows provides unique insights into different aspects of business success.
Conclusion
- Business television shows are both entertaining and educational, offering insights into entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, finance, and marketing.
Whether you’re a startup founder, corporate executive, or business student, these shows provide valuable lessons on success and failure.
From Shark Tank to Succession, there’s a business TV show for every type of professional.
Looking for inspiration? Start watching one of these business shows today!
Which business TV show is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
1. What is the best business TV show for entrepreneurs?
Shark Tank and The Profit are great for learning about startups, investment, and business growth.
2. Which business TV show is best for corporate executives?
Succession and Billions provide a realistic portrayal of corporate power struggles and financial strategies.
3. Are there business TV shows about marketing?
Yes! Mad Men offers a deep dive into advertising and branding history.
4. What’s the best business documentary to watch?
Inside Bill’s Brain for innovation insights, Dirty Money for corporate ethics, and The Men Who Built America for economic history.
5. Where can I watch these business TV shows?
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and business streaming platforms offer many of these shows.
Also read: Hidden Moving Costs You Should Know (And How to Avoid Them!)