Entrepreneurship is a thrilling and rewarding journey, but it can also be incredibly challenging. There is no set formula for success, and entrepreneurs need to continually learn and adapt to stay ahead of the game. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help entrepreneurs stay informed, inspired, and motivated. One such resource is television shows.
TV shows have the power to entertain, educate, and inspire us. They offer a glimpse into the world of business and entrepreneurship, and provide valuable insights into the strategies, challenges, and successes of successful entrepreneurs. In this article, we’ll explore the 23 best business TV shows for entrepreneurs in 2023. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, these shows will give you a fresh perspective and the inspiration you need to take your business to the next level.
Importance of TV Shows for Entrepreneurs
TV shows can be an incredibly valuable resource for entrepreneurs for several reasons:
1. Learning from successful entrepreneurs:
Busniess TV shows often feature successful entrepreneurs and business leaders who share their experiences, strategies, and insights. By watching these shows, entrepreneurs can learn from their mistakes, successes, and get a glimpse into their decision-making process.
2. Gaining inspiration and motivation:
Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, and sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged. TV shows can provide the inspiration and motivation entrepreneurs need to keep going. By watching others succeed, entrepreneurs can feel more motivated to push through their own challenges and keep striving towards their goals.
3. Understanding the business landscape:
Best busniess TV shows can provide entrepreneurs with an understanding of the current business landscape, including market trends, consumer behavior, and emerging technologies. This can help entrepreneurs stay ahead of the competition and make informed decisions about their business strategies.
4. Learning from failures:
Not all TV shows focus on successful entrepreneurs. Some shows feature failed businesses or entrepreneurs who faced challenges and setbacks. These shows can be just as valuable, as they offer insights into what not to do and how to avoid common mistakes.
23 Best Business TV Shows for Entrepreneurs in 2023
A. Reality Shows
1. Shark Tank
Shark Tank is a popular reality TV show that has been on air since 2009. The show features aspiring entrepreneurs who pitch their business ideas to a panel of “sharks,” or successful entrepreneurs and investors, with the hope of securing an investment deal.
The show has been a popular resource for entrepreneurs as it provides valuable insights into the pitching process, negotiation tactics, and the importance of having a solid business plan. The sharks often ask tough questions and challenge the entrepreneurs on their strategies, forcing them to think critically about their business and its potential for success.
Shark Tank has also helped to raise awareness about entrepreneurship and the challenges entrepreneurs face in getting their ideas off the ground. The show has inspired many people to start their own businesses and has showcased the importance of perseverance, determination, and hard work in the entrepreneurial journey.
2. The Profit
The Profit is a reality TV show that premiered in 2013 and is hosted by entrepreneur and investor Marcus Lemonis. The show focuses on struggling businesses that are in need of a turnaround, and Lemonis invests his own money to help the businesses get back on track.
The business shows provide valuable insights into the world of business turnarounds, including the importance of having a solid business plan, managing finances, and creating a strong brand. Lemonis often works closely with the business owners, providing mentorship and guidance to help them overcome their challenges and achieve success.
One of the unique features of The Profit is that it showcases a wide variety of businesses, from food trucks to fashion boutiques to manufacturing companies. This allows entrepreneurs to see the commonalities and differences in running a business in different industries, and learn from the experiences of others.
3. Undercover Boss
Undercover Boss is a reality TV show that premiered in 2010 and has since become a popular resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders. The show follows CEOs and other executives as they go undercover and work alongside their employees in various roles within the company.
The show provides valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of a business and the challenges faced by front-line workers. By going undercover, the executives are able to experience the business from a different perspective and gain a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of their employees.
In addition to showcasing the importance of employee engagement and satisfaction, Undercover Boss also highlights the importance of leadership and the impact that it can have on a company’s success. The executives often take what they have learned during their undercover experience and use it to make changes within the company to improve operations and culture.
4. The Apprentice
The Apprentice is a reality TV show that first aired in 2004 and is hosted by businessman and former president Donald Trump. The show follows a group of aspiring entrepreneurs as they compete in various business-related challenges, with the winner receiving a job offer to work for one of Trump’s companies.
The show provides valuable insights into business strategy, including marketing, sales, and negotiation tactics. The challenges often require contestants to think creatively and work collaboratively to achieve a common goal, providing valuable lessons in teamwork and communication.
One of the unique features of The Apprentice is the boardroom scenes, where contestants are called in to discuss their performance and face tough questions from Trump and his advisors. This provides valuable insights into the importance of accountability and the ability to handle criticism in the business world.
5. Bar Rescue
Bar Rescue is a reality TV show that premiered in 2011 and is hosted by Jon Taffer, a bar consultant and expert in the hospitality industry. The show focuses on struggling bars and nightclubs that are in need of a turnaround, and Taffer provides advice and guidance to help them improve their business.
The show provides valuable insights into the hospitality industry, including the importance of branding, marketing, and customer service. Taffer often works closely with the bar owners and staff, providing hands-on training and mentorship to help them improve their skills and knowledge.
One of the unique features of Bar Rescue is that it showcases a wide variety of bars and nightclubs, from small family-owned businesses to large chain restaurants. This allows entrepreneurs to see the commonalities and differences in running a business in different niches within the hospitality industry and learn from the experiences of others.
6. Restaurant Startup
Restaurant Startup is a reality TV show that premiered in 2014 and is hosted by restaurateurs Joe Bastianich and Tim Love. The show features aspiring restaurateurs who pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors, with the goal of securing funding to open their own restaurant.
The show provides valuable insights into the restaurant industry, including the importance of concept development, menu planning, and financial management. The investors on the panel often provide valuable feedback and guidance to help the aspiring restaurateurs improve their business plans and pitch presentations.
One of the unique features of Restaurant Startup is that it showcases a wide variety of restaurant concepts, from food trucks to fine dining establishments. This allows entrepreneurs to see the commonalities and differences in running a restaurant business in different niches within the industry and learn from the experiences of others.
Overall, Restaurant Startup is a great resource for entrepreneurs looking to learn about the restaurant industry and how to develop a successful restaurant concept. The show provides practical advice and mentorship from experienced restaurateurs and investors and can inspire entrepreneurs to think creatively about their own business challenges.
B. Drama Shows
7. Billions
Billions is a drama TV series that premiered in 2016 and is set in the world of high finance and hedge funds. The show follows the power struggle between a U.S. Attorney and a hedge fund manager, providing valuable insights into the world of finance and business.
The show provides valuable insights into the intricacies of finance and investment strategies, including insider trading, short selling, and risk management. The characters in the show are often driven by ambition and competition, highlighting the importance of strategy and decision-making in the business world.
One of the unique features of Billions is its focus on the legal and ethical issues surrounding the finance industry. The show explores the conflicts of interest that can arise in business, and the consequences of unethical behavior.
8. Suits
Suits is a drama TV series that premiered in 2011 and follows the lives of lawyers at a high-profile New York law firm. The show provides valuable insights into the legal profession and the intricacies of corporate law.
The show provides valuable insights into legal strategy, including negotiation tactics, case preparation, and courtroom procedure. The characters in the show often face difficult ethical dilemmas, highlighting the importance of integrity and professionalism in the legal profession.
One of the unique features of Suits is its focus on the relationship between lawyers and their clients. The show explores the importance of building trust and developing a deep understanding of a client’s needs and priorities.
9. Mad Men
Mad Men is a drama TV series that premiered in 2007 and is set in the world of advertising in the 1960s. The show follows the lives of the employees at a prestigious New York ad agency, providing valuable insights into the world of marketing and branding.
The show provides valuable insights into the creative process of developing marketing campaigns, including research, concept development, and execution. The characters in the show are often driven by ambition and competition, highlighting the importance of strategic thinking and innovation in the advertising industry.
One of the unique features of Mad Men is its portrayal of the cultural and social norms of the time period. The show explores issues such as gender roles, race relations, and the changing landscape of American society, providing a historical context for the advertising industry.
10. Succession
Succession is a drama TV series that premiered in 2018 and follows the lives of the wealthy and dysfunctional Roy family as they struggle for control of their media empire. The show provides valuable insights into the complexities of family dynamics in business and the challenges of succession planning.
The show provides valuable insights into the intricacies of business strategy, including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and financial management. The characters in the show often face difficult ethical dilemmas, highlighting the importance of integrity and professionalism in the business world.
One of the unique features of Succession is its exploration of the personal relationships and power struggles within a wealthy family. The show explores the psychological and emotional factors that can influence business decisions and the challenges of balancing personal relationships with business interests.
11. Halt and Catch Fire
Halt and Catch Fire is a drama TV series that premiered in 2014 and is set in the world of technology and computer engineering during the 1980s and 1990s. The show follows a group of engineers and entrepreneurs as they navigate the emerging technology industry and try to build successful companies.
The show provides valuable insights into the creative process of developing new technology, including product design, prototyping, and software development. The characters in the show are often driven by ambition and competition, highlighting the importance of strategic thinking and innovation in the technology industry.
One of the unique features of Halt and Catch Fire is its focus on the evolution of the technology industry over time. The show explores the impact of new technologies and how they have changed the way we live and work, providing a historical context for the modern technology landscape.
12. Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is a comedy TV series that premiered in 2014 and is set in the world of technology startups in the eponymous region of California. The show follows a group of young entrepreneurs as they try to develop and launch a new startup company in the competitive and cutthroat world of Silicon Valley.
The show provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of starting a technology company, including product development, fundraising, and competition from other startups. The characters in the show often face difficult ethical dilemmas, highlighting the importance of integrity and professionalism in the technology industry.
One of the unique features of Silicon Valley is its satirical take on the culture and norms of the tech industry. The show pokes fun at the excesses and absurdities of Silicon Valley culture, while also highlighting some of the serious issues facing the industry, such as gender and racial diversity.
C. Comedy Shows
13. The Office
The Office is a comedy TV series that premiered in 2005 and is set in the world of an ordinary paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The show follows the daily lives of the employees at Dunder Mifflin, providing valuable insights into workplace dynamics, management styles, and interpersonal relationships.
The show provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of working in a modern office environment, including teamwork, leadership, and communication. The characters in the show often face difficult ethical dilemmas, highlighting the importance of integrity and professionalism in the workplace.
One of the unique features of The Office is its focus on the importance of personal relationships and emotional intelligence in the workplace. The show explores the psychological and emotional factors that can influence workplace behavior and the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
14. Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation is a comedy TV series that premiered in 2009 and is set in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. The show follows the daily lives of the employees of the Parks and Recreation department, providing valuable insights into government bureaucracy, public service, and community building.
The show provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of working in public service, including teamwork, leadership, and communication. The characters in the show often face difficult ethical dilemmas, highlighting the importance of integrity and professionalism in the public sector.
One of the unique features of Parks and Recreation is its focus on the importance of community building and public engagement. The show explores the psychological and emotional factors that can influence civic engagement and the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
15. Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a comedy TV series that premiered in 2013 and is set in the fictional 99th precinct of the New York City Police Department. The show follows the daily lives of the police officers and detectives at the precinct, providing valuable insights into teamwork, leadership, and communication in a high-pressure environment.
The show provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of working in law enforcement, including the importance of effective communication and collaboration. The characters in the show often face difficult ethical dilemmas, highlighting the importance of integrity and professionalism in law enforcement.
One of the unique features of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is its focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The show explores the challenges and benefits of building a diverse and inclusive workplace culture and the importance of embracing individual differences and perspectives.
16. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is a comedy-drama TV series that premiered in 2017 and is set in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The show follows the life of Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a housewife who discovers a talent for stand-up comedy after her husband leaves her.
The show provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, including the importance of resilience, creativity, and adaptability. The characters in the show often face difficult ethical dilemmas, highlighting the importance of integrity and professionalism in the world of entertainment.
One of the unique features of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is its focus on the importance of female empowerment and the challenges of breaking gender stereotypes in the workplace. The show explores the psychological and emotional factors that can influence career success and the importance of personal relationships and emotional intelligence in the entertainment industry.
17. Black-ish
Black-ish is a comedy TV series that premiered in 2014 and follows the life of an upper-middle-class African American family living in Los Angeles. The show provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of navigating the complexities of modern American life as a person of color.
The show explores themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and highlights the challenges and benefits of building a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. The characters in the show often face difficult ethical dilemmas related to their identity and the expectations of society.
One of the unique features of Black-ish is its focus on the intersection of race, class, and culture in the workplace. The show explores the psychological and emotional factors that can influence workplace dynamics and the importance of embracing individual differences and perspectives.
18. Superstore
Superstore is a comedy TV series that premiered in 2015 and is set in a fictional retail store called Cloud 9. The show follows the lives of the employees who work at the store and provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of working in the retail industry.
The show explores themes of teamwork, leadership, and communication in the workplace and highlights the importance of building strong relationships with colleagues and customers. The characters in the show often face difficult ethical dilemmas related to their job responsibilities and the expectations of their employer.
One of the unique features of Superstore is its focus on the importance of employee engagement and the challenges of building a positive workplace culture in a high-pressure environment. The show explores the psychological and emotional factors that can influence employee satisfaction and the importance of creating a workplace environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and respect.
D. Documentary Series
19. Dirty Money
Dirty Money is a documentary TV series that premiered in 2018 and explores stories of corporate corruption, financial fraud, and unethical behavior in the business world. The show provides valuable insights into the challenges and risks associated with pursuing financial gain at the expense of ethical principles.
The show features interviews with industry experts, whistleblowers, and former executives who shed light on the dark side of corporate culture and the negative impact of unethical behavior on individuals, organizations, and society at large.
One of the unique features of Dirty Money is its focus on the importance of accountability and transparency in the business world. The show highlights the role of government regulation, investigative journalism, and public pressure in uncovering and exposing corporate wrongdoing and holding individuals and organizations accountable for their actions.
20. Abstract: The Art of Design
Abstract: The Art of Design is a documentary TV series that premiered in 2017 and explores the lives and work of designers from various disciplines, including graphic design, architecture, and fashion. The show provides valuable insights into the creative process and the challenges and opportunities of pursuing a career in design.
The show features in-depth interviews with leading designers who share their personal stories and perspectives on the role of design in society. The show also showcases the design process, from initial concept development to final product creation, and highlights the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking in the creative process.
One of the unique features of Abstract is its focus on the intersection of art, science, and technology in the design world. The show explores the ways in which designers are using new technologies, materials, and techniques to push the boundaries of traditional design and create innovative and impactful solutions to complex problems.
21. The Business of Drugs
The Business of Drugs is a documentary TV series that premiered in 2020 and explores the complex and often dangerous world of the global drug trade. The show provides valuable insights into the economics and politics of drug production, distribution, and consumption, and sheds light on the ways in which the drug trade impacts societies around the world.
The show features interviews with experts, law enforcement officials, and former drug dealers who offer different perspectives on the drug trade and the challenges of combating it. The show also delves into the social and cultural factors that contribute to drug use and addiction and highlights the importance of prevention and treatment in addressing the drug problem.
One of the unique features of The Business of Drugs is its focus on the interplay between business and crime in the drug trade. The show explores the ways in which drug trafficking organizations operate like multinational corporations, using sophisticated business strategies and tactics to maximize profits and minimize risk.
22. Rotten
Rotten is a documentary TV series that premiered in 2018 and explores the corruption and deception that exists within the food industry. The show provides valuable insights into the challenges and risks associated with producing and consuming food in today’s globalized world.
The show features interviews with farmers, food scientists, industry experts, and consumers who offer different perspectives on the food system and the impact of various factors, such as climate change, globalization, and government policies, on the safety and quality of our food supply.
One of the unique features of Rotten is its focus on the social and environmental costs of food production and consumption. The show explores the ways in which the pursuit of profit and convenience has led to the exploitation of workers, the degradation of ecosystems, and the spread of foodborne illnesses.
23. The Toys That Made Us
The Toys That Made Us is a documentary TV series that premiered in 2017 and explores the history and cultural impact of iconic toy brands. The show provides valuable insights into the marketing and design strategies used by toy companies to create and promote successful products that resonate with consumers.
The show features interviews with toy designers, executives, collectors, and pop culture experts who offer different perspectives on the toy industry and the impact of various cultural trends on toy design and marketing. The show also delves into the history of popular toy brands, such as Barbie, GI Joe, and Star Wars, and the ways in which these toys have influenced popular culture and consumer behavior.
One of the unique features of The Toys That Made Us is its focus on the creative and entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation in the toy industry. The show explores the ways in which toy designers and entrepreneurs have taken risks and pursued their passions to create successful toy brands that have become household names.
Conclusion
In conclusion, TV shows can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to learn about business strategy, innovation, and leadership. The TV shows mentioned above provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship across various industries, as well as the personal and professional journeys of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
From the high-stakes world of Shark Tank and The Apprentice to the creative and cultural impact of The Toys That Made Us and Mad Men, these TV shows offer a diverse range of perspectives and lessons for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
Whether you are looking to learn about the latest trends and innovations in the tech industry or gain insights into the art of storytelling and marketing, these TV shows provide an entertaining and informative way to expand your knowledge and skills as an entrepreneur.
So why not grab some popcorn and settle in for some binge-worthy viewing that can also help you become a better entrepreneur?
