If you run a business, watching TV is probably among the last things on your priority list.
Have you ever heard any founder say ‘I’m in a hurry to catch my favorite TV show?’
Yes, that almost never happens.
Of course, there’s an exception to this rule - if it’s one of those awesome business TV shows that are fun, but also thought-provoking. Then, rushing home to watch them is perfectly acceptable.
We care about the well-being and constant personal and professional growth of entrepreneurs, so we couldn’t skip creating this list - the best TV shows for entrepreneurs! We have it all here, from real-life TV shows to more intriguing fictional ones. Plus, most of them are humorous, so you’ll have a few giggles while watching them!
Description: When the leading star of a business TV show is Dwayne Johnson, you know the show’s awesome! The show presents many downfalls entrepreneurs have while running a business, focused in the sports world. The ultimate message is clear - no matter the business you’re in, perseverance and overcoming adversity will show you what you’re made of. Also, The Rock is almost unrecognizable in this role - emotionally vulnerable and serious, but motivated to keep things going - just like any boss-to-be should be!
Description of the show: What if all struggling businesses have someone to help them, both moneywise and through mentorship? That would be noble, right?
Well, that’s what The Profit is based on. Marcus Lemonis, the host of the show, discovers businesses who have trouble making ends meet and helps them out - in exchange for a piece of their profit cake! It’s an excellent TV show for entrepreneurs to learn how to develop a thick skin and handle tough business times, but also how to receive help when times are difficult.
Description of the show: As the name says, the main topic of this business TV show is Silicon Valley - the influence it has on any prospective founder and the quick transformation it can create in an entrepreneurs’ life. The storyline in this Emmy nominated show is about the tech world and the cohesion of good and greed - can these two elements coexist in the business world? You’ll learn more about ethics and morality in the business world, as well as the actual power of the people who ultimately call the shots.
Description of the show: Set in major financial capitals in the US, Billions is about two powerful figures from New York City.
This show can be of great value for entrepreneurs: it tells the secrets of hedge fund managers and their tactics to tilt the capital markets in their favor, but it also shows the world of financial market strategists and how can they be played by the richest participants, who often consider extreme actions to earn the ‘big bucks!’
Description of the show: Empire is one of the best-known business TV shows on the air today. Terrence Howard stars as the main protagonist in the series as Lucious Lyon, CEO of Empire Entertainment (and former drug dealer) who created a multi-million dollar hip-hop and entertainment company.
Empire is a good example of how competition for company control and greed can influence the lives of entrepreneurs. The series offers plenty of scenes, ideas, and solutions concerning difficult choices and what comes after they’re made.
Description of the show: One of Netflix’s original documentaries, this popular business TV show tells a story about corruption, securities fraud, and the world of crime circling hungrily over the world’s economy.
Dirty Money counts as one of the best business TV shows that present a bigger picture of the largest corporations and their ‘dark sides’, making it excellent to help up-starting entrepreneurs discover the background stories of the corporate world.
Description of the show: House of Lies is one of those completely unpredictable business TV shows - even for the wittiest entrepreneurial minds!
This show focuses on how the corporate world handles its work, as well as the way women are included in a corporate environment. House of Lies has all the elements of a funny and original story to keep your attention, as it’s one of those TV shows for entrepreneurs that teaches lessons, but still makes you laugh your guts out!
Description of the show: The Office is one of the best comedy business shows that has ever aired on TV - no questions about it! The online community loves the cast, the story, and the plots and subplots so much that they’ve become one giant TV-show meme!
The Office presents the work environment from a different perspective. It’s a TV show for entrepreneurs who want to learn more about people's different personalities and their influence on the job. Also, it’s a good choice to learn small tricks and tips on managing such a diversity of employees in one office, for 8 hours a day.
It’s entertaining, sure, but it also gives you an edgy psychological perspective of the office world!
Description of the show: Better Call Saul is one of those entrepreneur TV shows where you can learn all about the tough beginnings of running a business. This show’s director and the cast did a great job of exploring the topic of managing a business down to the last detail - legal or otherwise. From proper market research and complete focus on neglected niches, all the way to building appropriate customer relationships and memorable brand names, you have it all here!
Regardless of your business industry, you’ll definitely pick up a few things from this show! If you don’t - better call Failory!
Description of the show: This Netflix original documentary focuses on former Microsoft CEO and one of the richest men on the planet, Bill Gates. Every episode is approximately 50 minutes long and each tells a different story of Bill’s life - starting from his humble beginnings, all the way to his peak.
Watching this show can help you in many ways. First of all, you can see how Bill Gates thinks, and use that method for your own purposes. From business ideas and techniques, Inside Bill’s Brain can be quite useful for entrepreneurs all over the world!
Description of the show: Halt and Catch fire is a TV show for entrepreneurs, released by AMC. The series focuses on a group of innovators during the technological revolution of the 80’s and the growth of the World Wide Web. As one of the unique business tv shows, Halt and Catch Fire offers various insights for entrepreneurs, such as the earliest techniques and work methods that evolved to what we use today.
Description of the show: Planet of the Apps is Apple’s first original television show, hosted by Gary Vaynerchuk, Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Will.I.Am.
In each episode, software makers have 1 minute to present their ideas to the hosts. If the bigshots like the idea, the lucky entrepreneurs will be mentored to prepare their ideas for pitching to VC investors. Planet of the Apps offers challenging content and shows what inventors are prepared to do to earn a spot among the elite - and coming up with a great product is just part of the game!
Description: A one-of-a-kind show for the business-minded, Shark Tank puts a light on investors and venture capitalists and how entrepreneurs should deal with them when pitching their ideas.
You’ll get to see how investors think and act when it’s time to get the wallets out, as well as see how entrepreneurs develop their ideas to create their own success stories!
However, not all of the businesses that go through Shark Tank are a success. Here’s an article about the biggest Shark Tank failures and the reasons behind each of them.
Description: As an entrepreneur, you need to master the art of pitching, and Dragon’s Den is one of those business TV shows that explore this topic. Basically, the storyline is this one: bidding entrepreneurs face five ‘dragons’ (successful people) and pitch their business ideas, hoping to get the life-changing ‘yes’ out of them. Each pitch ends with questions from the dragons, which the pitchers don’t always have to answer.
It’s the perfect show for anyone who likes the adrenaline of pitching, but also to learn and master the art of selling your ideas and yourself!
Released in: January 4, 2005
Where to Watch: BBC (UK); BBC America (US)
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10 from 1724 votes
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Description: Even though it falls in the drama category, this business TV show is a great teacher when it comes to working with diverse groups. As an entrepreneur, you can choose your employees or business network - to a certain point.
Sometimes though, you won’t have that liberty, and if you find yourself in a situation where personnel is the problem, becoming more flexible is the key to your long-lasting success! The StartUp Show is here to teach you the principle of flexibility - what more could you want from a TV program?
It focuses on tech entrepreneurs, but anyone can find something to learn from it!
Released in: September 6, 2016
Where to Watch: Sony Crackle (USA); Amazon Prime (India)
Description: You can love him or hate him, but you’ve definitely heard of Gordon Ramsey. Thousands disapprove of his brutally honest approach towards the work - especially towards the restaurant-owners and employees - but it's a highly effective way to learn how to do business with people you’ve never met!
Also, he has a very unique way of bringing almost-dead restaurant businesses to new heights, so it's a great way to learn how to overcome adversity.
Description of the show: If you’re looking for an interesting and intense business TV show, Suits is the right pick. The show focuses on college dropout Mike Ross, who gets caught in a drug deal and is forced to work with one of New York’s top lawyers Harvey Specter, despite never attending law school.
Suits present the situations where some people are prepared to do whatever it takes in order to succeed - even if it means ‘lying’ about many things. Note that we don’t condone any of this behavior - it’s just useful information.
Description of the show: This popular reality business TV show is hosted by billionaire and CEO of Landry’s, Inc. Tilman Fertitta. In every 60-minute episode, Tilman travels throughout the US to supervise innovative hospitality products. The goal in the series is for small business owners to impress Tilman and receive a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ deal - to partner with Landry’s Inc.
Billion Dollar Buyer is the perfect example of the effects of helping and doing noble things for others. The show presents Fertitta’s effective methods and over-the-top work ethic that helped him throughout his life.
Description of the show: Many entrepreneurs are into challenging, unpredictable reality TV shows, but sometimes, these can get very intense. The Grand Hustle, hosted by the rapper T.I., is the perfect pick if you want adrenaline along with your entrepreneurship lessons. This series is well-ranked on many business TV shows lists, in spite of the growing competition in its niche - thanks to their original idea!
The Grand Hustle teaches us about competition for the ‘right’ job, showing the challenges and obstacles that inventors face on a daily basis - and how they overcome them!
Description of the show: The 25-episodes long series The Newsroom is set around the fictional Atlantis Cable News (ACN). It’s about the unexpected changes in work ethic and morals once a new team comes in.
The Newsroom features plenty of decision-making situations solved through a fantastically-acted synergy and coherence between the characters. Learn information that can be used in real life, such as making the right choices when new people get hired in high positions, joining an already-established vibe with their own methods and work ethic.
Released in: June 24, 2012
Where to watch: HBO
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10 from 101,528 votes.
Conclusion
You wanted the best of the best shows for entrepreneurs?
That pretty much sums them up!
We know it can be a bit of a challenge to find time in your busy schedule for these shows, but you should at least try. Not only will it clear your head a bit, but it’ll be amusing to learn new ways of dealing with our ever-present challenges!
If we missed your favorite show, please let us know - we’re always ready to update our list with quality suggestions! We aim to help entrepreneurs reach their goals faster and better - and your feedback will mean a lot! Have a good one!
Every week, I’ll send you Failory’s latest interviews and articles, curated resources for founders, and updates on how I’m growing the site to $10k/mo. Join other +7,000 startup founders!
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