ABC’s long-running business reality show Shark Tank is gearing up for a major shake-up in Season 17, promising a refreshed panel, midweek airtime, and the emotional departure of one of its most iconic investors, Mark Cuban.
According to Variety, this season will spotlight several dynamic new guest sharks, alongside familiar favorites, as entrepreneurs once again pitch their ideas in hopes of securing life-changing investments.
New Faces Join the Tank
This season introduces a variety of powerhouse guest investors, including Allison Ellsworth, founder and Chief Brand Officer of Poppi, and Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and a seasoned venture capitalist. Power couple Chip and Joanna Gaines, the brains behind the Magnolia brand, will also make their Shark Tank debut.
Other notable guest sharks include Michael Strahan, co-anchor of Good Morning America and SMAC co-founder, and Fawn Weaver, the founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Inc. Meanwhile, Kendra Scott and Rashaun Williams will return, having previously appeared as guest sharks in Season 16.
A New Era Without Mark Cuban
Among the returning full-time sharks—Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and Daniel Lubetzky—a glaring absence will be that of Mark Cuban.
After 15 seasons on the show, Cuban has officially stepped away from the Tank. In an interview with People, he explained, “I want to be there for my children when they return to school in September.” He emphasized that he had “no second thoughts” about his decision, choosing to prioritize time with his children—Alexis, Alyssa, and Jake.
Cuban originally joined as a guest in 2002 and became a permanent fixture by the following year, famously offering the show’s biggest investment—a $30 million deal with Zipz Wine.
New Time Slot for Shark Tank Season 17
In a notable scheduling shift, TV Insider reports that Shark Tank will no longer air on its traditional Friday night slot. Instead, the show will move to Wednesdays at 10/9c, following hit series like Abbott Elementary (Season 5), Shifting Gears (Season 2), and The Golden Bachelor (Season 2) in ABC’s Fall 2025 primetime lineup.
As the Tank evolves, fans can expect not only new investment strategies but also new dynamics as fresh voices enter the pitch room. With Mark Cuban’s departure, the show’s landscape enters a pivotal phase—one that promises both nostalgia and innovation.
