Is Shark Tank Scripted? What We Know About Stare-Downs & More

One thing that's edited is the introduction between the sharks and entrepreneurs. On television, audiences see the latter walking out and diving right into a pitch. But on set, the interaction between the two parties isn't quite as instant. According to a "Shark Tank" exposé by D Magazine, before a pitch can begin, the entrepreneurs are filmed on stage for an entire minute from a variety of angles. As producers get what they need, it's a silent staredown between them and the sharks. The outlet said of witnessing this unfold, "It is excruciating to watch."

Aside from this, Mark Cuban stressed that "Shark Tank" is a reality show that viewers can trust is actually real. He told D Magazine, "You can't make this **** up." The excitement (or lack thereof) seen by Cuban and his fellow sharks over the businesses presented to them isn't staged for entertainment purposes. Even when after the entrepreneur has left the stage, they animatedly discuss the highs and lows of the pitch in un-filmed conversations. It's a passion for all of the sharks, especially Cuban, who said, "I want to help companies grow and help people have their dreams come true."