Go to main content

Dragons' Den Fires Up a New Season With The Wealthy Barber

All-new seventh season begins on CBC Television Wednesday September 19 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT)

September 13, 2012 - Canada’s favourite unscripted program DRAGONS’ DEN returns to CBC Television with an exciting new addition. David Chilton, Canada’s best-known personal finance author, joins the Den this season, bringing his unique perspective to the esteemed panel.

** VIDEO: Click to view /embed an exclusive interview with new Dragon, David Chilton**

This is the Year of the Dragon, and for the Den it signifies more deals, more heat and more drama as the country’s fiercest investors dig deep into their wallets to support some of Canada’s best entrepreneurs. Win or lose, the pitchers appearing on the show continue to reap the benefits of the “Dragons’ Den Effect,” experiencing dramatic jumps in sales and other incredible business growth opportunities.

For the first time ever, people at home will have the chance to have their say in the Den. By visiting cbc.ca/dragonsden, viewers at home will be able to play along with the show, and have their activity displayed back on TV - in real time. This kind of social TV integration is the first of its kind in the world to occur live, in each time zone.

The five well-loved - and feared - Dragons in the Den this season are:

David Chilton, Publishing Powerhouse - Chilton is a former stock broker and author of the personal finance book The Wealthy Barber, ranked as Canada’s all-time best-selling book, having reached 10 per cent of Canadian households. He’s also had incredible success as publisher and president of a series of low-fat cookbooks under the Looneyspoons brand. Chilton has been a devoted fan of DRAGONS’ DEN since its debut and looks forward to backing strong entrepreneurs who brave the Den this season.

Bruce Croxon, Internet Mogul - Croxon is an active investor, advisor and start-up champ who co-founded one of the best-known online dating websites in the world, Lavalife.

Arlene Dickinson, Marketing Maven - One of Canada’s most renowned independent communications entrepreneurs, Dickinson is CEO of marketing firm Venture Communications, a creative powerhouse with a blue-chip client list.

Kevin O’Leary, Investment Guru - The Bay Street Bigmouth and television pundit started his fortune selling educational software and now manages O’Leary Funds, his own mutual-fund company.

Jim Treliving, Franchise Baron - This former RCMP officer has 40 years of franchising experience with both Boston Pizza and Mr. Lube. He also manages a portfolio of multi-million dollar property, sports and real-estate investments.

 

**VIDEO: Click here to view/embed a sneak peek of the new Dragons’ Den season opening**

DRAGONS’ DEN is the highest rated Canadian unscripted program on television, with an average audience of over 1.3 million Canadians each week. In addition to its success on-air, DRAGONS’ DEN is also a hit online, boasting an active and engaged online community averaging more than 650,000 page views per month. Full episodes and exclusive behind-the-scenes content can be viewed at cbc.ca/dragonsden.

DRAGONS’ DEN is filmed at CBC Headquarters in Toronto, ON and airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) and Sundays at 9 p.m. (9:30 NT) on CBC Television. Tracie Tighe is Executive Producer and Lisa Gabriele is Senior Producer. Dianne Buckner hosts.

Find the show online at:
cbc.ca/dragonsden
facebook.com/dragonsden
@cbcdragon   #cbcdragonsden

For media inquiries, please contact:
Erin Richards, Publicist, CBC
Erin.Richards@CBC.CA 416 205 7994 (office) / 416 627 5728 (mobile)

Related content

Discover

March 25th at 15:00

New to CBC Gem in April

Highlights of programs new to CBC Gem this April include CBC’s great Canadian book debate, Canada Reads, returning for its 25th edition from April 13 through April 16; new two-part CBC original POV documentary Speechless (April 14); and new CBC original series Must Love Dogs (April 20, pictured). 
February 20th at 12:20

New to CBC Gem in March 2026

March on CBC Gem includes coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games from March 6–15; new original CBC docuseries Cirque Life (March 19, also on CBC TV); The 55th Annual JUNO Awards (live on March 29) hosted by Mae Martin; and the Spotlight on Canadian Film Collection, including CBC Films' titles such as D.W. Waterson's Backspot (pictured). 
February 17th at 5:45

CBC Greenlights Six Original Kids Series

CBC today announced the greenlight of six new and returning original kids series from Canadian creators and producers, reinforcing the national public broadcaster’s commitment to serve children and families with homegrown storytelling that inspires, entertains and informs. 
February 9th at 10:32

Just for Laughs, NorthWest Comedy & CBC Announce Production of CBC Gem Original Series THE NEW WAVE OF STANDUP Season 7

Make ‘em laugh… The New Wave of Standup Season 7 brings together another incredible array of 14 comedians from across the country. The live show taping returns to the iconic Gastown establishment, Guilt & Co. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. 
January 26th at 12:50

Dragons’ Den Full Circle finale event to close milestone Season 20, airing February 26 and March 5 on CBC and CBC Gem

CBC’s hit series Dragons’ Den will mark its milestone 20th season with a two-episode, Full Circle finale event on Thursday, February 26 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) and Thursday, March 5 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC and the free CBC Gem streaming service.