Mark Cuban, the billionaire investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has announced that he will be leaving ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank” after season 16.
Cuban has been a mainstay on the show since joining as a full-time shark in season 3 back in 2011.
Reasons For Leaving
Cuban first revealed the news on the “All The Smoke” podcast, saying “Next year, our 16th year, is gonna be my last year, so I got one more year to go. It’s time.” according to CBS News.
While Cuban loves the show and what it represents, he cited wanting to spend more time with his teenage children as the main reason for his departure. As Cuban told The Hollywood Reporter, “I just want to have a couple summers with my teens before they go off on their own. Nothing to do with the show. I love it.” The Hollywood Reporter reported.
Impact on the Show
Cuban has been one of the most popular sharks on the show, known for his savvy business insights and investments. He’s invested in hundreds of companies during his tenure, per CBS News.
His departure is a major loss for the show. Cuban was the only remaining original shark from season 3. It’s unclear if the show will bring on a new shark to replace Cuban or continue with the current panel, Vulture suggested.
ABC has not yet confirmed Cuban’s exit or announced plans for the future of Shark Tank. The other sharks – Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, and Robert Herjavec – have not publicly commented.
Looking Back on His Time as a Shark
Reflecting on his time on Shark Tank, Cuban said “I love it because it sends the message the American dream is alive and well.” CBS News shared.
He added, “I feel like in doing ‘Shark Tank’ all these years, we’ve trained multiple generations of entrepreneurs that if somebody can come from Iowa or Sacramento or wherever, and show up on the carpet of ‘Shark Tank‘ and show their business and get a deal, it’s going to inspire generations of kids.” according to NewsNation.
While Cuban said his Shark Tank investments are currently “down a little bit” on a cash basis, he noted they are “way up” on a mark-to-market basis, CBS News stated. Overall, Cuban seems proud of his tenure on the show and the impact it has had.
Looking Ahead
After season 16 airs in 2024, Cuban will shift his focus to spending time with his three children before they leave home. He will also continue running the Dallas Mavericks and his many business ventures.
While Cuban’s time as a shark is coming to an end, his business acumen and investment advice have already inspired countless entrepreneurs. His legacy on Shark Tank is assured.
Who will replace Mark Cuban on Shark Tank?
- Mark Cuban announced he will leave Shark Tank after season 16, ending his run after joining the show in 2011 for season 3 [1][2][3].
- ABC has not yet commented on Cuban’s departure or who will replace him. This leaves 5 main sharks for season 16: Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary, and Lori Greiner [1].
- Mark Cuban suggested Emma Grede, co-founder of SKIMS and Good American, could be a good replacement. He praised her entrepreneurial skills and ability to help companies grow [2].
- Other potential replacements suggested by reports include Tyler Perry or Kind executive chairman Daniel Lubetzky [5].
- Fans have reacted strongly to Cuban’s planned exit, with many expressing it will be difficult to replace him. Some feel it could negatively impact viewership as Cuban was a fan favorite [5].
- Cuban explained he wants to spend more time with his family before his kids leave home as the reason for leaving, not any issue with the show itself [3][5].
- The 16th season, Cuban’s last, would likely air in 2025. He will be the first original shark to leave the show since it began in 2009 [6].
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