“I’m tired of missing that”- Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban on leaving the show for family

Following the upcoming 16th season of Shark Tank, billionaire investor and veteran shark Mark Cuban will be leaving the reality TV series. A regular on the show since season 3, Cuban decided to put his family first.

In an interview with TheWrap on October 14, 2024, Cuban stated:

“We shoot in June and September, and just getting the opportunity now when they’re getting out of school to be able to spend time directly with them, that’s important. I’m tired of missing that.”

On Friday, October 18, ABC will debut the new season of Shark Tank. Viewers can stream the episodes on Hulu the following day.

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Mark Cuban's decision to leave Shark Tank

Cuban explained that the main reason behind his departure was to prioritize his family.

“I’m leaving just to spend more time with my kids — they’re teenagers now. When they were younger, my wife and I got to tell them where to be and when; now they ain’t listening to us,” Cuban said.

Although Cuban's frequent appearances on the series are coming to an end, the multibillionaire businessman stated that his work is far from over.

Cuban assured supporters that he would return from time to time to provide updates on past agreements, saying:

"I still have to do updates with the companies that I've invested in."

Cuban is one of the show's most active investors, having supported 85 businesses since joining the cast.

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Daymond John on the influence of Mark Cuban

When considering Cuban's tenure on Shark Tank, fellow shark Daymond John gave him credit for rescuing the program in its infancy. According to John, the show was in danger of being canceled before Cuban came.

“Very few people know that Mark really saved the show. The show was going to be canceled in its first three years because nobody could explain the show,” John shared.

According to John, Cuban’s involvement shifted the focus toward entrepreneurship, which resonated with viewers.

“Mark Cuban found out that it was one of the top shows to watch for kids and families and he said, ‘I’ll come on if it’s about entrepreneurship,’” John said.

Due to Cuban's efforts, Shark Tank gained more recognition and was featured on well-known talk shows including The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

The popularity of the show skyrocketed as a result, and Cuban stayed for 15 seasons—much longer than his original commitment of one or two years.

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Cuban's legacy on Shark Tank

Cuban’s impact on the reality fixture extends beyond saving the show. He explained that his participation was driven by the message of entrepreneurship and the American dream.

“Just the message it sent to all the viewers of the United States of America, that the American dream is alive and well,” Cuban said.

He underlined how watching competitors from all walks of life follow their aspirations inspires people throughout the nation.

“If they can do it, anybody watching can do it. And being able to send that message was always the most special part of Shark Tank to me.”

In addition to having an impact on the show's popularity, Cuban's participation was crucial in motivating would-be business owners.

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What’s next for Shark Tank?

Fans can anticipate the same emphasis on entrepreneurship that has contributed to Shark Tank's success as the show moves into its 16th season.

Other sharks like Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O'Leary, and Lori Greiner will still appear on the show, even though Cuban may be leaving his regular role.

Viewers can still anticipate his return for sporadic updates on the businesses he has invested in, even though his emphasis on family marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

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ABC will broadcast the season debut on Friday, October 18, at 8 pm EST / 7 pm CST and Hulu will stream it the next day.