The latest season of BBC's Dragons' Den has drawn criticism from viewers who found its return "boring" and "unoriginal." Complaints on social media platform X focused on the perceived decline in pitch quality and the demeanor of the two new investors introduced for season 23.
Jenna Meek and Susie Ma have joined the panel as guest judges, replacing long-time investors Touker Suleyman and Sara Davies. However, viewers have described Meek and Ma as "cold" and "self-important," with some stating they "fast-forwarded" through the episode. "I'm not warming to Jenna and Susie at all. Seems very cold," one viewer commented. Another suggested "some tension between the two female guest judges."
Meek, 34, is the CEO of Refy Beauty, a company with annual turnover exceeding £40 million and a net worth estimated over £52 million. Ma has scaled her skincare brand Tropic from a market stall to a business valued at £68 million. Ma joined as a guest judge in October, expressing a hope to "back the old," while Meek, who previously worked as a product developer at Burberry, made her debut earlier this year.
Several viewers expressed a preference for the previous lineup. "This isn't the same without Sara and Touker," another post read. Touker Suleyman, 72, confirmed his departure from the show after "10 extraordinary years," stating it was time for "new blood" to join the Den.
Fans also found the business pitches to be repetitive. Pitches included a "powder to liquid" shampoo and conditioner, a traditional sweets shop, a spice company, and a sustainable travel business. "Watching this again after missing [the] last couple of series and it all feels very samey...hair care, spicy food mixes, sustainable travel," one viewer wrote. Another summarized the offerings as "Shampoo, sweets and food. Where are the inventors and real entrepreneurs?"
Suleyman, who joined the show for series 13, brought 50 years of retail and manufacturing experience to the panel. He is known for owning Hawes & Curtis and the womenswear brand Ghost. He announced his exit earlier this year, explaining his decision to "pass the torch" and mentor entrepreneurs he has already invested in. Suleyman's final episodes are scheduled to air throughout the current season.