SEASON PREMIERE

'SHARK TANK,' THE GROUND-BREAKING AND MULTI-EMMY AWARD-WINNING SERIES THAT BOTH ENTERTAINS AND INSPIRES, RETURNS ON A NEW NIGHT FOR SEASON NINE WITH TWO EPISODES ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

New Sharks Featured in the Tank Premiere Night Are Sir Richard Branson, Iconic Philanthropist and Billionaire Founder of the Virgin Group, and Rohan Oza, Branding Expert and Prolific Investor in Knockout Hits Vitaminwater, Smartwater, and Bai

"Shark Tank," the critically acclaimed reality show that recently won its fourth consecutive Emmy and revolutionized entrepreneurship in America, is back for a ninth season with the Sharks continuing the search to invest in the best ideas, businesses and products that America has to offer. The two-hour season premiere is on a new night, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT). The show will air in its regular time period beginning Sunday, October 8 (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT).

"Episode 903" - Things get fiery in the Tank when Sir Richard Branson vents his frustration with Mark Cuban in a shocking, never-before-seen way. An 11-year-old inventor, skater and surfer from San Clemente, California, solved a problem he had by recycling a skateboard deck to fit inside lockers and backpacks; an entrepreneur from Meridianville, Alabama, is revolutionizing aerial sports with his exhilarating human flight experience; a husband and wife team from Vicksburg, Mississippi, have literally elevated the camping experience with their outdoor camping gear; and an entrepreneur from San Francisco, California, claims her five-minute meditation app will help the world reduce stress, improve focus and sleep better.

Adventurer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Richard Branson is featured in a profile highlighting how he made a career out of breaking tradition. Founder of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard has created more than 400 companies spanning travel, financial services, telecom, health & wellness, and more recently, space travel.

The Sharks in this episode are Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec and Sir Richard Branson.

"Episode 904" - Entrepreneurs from Park City, Utah, and Burbank, California, have the ultimate survival kits to help get through the first 72 hours of an emergency; parents from Crested Butte, Colorado, were inspired by their son's rare illness to create a thriving business that is disrupting the snack chip industry; an entrepreneur from Cary, North Carolina, has a unique way to engage kids with a wireless microphone that you can throw; and a recent college graduate from Hamilton, New York, designed an app that takes the guesswork and turbulence out of navigating big airports.

Also, a profile on serial investor Rohan Oza, dubbed "Hollywood's Brandfather" by the Hollywood Reporter and the mastermind behind some of the most iconic brands in the consumer space today. Born and raised in Zambia and of Indian descent, the profile highlights his humble but proud road to entrepreneurial success.

The Sharks in this episode are Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec and Rohan Oza.

Mark Burnett, Clay Newbill, Yun Lingner and Phil Gurin are the executive producers of "Shark Tank," which is based on the Japanese "Dragons' Den" format, created by NIPPON TV. The series is produced by MGM Television in association with Sony Pictures Television.

"Shark Tank" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with stereo sound. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.