The twelfth season of Shark Tank, which spanned from October 16, 2020, to May 21, 2021, was an eclectic mix of novel ideas, groundbreaking products, and passionate entrepreneurs, all vying for a piece of the investment pie. The season, a testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit, was particularly notable given the myriad challenges presented by the global landscape.
At the heart of the show were the stalwart Sharks: the tech-savvy billionaire, Mark Cuban; the cybersecurity magnate, Robert Herjavec; real estate doyenne, Barbara Corcoran; FUBU founder and branding guru, Daymond John; the “Queen of QVC”, Lori Greiner; and the shrewd investor known as “Mr. Wonderful”, Kevin O’Leary. These seasoned veterans of the entrepreneurial world brought their unique experiences, expertise, and occasionally, their playful banter to the forefront, making each episode a learning experience for viewers and pitchers alike.
Injecting fresh energy and diverse perspectives into the tank were guest Sharks: TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie, jewelry designer Kendra Scott, former baseball pro Alex Rodriguez, and KIND Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky. Each guest Shark, with their distinct industry backgrounds and entrepreneurial journeys, added layers of depth to the discussions and negotiations, making the stakes even higher for the pitchers.
The season witnessed a plethora of retail products that left an indelible mark. Leading the pack was the BumpBoxx, not just a portable speaker, but an ode to bike enthusiasts everywhere. Mark Cuban, ever the enthusiast for products that resonate with the masses, saw its vast market potential, leading to an impressive investment. Then there was the Dino Don, an audacious venture that sought to bring the magic of the prehistoric era to the present with life-sized robotic dinosaurs. This caught the fancy of Kevin O’Leary, who is always on the lookout for unique products with a mass appeal.
Beauty and health products also found their limelight. The Nutrafol, which promises enhanced hair growth through scientific formulation, attracted Lori Greiner. Given Greiner’s history of picking products that resonate deeply with a vast audience, especially women, Nutrafol’s success post the show was almost a foregone conclusion.
Barbara Corcoran, with her sharp eye for practical solutions to everyday problems, was naturally drawn to the Sip & Seal. The ingenious cup, designed to provide a spill-free experience, reflected the sort of simple yet effective innovation that often leads to success in the retail world.
While products were the stars of the show, the stories behind them — of grit, determination, failures, and eventual success — resonated deeply. Entrepreneurs from all walks of life entered the tank, each with a tale, a dream, and a product or service they believed in.
Interestingly, the season’s statistics painted a vivid picture. With a whopping 232 pitches presented and a cumulative investment reaching $142.5 million, the average deal size stood at around $612,000. These figures not only reflect the scale of investment opportunities but also the trust and faith the Sharks placed in the potential of these ventures.
In conclusion, Season 12 of Shark Tank was more than just a reality show; it was a celebration of the indomitable entrepreneurial spirit. The blend of familiar faces, fresh perspectives, and standout products transformed it into a canvas of dreams, aspirations, and the relentless pursuit of success. For viewers, it was a masterclass in business, negotiation, and the art of the pitch. For entrepreneurs, it was a reminder that with the right blend of passion, product, and pitch, even the loftiest dreams can come true.
Season 12 Episodes (2020-2021)
| # Overall | # in Season | Name of Episode | Original Air Date | Production Code | U.S. Viewers |
| 247 | 1 | Rumpl Blankets, Touch Up Cup, GarmaGuard, SparkCharge | October 16, 2020 | 1201 | 4,030,000 |
| 248 | 2 | P-Nuff Crunch, BootayBag, GoOats, Pooch Paper | October 23, 2020 | 1202 | 3,900,000 |
| 249 | 3 | Hug Sleep, The Cereal Killerz Cereal Bar, Chirp Exercise Wheel, Animated Lure | October 30, 2020 | 1203 | 4,420,000 |
| 250 | 4 | Mighty Carver, Surprise Cake, JADA Spices, Flipstik | November 6, 2020 | 1205 | 2,310,000 |
| 251 | 5 | Foam Party Hats, Bee d’Vine Honey Wine, Fitfighter, LiftiD | November 13, 2020 | 1204 | 4,550,000 |
| 252 | 6 | Prime 6 Charcoal, K9 Mask, Moment, Pan’s Mushroom Jerky | November 20, 2020 | 1206 | 4,290,000 |
| 253 | 7 | The Holiball, Buckle Me Baby Coats, ODR Skis, The Toilet Timer | December 4, 2020 | 1207 | 4,060,000 |
| 254 | 8 | Click & Carry, Codi Storytelling Robot, Peekaboo, Brake Free | December 11, 2020 | 1125 | 3,980,000 |
| 255 | 9 | ALL33, Trophy Smack, Electra, His & Her Bar | January 8, 2021 | 1210 | 4,680,000 |
| 256 | 10 | Love Is Project, Bubbly Blaster, Luna Magic, Slice of Sauce | January 15, 2021 | 1211 | 4,390,000 |
| 257 | 11 | Aura Bora, Quevos, SwipenSnap, Brumachen Brewer | January 22, 2021 | 1213 | 4,200,000 |
| 258 | 12 | Rule Breaker, MountainFlow Eco-Wax, Yono Clip, NightCap | February 5, 2021 | 1208 | 4,680,000 |
| 259 | 13 | Jax Sheets, The Pizza Cupcake, IceBeanie, Draft Top | February 12, 2021 | 1209 | 4,380,000 |
| 260 | 14 | Pashion Footwear, Souper Cubes, Byoot Company, Sienna Sauce | February 19, 2021 | 1214 | 4,640,000 |
| 261 | 15 | Better Bedder, Everything Legendary, Walkee Paws, Hopscotch | February 26, 2021 | 1212 | 4,600,000 |
| 262 | 16 | Simply Good Jars, Pinch Me Therapy Dough, Muff Waders, BusyBaby Mat | March 5, 2021 | 1217 | 4,620,000 |
| 263 | 17 | Misfit Foods, Chill Systems, Tandem Boogie, Totes Babies | March 12, 2021 | 1216 | 4,080,000 |
| 264 | 18 | NuMilk, Hairy Grabster, Mad Rabbit, Bunch Bikes | March 26, 2021 | 1219 | 4,020,000 |
| 265 | 19 | StepNPull, DynoSafe, Probiotic Maker, Phoozy | April 2, 2021 | 1220 | 3,880,000 |
| 266 | 20 | OpulenceMD Beauty, The Cheese Chopper, The Matte, Furzapper | April 9, 2021 | 1215 | 4,310,000 |
| 267 | 21 | Truffle Shuffle, Suds2Go, Salad Sling, Larq | April 16, 2021 | 1218 | 4,070,000 |
| 268 | 22 | Jiggy Puzzles, The Scrubbie, The Bumbling Bee, XTorch | April 23, 2021 | 1224 | 4,130,000 |
| 269 | 23 | Grind, Creation Nation, Sneakerasers, BEERMKR | May 7, 2021 | 1223 | 3,610,000 |
| 270 | 24 | Pluto, FlingGolf, FloatNGrill, The Original Stretchlace | May 14, 2021 | 1221 | 3,600,000 |
| 271 | 25 | DinoDon, Copper Cow Coffee, Lit Handlers, Super Potty Trainer | May 21, 2021 | 1222 | 3,550,000 |