Shark Tank Season 18 Unveils New Guest Sharks and Permanent Cast Changes

ABC announced that “Shark Tank” returns in fall 2026, airing Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC and streaming on Hulu. The season adds seven guest sharks—Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), Jeffrey Housenbold, Mindy Kaling, J.J. Watt, Erin and Sara Foster, and Steven Bartlett—and promotes Kendra Scott and Rashaun Williams to permanent sharks with Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Daniel Lubetzky and Kevin O’Leary. Mark Cuban left after Season 16 in 2025.

Variety MagazineMindy Kaling, MrBeast, and More Guest Sharks Revealed for Season 18 of "Shark Tank"ABC7 New YorkExpress TribuneHollywood Reporter‘Shark Tank’ Reveals Powerhouse Roster of Guest Sharks for Season 18Deadline Hollywood‘Shark Tank’ Makes Big Cast Change for Season 18People Magazine

Since its 2009 debut, “Shark Tank” has become a top-rated ABC unscripted series, earning 27 Emmy nominations and five wins. The show is produced by MGM Television (Amazon MGM Studios) with Sony Pictures Television. Cuban’s exit was described as a personal decision to spend more time with his teenage sons.

Variety Magazine

Guest sharks include Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), Jeffrey Housenbold, Mindy Kaling, J.J. Watt, Erin and Sara Foster, and Steven Bartlett. Promoted permanent sharks are Kendra Scott and Rashaun Williams.

‘Shark Tank’ Reveals Powerhouse Roster of Guest Sharks for Season 18

ABC’s press release called the roster an “all-star lineup” that blends business expertise with entertainment. Mark Cuban said his departure was motivated by family time, not the show. Lori Greiner highlighted the program’s family viewership and its role in helping entrepreneurs. Rashaun Williams said his role lets him sit beside investors without sifting through thousands of pitch decks.

People Magazine

Industry observers note the guest roster is “a starrier bunch than past seasons, with content creators and podcasters more present than true business executives,” indicating a shift toward celebrity appeal.

Hollywood Reporter

All sources confirm a fall return, but no exact premiere date is provided. Some outlets say episodes will launch on Wednesdays; others state the date “will be announced at a later time,” leaving the schedule ambiguous.

People Magazine

• “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. I love being on it. I love what [it] represents and how it motivates entrepreneurs around the world.” — Mark Cuban, former shark

Hollywood Reporter

• “I think one of the things that I love about our show is that 18 years later people come up to me all the time and they say, ‘This is the only show my whole family watches together,’” — Lori Greiner, shark

People Magazine

• “I never thought I could turn my passion for design into a thriving business that celebrates individuality and self-expression while giving back to women and youth causes,” — Kendra Scott, permanent shark

‘Shark Tank’ Reveals Powerhouse Roster of Guest Sharks for Season 18

• “My strategy is a little different from most of the Sharks,” — Rashaun Williams, permanent shark

‘Shark Tank’ Reveals Powerhouse Roster of Guest Sharks for Season 18

Season 18 will debut in fall 2026 on ABC and Hulu, where the expanded panel will evaluate new pitches.

Express Tribune