Woo Hoo! My favorite reality show is getting a spin-off. That’s right, I dare use the words “favorite” and “reality show” in the same sentence. Shark Tank, where successful business “tycoons” bid or don’t bid to fund businesses that clever entrepreneurs present, is a breakout hit for ABC on Friday nights (not traditionally a successful slot on the TV schedule), averaging 7.2 million viewers last season. Soon we addicts will be able to get a double fix, as a follow-up show, Beyond the Tank, has been announced. Apparently it will be similar to the updates we see during the regular Shark Tank episodes, only more in depth.

I’ve been a big fan of The Tank since I saw the British version, Dragon’s Den, on an international flight several years ago, and started hoping it would come to US TV. Apparently, Sony offered it to networks and it was turned down three times before ABC finally picked it up. I’ve been able to interview all of the Sharks for various articles, and also to visit the set to watch them in action. Mark Cuban really is ceaselessly enthusiastic and positive. Mr. Wonderful (Kevin O’Leary) isn’t half as cranky in person. Robert Herjavec is a sincere family guy. Daymond John is very cool, but warm of character. Lori Greiner and Barbara Corcoran are exemplary women who built their own fortunes and want to help others do the same.

Corcoran was even kind enough to give me a cover quote for my book Career Comeback—Repackage Yourself to get the Job You Want,* writing “If Career Comeback were a business, I’d invest in it—and I’d fight the other Sharks for control of it.”

What I’m saying here, is that Shark Tank is the real deal. Unlike many other so-called reality shows with plot points scripted in advance and actors hired to be cast members, the Sharks are true investors, and the products and businesses can be verified. Sure, the segments last much longer than what we see on television, and they’re skillfully edited, but those negotiations truly happen–you wouldn’t really want to see all the pauses, stammers and number crunching anyway.

One fascinating aspect of the spin-off could be to see what happens to the businesses that the Sharks pass on. We’ve heard that the promotion received from simply appearing on the show is priceless, and many hopefuls get funding from other interested investors, going on to great success.

In any case, I see Shark Tank as a show all about the triumph of the little guy — if you have a great idea, you can work hard, do your homework, and you too can succeed. I think viewers can never get enough of that.

*If you’re interested in receiving an autographed copy of Career Comeback for 10.99 (list price $24.99), get in touch with me via the contact page, and we’ll work it out.