Most business owners don’t have much downtime. When an unexpected break or a free night occurs, it feels good to relax and stretch out on the couch – and maybe watch a little TV.
A while ago, I was channel surfing one evening and happened to stumble upon the first episode of “The Men Who Built America,” The History Channel’s series about John D. Rockefeller, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford and J.P. Morgan. Each show builds upon the next, explaining how these business titans rose from obscurity and built companies that shaped America. It’s a terrific series that may air again at some point.
In the meantime, entrepreneurs can find plenty of other TV programs about starting a business, or a new adventure later in life. Here are a few shows that educate, inspire and/or entertain.
Your Business (MSNBC) – Hosted by JJ Ramberg, this show profiles small business owners and offers advice from business experts and investors. https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/yourbusinesstv/
Growing Bolder TV – Spotlights ordinary people in search of extraordinary lives. As Growing Bolder’s website puts it, “It’s not about age; it’s about attitude.” http://tv.growingbolder.com/about-the-show/
BarHunters (Discovery Channel) — First-time bar owners pursue their dream of opening a bar with the help of expert Tom Powers. http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/barhunters
How I Made My Millions (CNBC) — Reveals how everyday people have taken ordinary ideas and turned them in extraordinary businesses. Focuses on companies that have surpassed $1 million. http://www.cnbc.com/id/38657599
Cake Boss (TLC) –This half‐hour focuses on Buddy Valastro as he manages his booming business, Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, NJ, along with his big Italian family – including his mother and sisters – who run the shop with him. http://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/cake-boss
Shark Tank (ABC) — The “Sharks” — tough, self-made, multi-millionaire and billionaire tycoons — give budding entrepreneurs the chance to make their dreams come true and potentially secure business deals that could make them millionaires. http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank
Undercover Boss (CBS) — A reality series that follows high-level corporate executives as they slip anonymously into the rank-and-file of their own companies. http://www.cbs.com/shows/undercover_boss/
Life Reimagined TODAY with Jane Pauley (NBC) – Pauley is back once a month on the TODAY show as AARP’s contributor. Her segment “shines a spotlight on people in midlife who are reimagining their lives, creating real possibilities and pursuing their dreams.” http://lifereimagined.aarp.org/JanePauley
Late Blooming Entrepreneurs 
Lynne,
Thanks so much for including Growing Bolder on your list! We really appreciate the support.
Happy to give a shout out to Growing Bolder, which has great content!
Thanks for this article.
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading.
I’d add Restaurant Impossible. Rob Irvine is a force!
I haven’t seen that show. Will have to check it out. Thanks for the addition!
busy verses productive 😉 thank you for this blog, thank you for the links
You’re welcome. Point well taken on “busy verses productive.” There’s a big difference between the two!
Lynne thank you.
Although I am currently not focusing on setting up a
business, truth is always valuable!
Your blog is inspirational.
I’m glad it is. I’d like to think many of the ideas here apply to any next act — whether it’s a new business or something else.
Great article.
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
Reblogged this on Sustainable Impact.
Thank you.