ABC announces a special 'Shark Tank Week' leading into season premiere

Each night features a favorite episode of one of the Sharks

We're going to need a bigger week. ABC'S hit series "Shark Tank," fresh from a TCA Award win for Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming and 2013 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Reality Program, is eating up ABC's primetime schedule with a special "Shark Tank Week," beginning Sunday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m. "Shark Tank Week" will conclude on Friday, Sept. 13, at 9 p.m., gearing up for the season five premiere the following week, on Friday, Sept. 20 (9 p.m.), on the ABC Television Network.

The Sharks thoughtfully fished out six episodes from the past four seasons. Following are highlights from each episode, along with quotes from the Sharks themselves about why these episodes are among their personal favorites:

Sunday, 9/8 (8 p.m.) - (Mark Cuban's pick) - "Episode 401" - Two business partners from Bedford, N.H., demonstrate to the Sharks how to use SurfSet, their surf-inspired exercise equipment.

Mark said, "SurfSet fitness is one of my all-time favorite episodes because, not only did I have to work hard to get a deal, but because they are great people that I really enjoy working with." (Original airdate: 9/21/12)

Monday, 9/9 (8 p.m.) - (Lori Greiner's pick) - "Episode 407" - "This was the most compelling episode ever!," explained Lori Greiner. "Even though I knew what was going to happen, I was on the edge of my seat watching! The Scrub Daddy pitch is riveting as Daymond and I are in a fast-paced 'auction style' bidding war with a huge surprise twist at the end!"

"Also," she adds, "the Shemie (a modern day slip) pitch in this episode is an emotional roller coaster that revealed secrets and surprises none of us ever expected!" (OAD: 10/26/12)

Tuesday, 9/10 (8 p.m.) - (Robert Herjavec's pick) - "Episode 301" - Music lover Robert Herjavec enjoys the pitch-perfect presentation from a Dothan, Ala., man who is overcome with emotion when he explains why the Sharks should take ChordBuddy, his unique guitar learning system, on the road.

"A great investment is not just about the money - it's the product, pitch and, most importantly, the entrepreneur and his ability to execute," Robert said. "When you get all that - plus the benefit of a really fun guy and the chance to be a rock star - you get a home run!" (OAD: 2/3/12)

Wednesday, 9/11 (8 p.m.) - (Barbara Corcoran's pick) - "Episode 406" - "This episode is chock-full of everything that makes us all love 'Shark Tank!,' " Barbara said. "I meet my favorite entrepreneurs of all time - Young Sabin and Jim of Cousins Maine Lobster, a single but very profitable food truck in LA. The cousins answer a battery of tough questions without blinking an eye. But not one Shark thinks to ask the obvious: 'How long have you been in business?' I later learned that they had only been in business six months, but had watched every single episode of 'Shark Tank's' four seasons and prepared multiple answers for every question they heard!

"Walking, talking examples of over-preparation, a key trait found in every great entrepreneur. Sabin, Jim and I are reelin' in the dough; no surprise." (OAD: 10/19/12)

Thursday, 9/12 (8 p.m.) - (Daymond John's pick) - "Episode 315" -- Emotions run high on both sides of the Tank when Billy Blanks Jr., the once-homeless son of Tae Bo legend Billy Blanks, asks the Sharks to invest in Dance With Me, his and his wife's dance fitness program designed for all ages, shapes and sizes.

"Episode 315 was an emotional episode for me. After I realized Billy Blanks Jr. did not fully understand the deal Mark Cuban and I offered him, I got out of my seat and chased after him. I did not want this amazing person to walk away from a deal because of a misunderstanding. The episode shows that the person behind the company is always more important than the numbers." (OAD: 5/11/12)

Friday, 9/13 (9 p.m.) -- (Kevin O'Leary's pick) - "Episode 422" - A mother and daughter team from Cohasset, Mass., offer the Sharks a sweet opportunity to invest in Wicked Good Cupcakes, their homemade cupcakes-in-a-jar business.

Kevin O'Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful, said, "I love a strong woman who can run a business. I'd invest in a woman first before a man any day, and I did." (OAD: 4/26/13)

"Shark Tank" became a ratings force this past season, regularly finishing as Friday night's No. 1 program on the major networks among Adults 18-49. In addition, the series grew 17 percent year over year to deliver its highest-rated season ever.

Last season, the Sharks offered $12.8 million of their own money in investment deals. In season three, the Sharks offered more than $6.2 million; in season two they offered close to $4 million; and in the show's first season, they offered $5.4 million to entrepreneurs.

Mark Burnett, Clay Newbill and Phil Gurin are the executive producers of "Shark Tank," which is based on the Japanese "Dragons' Den" format created by Nippon Television Network Corp.