The "Shark Tank" investors. Mike Nudelman/Business Insider "Shark Tank," the show that took venture capital pitches mainstream, returns Friday for its eighth season.

Over the past seven years, the series has not only picked up Emmys for being an entertaining reality show, but has created ubiquitous brands like Scrub Daddy cleaning supplies and Bantam Bagels, which recently made it into Starbucks nationwide.

The show is an entertainment product and a launchpad for hundreds of American startups, requiring a careful combination of high-level production and management.

Through several interviews with the Sharks, we've learned some interesting behind-the-scenes details hidden from viewers. We've collected them below.