In a recent interview with the Showtime podcast All The Smoke, entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban revealed that he will be leaving the popular reality show Shark Tank after its upcoming 16th season. The show, created by Mark Burnett, is currently in its 15th season and has become a mainstay in American television.

Cuban, who first appeared as a guest on Shark Tank in season 2 before joining as a regular shark the following year, expressed his decision, saying, "It's time." Over the years, he has become a beloved figure on the show, offering guidance and investment opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs.

During the interview with hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, Cuban shared his love for the show, stating, "I love it because it sends the message the American dream is alive and well." He emphasized the impact that Shark Tank has had on inspiring generations of kids, illustrating that anyone, regardless of their background or location, can achieve success.

Reflecting on his journey on the show, Cuban mentioned, "I've invested in, I don't know how many hundreds of companies. On a cash basis, I'm down a little bit, but on mark to market meeting, the companies are still in operation. I'm way up."

When the hosts inquired about Cuban's investment strategy on Shark Tank, he provided insights on his decision-making process. "I just listen to them," Cuban explained. "Body language matters, the harder they have to try to sell, the worse the deal." He further added, "The longer the back story, the worse the deal. Tell me about your business, tell me why you are going to be successful."

While ABC has not officially confirmed Cuban's departure from the show, an insider revealed that the entrepreneur has previously mentioned the possibility of leaving. As a key figure on Shark Tank, Cuban's exit will undoubtedly mark the end of an era for the popular reality series.

Fans of the show can tune in to season 16 to witness Cuban's final appearances on Shark Tank. The entrepreneur's departure will be a significant change for the long-running series, leaving a void that will need to be filled by future guest sharks.

As the show continues to inspire and empower aspiring entrepreneurs, Cuban's impact on Shark Tank will remain a testament to the resilience of the American dream and the power of pursuing one's passion in the business world.