Mike Armitage

Background

About Mike Armitage

I live in the space between raw ideas and finished shows. My work is about turning sparks into intellectual property—shaping loose concepts into compelling stories, and stories into content that connects, whether it’s a breakout TV format, an unforgettable documentary, or a crowd-pleasing series. I started in journalism, reporting from the CBC News bureau in London and writing for The Globe and Mail. Then I shifted into unscripted TV, where I helped launch Dragons’ Den—a format that, in my view, became one of television’s most enduring success stories. Over seven seasons, I helped define its DNA, cast its now-iconic personalities, and earned two Canadian Screen Awards and a Gemini in the process. Since then, I’ve developed, pitched, and delivered shows across networks like Netflix, Discovery Channel, and History Channel, including: Rocky Mountain Wreckers (USA Network): Grit, adrenaline, and heavy-duty drama. Lost Car Rescue (History): Hidden gems, high stakes, and the wilds of Canada. Last Stop Garage (Discovery): Arctic mechanics, big laughs, and bigger fixes. Tougher Than It Looks (Discovery): First-person dives into impossible jobs. Compete to Eat (Cooking Channel): Food meets fun in a cottage-country showdown. Whether it’s a high-stakes doc, an irreverent series, or a bold new format, I focus on creating IP that feels fresh, sells itself, and sticks with viewers. For every show that airs, there are dozens you’ll never see—some too niche, some too early, and some just plain weird. But that’s the job: chase the sparks, shape the stories, and keep pushing. If you’re looking for someone who knows how to build, pitch, and deliver unscripted TV that works—let’s connect.