The Celebrity Apprentice will return to NBC in the 2016-17 season with a new host — Arnold Schwarzenegger. With Donald Trump officially out, the 68-year-old actor, body-builder and politician will step in.
“We are thrilled to be opening a powerful new chapter in the story of the Apprentice franchise,” President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment, Paul Telegdy, said in a statement. “Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of a global brand in entertainment and business, and his accomplishments in the political arena speak for themselves. It was Arnold’s personal passion for the format that Mark Burnett and Donald Trump built over the last decade, as well as his fresh take on how to take it to new heights for today’s audiences, that made him the man to hire. The Celebrity Apprentice … will be back!”
Arnold also released a statement of his own, showing his excitement:
“I have always been a huge fan of The Celebrity Apprentice and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork,” he said. “I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let’s get started!”
Keeping The Show Similar To The Original
As for creator Mark Burnett, he wanted to continue the show in respect to the way it started — all about the charities.
“After leaving the show to run for political office, Donald made it clear that he wanted The Celebrity Apprentice to be able to continue to raise millions of dollars annually for worthy causes, and now NBC and I have found an amazing new leader to do just that,” Burnett said in his statement. “Gov. Schwarzenegger will use his vast and highly successful business, political and media experience to drive this hit franchise to new heights.”
As for Trump, he tweeted, “Congrats to my friend @Schwarzenegger who is doing next season’s Celebrity Apprentice. He’ll be great & will raise lots of $ for charity. To all my fans, sorry I couldn’t do The Apprentice any longer—but equal time (presidential run) prohibits me from doing so. Love!”
