Posted on 03/17/2010 5:43:24 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
NBC is rebooting the original "Apprentice," going back to the show's roots where unemployed contestants get a chance at a dream job working for Donald Trump.
Producer Mark Burnett and Trump will cast 14 everyday job-seekers looking for a fresh start. The show will air next fall. Though "Celebrity Apprentice" hasn't been officially picked up for next year, it's expected to continue as well, meaning NBC will have an "Apprentice" all season.
"'The Apprentice' is a proven brand, and we believe its return is more relevant than ever since it will provide new hope for many Americans struggling in this difficult job market," said Paul Telegdy, executive vp of alternative programming for NBC. "Donald is going to be even more involved as he offers fantastic opportunities for the American worker, while the search for a quality job will resonate with contemporary viewers."
Here's a quick Q&A with Donald Trump about the this season of "Celebrity Apprentice," the fall reboot and his new rival -- CBS' "Undercover Boss."
THR: Why reboot the original?
Trump: The original has always done really well. It ran six seasons, some weeks it was the No. 1 show on TV. We wanted to do "Celebrity" but didn't want to do both at the same time -- we tried the Martha Stewart one at the same time and that didn't go very well, to put it lightly. And there were all these copies of "The Apprentice" out there, which have since gone away. Because of the economy, we've been inundated with people asking us to redo the original. We did the original when the economy was booming, and if anything now it would be more relevant.
THR: "The Apprentice" launched the business reality genre, but recently another show -- CBS' "Undercover Boss" -- has found an audience. What do you think of it?
Trump: I think it's good. I like the concept of it. It was launched by the "Apprentice" -- until "The Apprentice" there's never been a successful business show on primetime. There's been 15 copies that failed, but ["Boss"] didn't fail.
THR: What can viewers expect new this season on "Celebrity Apprentice"?
Trump: "Celebrity Apprentice" is interesting because the last one is really mean with lots of hatred. This one doesn't have the same level of hatred, but has a lot of humor. It does get very nasty as it goes along, but there is a different tone than the last one.
THR: Sarah Palin is shopping a reality show. Have you asked her to be on "Celebrity Apprentice"?
Trump: She'd be great. Not a bad idea.
THR: You own Miss USA and Miss Universe. What do you think about Miss America being without a network again?
Trump: It's very sad. We just got extended for three years. There's no reason why it shouldn't do well, but there's been some bad decisions made over there.
THR: Do you think we're headed for a double-dip recession? Or are the market gains we've seen this past year going to hold up?
Trump: I don't think it's going to go up much, but I don't think it's going to be a double-dip either. I think it's going to be largely flat and stay that way for a long time. I've said it before: Nothing can happen until the Chinese problem is taken care of -- we're not manufacturing anything. And nothing can happen until the OPEC problem is taken care of. We need to take care of both those issues for our economy to get back on track.
I am never voting for a McCain supporter.
So you didn't vote for McCain/Palin in 2008?
of course I did. But now I know more about McPain and we have time to stop him if he runs again.
You think Senator McCain will be the GOP presidential nominee in 2012? It doesn’t work that way anymore. Once you’ve lost, you’re out. Besides, he’s too old. If you voted for him in 2008, you’re a “McCain supporter” no matter what you say, btw. Loyalty is the reason Gov. Palin is supporting him now, and those that don’t get that amaze me.
Don’t! But conservatives will if she decides to run!
Actually, my doctor told me that today. Said it’s the first time he agreed w/Trump on anything but his remarks on China and OPEC is truly the answer! I said, we need to get Obstacle Barry out of our house before we can proceed to do anything positive for our country.
She's thanking the one that brought her to the dance. Paying back a debt.
If you really want McLame to retire, talk the the people of AZ. The ball is in THEIR court.
I think the Celebrity Apprentice works better than the original Apprentice.
McCain won’t run, he will be 77 in 2012, the monster that you need to be concerned about is Mitt Romney, not only will he run, but he will burn down the house itself to win, for one thing, he does not want a conservative to ever be President.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.