Something looks different about this season of “Celebrity Apprentice” — we just can’t quite put our finger on it. Oh right, the former boardroom boss is soon to be the frigging president of the United States.
Enter Arnold Schwarzenegger as boss, because, well, why not? Donald Trump may have tiny hands, but he leaves behind some pretty big shoes to fill, TV ratings-wise.
Of course, some recent seasons of the NBC franchise didn’t quite deliver as “big league” as the POTUS-elect would like you to remember. Still, the show was always a solid performer, if not always “yuge.”
The chart below shows how each season of “The Apprentice” and “Celebrity Apprentice” fared in Nielsen numbers. As you can see, the original version was a giant, back when people actually watched network television.
Since then, the “Celebrity” version has fared better than the one with average Joes, except, notably, in the season when famous alums reunited for an “All Star” season. Check the breakdown out for yourself:
What will this all mean for Schwarzenegger’s first season? Can the Terminator keep the show alive?
There’s sure to be plenty of intrigue surrounding the revamped host and his new catchphrase. Plus, Trump’s not exactly out of sight or mind — or gone from the “Celebrity Apprentice” family. He’ll remain an executive producer of the program, though he says he won’t play a direct role.
How the show performs will depend on Schwarzenegger’s effectiveness and which celebs stick around. Contestants for the coming season are Brooke Burke-Charvet, Carnie Wilson, Carrie Keagan, Carson Kressley, Chael Sonnen, Boy George, Eric Dickerson, Jon Lovitz, Kyle Richards, Laila Ali, Lisa Leslie, Matt Iseman, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Porsha Williams, Ricky Williams and Vince Neil.
Any of those names particularly intrigue you to tune in? Let us know in the comments section.
The new “Celebrity Apprentice” premieres Monday, January 2 at 8/7c on NBC.