Millions of Americans may not need or want Donald Trump, but NBC sure does.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s debut as NBC reality competition host on Monday night was beaten down by “The Bachelor” — it couldn’t even keep pace with CBS sitcoms in terms of total viewers.
“Celebrity Apprentice” averaged just a 1.3 rating/4 share in the key 18-49 demographic and 4.9 million viewers overall. The prior cycle’s regular-slot Monday start put up a 2.0/6 in the main demo, and had 6.5 million viewers overall. That winter 2015 season technically previewed on a Sunday, however, which scored better numbers (2.4 and 6.8 million viewers) against less competition.
ABC was first in ratings with a 1.8/6 in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and second in total viewers with an average of 5.6 million, according to preliminary numbers. “The Bachelor” at 8 p.m. posted a 2.1/6 — a low for a premiere — and 6.6 million viewers. After-show “Jimmy Kimmel Live: Here for the Right Reasons” at 10 had a 1.1/4 and 3.6 million viewers.
NBC was second in ratings with a 1.3/4 and third in viewers with 4.8 million. Following “The Apprentice” premiere at 8, “The Wall” at 10 had a 1.2/4 and 4.5 million viewers.
CBS was third in ratings with a 1.2/4, but first in viewers with 6.6 million. “Kevin Can Wait” at 8 received a 1.4/4 and 7.3 million viewers. At 8:30, “Man With a Plan” got a 1.2/4 and 6.5 million viewers. At 9, “2 Broke Girls” had a 1.3/4 and 5.8 million viewers. “The Odd Couple” at 9:30 garnered a 1.0/3 and 5.3 million viewers. “Scorpion” at 10 closed primetime to a 1.2/4 and 7.2 million viewers.
Fox was fourth in ratings with a 0.9/3 and in viewers with 2.9 million. A “MasterChef Celebrity Showdown” special was the only telecast on its primetime schedule.
Univision and Telemundo tied for fifth in ratings, both with a 1.2/4. Univision was fifth in total viewers, with 1.9 million, Telemundo was sixth with 1.8 million.
The CW was seventh in ratings with a 0.3/1 and in viewers with 923,000. Night 2 of the “iHeartRadio Music Festival” was the lone broadcast on the youngest-skewing net’s schedule.
Omarosa vs. Piers Morgan The woman America loved to hate, “Apprentice” alum Omarosa Manigualt, went toe-to-toe with journalist/host Piers Morgan on the spin-off's first season. On one episode, Omarosa welcomes Morgan to the “war room” by spilling her wine on his head. But Morgan came out on top, winning the season.
Douglas Gorenstein/NBC
The late Joan Rivers vs. Annie Duke and Brande Roderick Don’t mess with the Mother Hen. Ever. Melissa Rivers and her mother, Joan, were both contestants on Season 2. But in “Right Guard, Right Way Out,” Donald Trump fired Melissa over poker player Annie Duke and Playboy playmate Brande Roderick (“Baywatch"). Joan wasted no time slinging insults at the pair after the board meeting. “You are a piece of shit,” Joan says to Duke with a stern finger before calling Roderick a “stupid blonde” all in the same breath.
NBC
Dennis Rodman vs. Clint Black NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman went from “0 to 100” quickly during Season 2. Rodman had enough of Clint Black after the country singer-songwriter won a coin toss for team KOTU to take the second presentation slot. Rodman curses at Black and rips the microphone from him, slamming it on the floor. In the end, Rodman’s erratic behavior, drinking and sudden absences led to his firing.
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Meat Loaf vs. Gary Busey Actor Gary Busey was known for his antics during Season 4, and it infuriated the “I Would Do Anything for Love” singer. At one point, Meat Loaf believes the “Lethal Weapon” actor stole his art supplies. Cue tirade. “You do not want to fuck with me,” Meatloaf yells. And Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath keeps Meat Loaf from lunging at the actor.
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NeNe Leakes vs. Star Jones This verbal showdown happened between "Real Housewives" star Nene Leakes and former "The View" co-host Star Jones on Season 4. After Jones suggested Leakes as project manager for a task, the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star called out the shadiness. “Who the fuck died and made you in charge of project managers?” Leakes asked. “Who are you? Who are you? I will take you down.”
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Arsenio Hall vs. Aubrey O' Day Arsenio Hall made former Danity Kane member Aubrey O’ Day cry on Season 5 when the talk show host couldn’t hold back his agitation with the singer's ego. “She won’t remember, because if it’s not her idea, she won’t remember it. I’m not saying anything that’s not true,” Hall asserted.
O’ Day tried to refute Hall’s claim, even stating she had lost respect for him. “Because I have to kiss your ass for you to admire me,” Hall said, much to the shock of Trump.
NBC
Gary Busey vs. Gary Busey
The Oscar-nominated actor was never short on words or phrases during his stint on Season 4 and the “All Star” edition. He even had his own definition of “fun”: finally understanding nothing. On one episode, Busey takes the time to explain who he really is. “I’m an angel in an Earth suit,” he said while pointing to himself. No argument here.
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Have a look at some outrageous tirades and laughable moments from Donald Trump’s NBC competition series
Omarosa vs. Piers Morgan The woman America loved to hate, “Apprentice” alum Omarosa Manigualt, went toe-to-toe with journalist/host Piers Morgan on the spin-off's first season. On one episode, Omarosa welcomes Morgan to the “war room” by spilling her wine on his head. But Morgan came out on top, winning the season.