“The New Celebrity Apprentice” host Arnold Schwarzenegger’s catchphrase was finally revealed on Monday night’s season premiere of the NBC reality competition.
“Carrie, you’re terminated,” Schawarzenegger said when eliminating the first contestant of the season, Carrie Keagan. “Now, get to the chopper.” For his second elimination of the night, the new host went with a slightly different line: “You’re terminated. Hasta la vista, baby.”
The former California governor’s catchphrase was kept tightly under wraps before Monday’s premiere, with multiple versions reportedly having been recorded for each episode.
The last host of the game show, now president-elect Donald Trump, built an entire brand off of his signature catchphrase, “You’re fired.” Back in March 2004, two months after the show first premiered, Trump tried unsuccessfully to trademark the phrase for use in his casinos.
That’s not the only way in which the specter of Donald Trump looms large over “The New Celebrity Apprentice.” NBC has also taken heat for allowing Trump to continue his involvement on the series as he enters the White House.
As TheWrap previously reported, Trump retains an executive producer credit on “The New Celebrity Apprentice” and will continue to take a “big stake” in the show he previously co-produced with reality titan Mark Burnett (“Survivor,” “The Voice”).
That means that the president-elect is likely to make “mid-to-high five figures” per episode off the NBC program. His total pay could wind up topping $1 million for the upcoming season.
In addition to Schwarzenegger stepping into the host’s chair, “The New Celebrity Apprentice” features five new advisors: Warren Buffett, Steve Ballmer, Tyra Banks, Jessica Alba Patrick Knapp Schwarzenegger.
The 16 celebrities vying for the $250,000 prize for a charity of their choice are Laila Ali, Brooke Burke-Charvet, Eric Dickerson, Boy George, Matt Iseman, Carrie Keagan, Carson Kressley, Lisa Leslie, Jon Lovitz, Vince Neil, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Kyle Richards, Chael Sonnen, Porsha Williams, Ricky Williams and Carnie Wilson.
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.
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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.
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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.