NBC Bringing Back Regular Version Of Donald Trump's The Apprentice

News

Even I didn’t expect this one.

Given the recent success of its Celebrity Apprentice franchise, NBC has announced that they are bringing back the regular version of The Apprentice, but it is with a twist.

The show plans to recruit 14 new candidates of various ages who have “been hit hard by the current economic downturn,” NBC said — like job seekers who are unemployed or recent college graduates with no prospects. Nationwide casting calls will begin soon for the reboot, which is expected to bow this fall.

“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, NBC’s head of alternative programming, in a statement. “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.” Trump released this statement: “I am very excited to return to the original premise of The Apprentice. We’ve got to do something about the economy and this is a terrific way to provide jobs as well as business lessons along the way. NBC, Mark Burnett and I hope this economic downturn can begin a turnaround, and we’ll do our best with The Apprentice to see that it starts happening. I’m proud to be putting people back to work, and to positively changing the psychology of America.”

Credit: EW.com

Murtz Jaffer is the world's foremost reality television expert and was the host of Reality Obsessed which aired on the TVTropolis and Global Reality Channels in Canada. He has professional writing experience at the Toronto Sun, National Post, TV Guide Canada, TOROMagazine.com and was a former producer at Entertainment Tonight Canada. He was also the editor at Weekendtrips.com.