Kayla Blue
MC Contributor/Staff Writer
After 13 seasons and 11 long years of being the host of the hit series, “Celebrity Apprentice,” Donald Trump is replaced by to actor, philanthropist, and politician, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The show, which was originally named, “The Apprentice,” first aired in January 2004. It featured 16 to 18 business people competing in an elimination styled competition with the prize being a one-year, $250,000 start-up contract to run one of Donald Trump’s many companies.
In 2008, after six seasons, the current format, “Celebrity Apprentice” was introduced. The objective of the show is pretty much the same, but the celebrities are competing against each other to give money to the charity of their choice rather than for a job opportunity.
Although Trump’s camp was adamant that he was not fired from the television show and that he quit voluntarily so that he could focus on his presidential campaign, NBC released a statement saying that the network decided to cut all ties with the billionaire after he made a few derogatory statements regarding immigrants.
On Sept. 14, 2015, NBC hired Arnold Schwarzenegger to replace Donald Trump as the show’s host.
“I think what Arnold Schwarzenegger could bring to “The Apprentice” is a fresh new face,” said Luis Almeida, associate professor of mass communication at Jackson State University.
He said that watching the same show with the same person on it could get old and that bringing a new person on to the show could be just what the show needed to get some more of its excitement back.
Schwarzenegger is mostly known for starring in “The Terminator” franchises and being a body builder in the 1970’s. He also made a name for himself when he became the governor of California in 2003, entering politics himself when he helped push for a recall of then-governor Gray Davis and reelected in 2006.
According to Tech Times, Schwarzenegger’s tenure as governor gives him credibility and presence in the boardroom but overall his draw is that he is a much more likable person than Trump.
“I for one will d miss Trump,” said Kawyer Thigpen, a senior mathematics major from Georgetown, Miss. “Even though he’s not America’s most liked person right now, he’s a great businessman and he’s pretty hilarious. I guess I heard him say “You’re FIRED!” for the last time in March.’”
Trump seems to be pleased with his successor. He made a tweet saying congratulations to his friend Schwarzenegger. He went on to say that he will be great at it and that he knows that he will raise lots of money for charity.
Ibrahim Finley, a junior chemistry major from Morrow, Ga. said that he’s never been a fan of the show but he might start watching because of Schwarzenegger.
“I’ve watched all of the Terminator movies and I think Arnold Schwarzenegger is pretty cool, so I might check out this season of the show,” said Finley.
Schwarzenegger said in a Deadline Hollywood interview that he has always been a huge fan of “Celebrity Apprentice” and the way it showcased the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork. He also added stated “I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let’s get started!”
