Trump is out, Arnold is in.
Arnold Schwarzenegger will replace Donald Trump as the new host of NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” for show’s 2016-2017 season, the network announced on Monday.
“We are thrilled to be opening a powerful new chapter in the story of the ‘Apprentice’ franchise,” said Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment in a statement. “Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of a global brand in entertainment and business, and his accomplishments in the political arena speak for themselves. It was Arnold’s personal passion for the format that Mark Burnett and Donald Trump built over the last decade, as well as his fresh take on how to take it to new heights for today’s audiences, that made him the man to hire. ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’ … will be back!”
The action star said he’s been a supporter of the series for a long time.
“I have always been a huge fan of ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’ and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork,” Arnold said in a statement to Access Hollywood. “I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let’s get started!”
Arnold also Tweeted about the early fan reaction.
Wow. I’m blown away and honored by all your tweets. I can’t wait to bring my experience to the board room & raise millions for charity.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) September 14, 2015
Trump also reacted to the news on Twitter.
Congrats to my friend @Schwarzenegger who is doing next season’s Celebrity Apprentice. He’ll be great & will raise lots of $ for charity.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 14, 2015
Said executive producer Mark Burnett, “After leaving the show to run for political office, Donald made it clear that he wanted ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’ to be able to continue to raise millions of dollars annually for worthy causes, and now NBC and I have found an amazing new leader to do just that.”
Adding, “Gov. Schwarzenegger will use his vast and highly successful business, political and media experience to drive this hit franchise to new heights.”
The Governator will have big shoes to fill when he takes his seat at the head of the boardroom table, as Donald helped raised more than $15 million for charity during his seven seasons as host of the reality competition.
Previous “Celebrity Apprentice” winners include Joan Rivers, Piers Morgan, Bret Michaels, Trace Adkins, Arsenio Hall, John Rich and Leeza Gibbons.
— Erin O’Sullivan
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