After the forced post-retirement of the 45th president of the United States as leader of the free world, could Donald Trump be plotting a television comeback with a re-boot of The Apprentice? And in so doing, does it offer tangible proof that he finally recognizes he’ll no longer be the U.S. president, and attempts to remain in office are futile?
In braggadocio fashion to family and friends, Trump boasts he could bring back the old glory of a new iteration of The Apprentice, if he were so inclined. He also added the show was a ratings juggernaut and cash cow for both him and series creator, Mark Burnett.
But the key question remains: Is there is a network in TV land that would greenlight a show with Trump in the starring role? Pre-presidential term, Trump was the NBC network’s favorite son, according to an article in The Daily Beast. But the question is if the NBC network – or any other network – wants the controversy associated with Trump’s presidential legacy. A person close to the show’s creator, noted that Burnett knows an opportunity when he sees one. “Mark is an opportunist. Trump was his meal ticket before and he’s keen to bring the show back to life, especially in the face of the disaster MGM has become.” The anonymous person quoted was referring to Burnett’s questionable leadership as chairman of MGM’s television group. Most of the shows under his purview have failed spectacularly. However, an unidentified Burnett spokesperson said any talk about plans for resurrecting The Apprentice are false. Trump’s desire to remain in the spotlight also is about his wallet. A September New York Times article said his bounty from The Apprentice over a 16-year time period was $197 million in profits. Additionally, Trump reportedly rode the series’ money train to an additional $230 million in revenue-generating fame the show’s franchise created. Trump supporter and former Fox financial news commentator Eric Bolling, who parted ways with Fox after improper unwanted sexual allegations surfaced, and is now a television host on Sinclair, said The Apprentice reboot would be successful. “I think an Apprentice/Celebrity Apprentice revival would be a humongous hit,” said Bolling. “This iteration would be ratings gold for whomever is fortunate enough to get the reboot.”
According to The Daily Beast, in November 2019, Trump and Burnett discussed filming a politics-themed version of The Apprentice after he left office, tentatively named The Apprentice: White House. But when the article was published, Trump tweeted from his Twitter account that the story wasn’t true. “Fake News is reporting that I am talking to Mark Burnett about doing a big show, perhaps The Apprentice, after the presidency, which I would assume they mean in 5 years. This is not true, never had such a conversation, don’t even have time to think about it,” wrote Trump. After Trump announced his run for president in 2015, which necessitated his departure from the show, he was incredibly upset accounting to former political advisor, Sam Numberg.
Other former advisors also said noted Trump was upset about the outcome. With the anticipated date of Trump’s departure set for January 20, 2021, and with a list of legal and potential criminal cases against him looming over the horizon, maybe Trump should turn to legendary television producer Dick Wolfe for a reality television show with many franchise iteration possibilities. Think about it: Law & Order: All The President’s Men.
