What Happened to The Celebrity Apprentice?
The American reality competition series "The Celebrity Apprentice," a spin-off of "The Apprentice," ran from 2008 to 2017. Initially hosted by Donald Trump, it saw a significant shift when Trump was fired by NBC in 2015 due to controversial statements. Arnold Schwarzenegger took over for one season in 2017, but the show faced declining ratings and Schwarzenegger's subsequent departure, leading to its effective cancellation in the US. While the American version remains dormant, the franchise continues in the UK, with a full "Celebrity Apprentice" series confirmed for 2026.
Quick Answer
The American version of "The Celebrity Apprentice" effectively ended in 2017 after its single season with host Arnold Schwarzenegger. Following Donald Trump's departure from NBC in 2015 due to controversial remarks, Schwarzenegger took the helm, but the show experienced significantly lower ratings and he ultimately declined to return, citing the show's "baggage." As of August 2026, there are no plans for a revival of the American "Celebrity Apprentice" on NBC. However, the "Apprentice" franchise remains active internationally, with a full "Celebrity Apprentice" series confirmed to air in the UK in late 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
The Apprentice (US) Premieres
The original American reality series 'The Apprentice,' hosted by Donald Trump, first airs on NBC, setting the stage for its celebrity spin-off.
The Celebrity Apprentice (US) Debuts
The spin-off series, 'The Celebrity Apprentice,' premieres, featuring famous individuals competing for charity under Donald Trump's guidance.
All-Star Celebrity Apprentice Airs
The 'All-Star Celebrity Apprentice' season, bringing back popular past contestants, premieres, further extending the show's run.
Donald Trump Announces Presidential Campaign
Donald Trump announces his candidacy for President of the United States, making controversial statements about Mexican immigrants.
NBC Fires Donald Trump
NBC officially severs its business ties with Donald Trump and fires him from 'The Celebrity Apprentice' due to his controversial remarks.
Trump Retains Executive Producer Credit
It is reported that President-elect Donald Trump will retain an executive producer credit on the upcoming 'The New Celebrity Apprentice,' sparking controversy.
The New Celebrity Apprentice Premieres with Arnold Schwarzenegger
The revamped series, 'The New Celebrity Apprentice,' debuts with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the new host, but faces significantly lower ratings.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Quits
Arnold Schwarzenegger announces he will not return for another season, citing the show's 'baggage' related to Donald Trump.
American Series Effectively Canceled
NBC Entertainment head Bob Greenblatt confirms there are 'no plans' to revive the American 'Apprentice' franchise, marking its effective cancellation.
UK Celebrity Apprentice Revival Rumored for 2025
Reports emerge that the British 'Celebrity Apprentice' is set to return in late 2025 on BBC One to mark the format's 20th anniversary, hosted by Lord Alan Sugar.
Full UK Celebrity Apprentice Series Confirmed for 2026
The BBC officially announces the first-ever full-length series of 'The Celebrity Apprentice' for the UK, to air in late 2026, separate from previous specials.
The Apprentice (UK) Season 20 Premieres
The 20th series of the main British 'The Apprentice' program, hosted by Lord Alan Sugar, begins airing on BBC One.
The Apprentice (UK) Season 20 Concludes
Karishma Vijay is crowned the winner of the 20th series of the British 'The Apprentice,' securing Lord Sugar's investment.
American Series Remains Dormant
As of today, the American version of 'The Celebrity Apprentice' has not been revived and there are no current plans for its return on NBC.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Celebrity Apprentice began in 2008 as a spin-off of Mark Burnett's successful "The Apprentice," featuring celebrities competing for charity under the guidance of host Donald Trump. The show enjoyed several seasons with Trump at the helm, becoming a prominent fixture in reality television.
A major turning point occurred in June 2015 when NBC severed its business ties with Donald Trump following his controversial statements about Mexican immigrants during his presidential campaign announcement. This led to a search for a new host.
Trump's firing by NBC in August 2015 marked the end of an era for the show's original format and host. Actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was announced as the new host for "The New Celebrity Apprentice," which premiered in January 2017. Despite the change, Trump retained an executive producer credit, a detail that drew criticism and led to sponsor boycotts. Trump, however, claimed he would devote "ZERO TIME" to its production.
Schwarzenegger's season struggled in the ratings, with its premiere drawing 4.9 million viewers and a 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic, a significant drop from previous seasons. By January 24, 2017, ratings had fallen further to 3.8 million viewers and a 1.0 rating. In March 2017, Schwarzenegger announced he would not return for another season, citing the show's "baggage," widely understood to refer to its association with then-President Trump.
The low ratings and Schwarzenegger's exit led NBC Entertainment head Bob Greenblatt to state in August 2017 that the network had "no plans" to revive the series, effectively canceling the American version of "The Celebrity Apprentice." The show's political associations and host changes ultimately contributed to its demise in the US.
As of August 2026, the American "The Celebrity Apprentice" remains off the air, with no announcements or indications of a potential revival on NBC or any other US network. However, the "Apprentice" franchise continues to thrive in the United Kingdom. The British version of "The Apprentice," hosted by Lord Alan Sugar, aired its 20th series in early 2026. Furthermore, a full-length "Celebrity Apprentice" series, separate from previous charity specials, is confirmed to air on BBC One in late 2026, featuring a new lineup of famous faces competing for charity under Lord Sugar. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of the format, albeit in a different national context.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Celebrity Apprentice made different choices?