Donald Trump’s reality show “The Apprentice” is coming to Amazon Prime Video. The first season is available starting Monday, with a new season rolling out each week until late April. The show, which premiered in 2004, was a ratings hit that helped remake Trump’s image as a successful business mogul.
It eventually launched him into the nation’s highest office. Trump expressed his approval of the streaming deal in a statement. “I look forward to watching this show myself — such great memories, and so much fun, but most importantly, it was a learning experience for all of us!” he said.
This is Amazon’s second notable deal with the Trump family this year. In January, the company announced a “behind the scenes” documentary featuring former first lady Melania Trump, who will serve as an executive producer. “The Apprentice” showcased Trump as a larger-than-life, decisive boardroom boss.
The Apprentice returns to streaming
He ad-libbed what would become the show’s catchphrase, “You’re fired.”
The show’s first season drew 20.7 million viewers over eight episodes, its most-watched season. It fueled Trump’s obsession with crowd sizes and ratings.
Trump’s three oldest children — Ivanka, Don Jr., and Eric — eventually joined him in the boardroom, helping turn them into media personalities. Omarosa Manigault Newman, a controversial first-season contestant, later became a high-profile Trump advisor at the White House before being fired. Reality TV mogul Mark Burnett, who executive produced the show with Trump, expressed excitement over the streaming deal.
“‘The Apprentice’ is one of the best shows that I ever produced,” he stated. As the show’s executive producer, Trump will almost certainly receive compensation from the Amazon deal. The company declined to comment on financial arrangements.
With the show’s return to streaming, both new viewers and longtime fans will have the chance to experience the series that played a significant role in shaping Trump’s public persona.
