by Gerry Smith
(Bloomberg) — It looks like “Hasta la vista, baby” may be replacing “You’re fired” on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger will succeed Donald Trump as host of the series, adding a reality TV show to a career that includes “The Terminator” films, bodybuilding and two terms as California governor.
Schwarzenegger, 68, will take over for the 2016-2017 season, NBC said Monday in a statement. In addition to running the biggest state, he has successfully invested in both real estate and sports franchises, NBC said. His films, over a six- decade career, have grossed billions of dollars in worldwide ticket sales.
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“Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of a global brand in entertainment and business, and his accomplishments in the political arena speak for themselves,” Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming at NBC Entertainment, said in the statement.
The former California governor will replace Trump, who hosted seven seasons of “The Celebrity Apprentice.” In June, NBC said it was ending its business relationship with Trump, citing “recent derogatory statements” about immigrants during a speech announcing his campaign as a Republican presidential candidate.
#arnoldschwarzenegger is taking over for Donald Trump as host of Celebrity Apprentice. Ha, ha, ha, Donald you were replaced by an.immigrant
— Paul Lander (@paul_lander) September 14, 2015
In “Celebrity Apprentice,” well-known contestants compete to win money for a charity of their choice. Past winners include Joan Rivers, Piers Morgan, Bret Michaels, Trace Adkins, Arsenio Hall, John Rich and Leeza Gibbons.
“I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity,” Schwarzenegger said in the statement.
The show is produced by United Artists Media Group. Mark Burnett, Schwarzenegger, Page Feldman and Eric Van Wagenen will be executive producers of the show.
