FROM TRUMPED . . . TO PUMPED
NBC’S hiring of Arnold Schwarzenegger to replace Donald Trump as the host of “The Celebrity Apprentice” is the first casting coup of the TV season — and we won’t even see the former California governor say, “You are terminated,” “Consider it a divorce,” or another one of his classic movie lines until he sends a contestant packing when the show returns in 2016.
The network was quick to offer Schwarzenegger’s political credentials as one of the chief reasons he was offered the job.
“Governor Schwarzenegger will use his vast and highly successful business, political and media experience to drive this hit franchise to new heights,” said executive producer Mark Burnett.
As a twoterm governor, Schwarzenegger managed more than 300,000 state employees and a state budget in the hundreds of billions. That’s nice, but the real reason he got the job is because he’s a bonafide star, and stardom is the one thing the frayed “Apprentice” franchise needs.
Ahnold’s career stretches back several decades now, and he still has what it takes at the box office — his latest film, “Terminator Genisys,” has grossed $450 million globally.
Besides beating Trump in the fame department, the former Mr. Universe is in better physical shape and has much better hair, even if it is colored a light maple.
As an Austrian immigrant who moved to the United States at 21, Schwarzenegger helps NBC distance itself from Trump and his loathsome remarks about Mexican immigrants. If the boastful personalities of both men have given them a certain camp cachet, it’s also true that Schwarzenegger is in on the joke. By contrast, Trump is the joke.
Even Trump, now campaigning to be the Republican nominee for president, senses he’s been outclassed. He sent his congratulations to the “Total Recall” star.
He’s been replaced by someone who has already been elected to office; heck, he even has a Golden Globe, which is even better than getting elected governor. Or president. What more could NBC ask for? From the network’s point of view, it’s like they’re “terminating” Trump twice.