Schwarzenegger to replace Trump on ‘Apprentice’

NBC has tapped Arnold Schwarzenegger to replace Donald Trump as host of “The Celebrity Apprentice.”

Schwarzenegger is a natural choice for the “CEO” role in the reality-competition franchise that challenges celebrities to prove themselves as entrepreneurs as they raise money for charitable causes. In addition to his credentials as an action-movie star, Schwarzenegger is a two-term former governor of California and has long had a range of business holdings, including restaurants, real estate development and sports franchises.

“I have always been a huge fan of ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’ and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork,” Schwarzenegger said. “I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let’s get started!”

In fact, it will be more than a year before Schwarzenegger makes his debut on the show. NBC said “Celebrity Apprentice” will return to the air sometime in the 2016-17 season.

The host switch comes after Trump bowed out of the show because of his decision to run for the Republican nomination for president. That meant he could no longer have a regular hosting gig on NBC’s air, otherwise the network have to make comparable opportunities available to other candidates under the FCC’s equal time rule.

Schwarzenegger’s move comes after he has had mixed results in reviving his film career. His most recent film, “Terminator Genisys,” opened July 1 and has earned nearly $450 million globally but was underwhelming at the U.S. box office.

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