I’ve perfected the art of closing deals and elevated the Trump name to the pinnacle of luxury brands.”
When The Apprentice debuted on January 8, 2004, the opening titles featured Donald Trump’s introduction.
Having built his father Fred’s rental business into a billion-dollar real estate empire, he was already a well-known businessman. The tabloid press had made him famous due to his tumultuous love life and riches.
However, many believe that his 11 years on The Apprentice cemented his reputation and opened the door for his unexpected 2016 White House victory and second try at it.
Donald Trump was one of several business titans that NBC had in mind when they first came up with the concept for The Apprentice. Other moguls were suggested to be the faces of other shows.
However, after securing a 50% ownership in the program and having the episodes shot in Trump Tower, prospective replacements were quickly discarded, and Trump continued to serve as the show’s host for 14 seasons.
Filming for the first episode, “Meet The Billionaire,” reportedly ran over schedule, and the day after each episode aired, Trump would contact the channel at six in the morning to find out the early viewership numbers.
He allegedly told the news at the time, seemingly laser-focused on how the show could promote his enterprise, “My jet will be in every episode.” Even in the event that it doesn’t do it.
