Amazon Prime Video has begun streaming the first season of The Apprentice, famously hosted by Donald Trump, and will continue to roll out new seasons weekly until April 27.

The entire first seven seasons of The Apprentice, originally aired in the early 2000s, are being reintroduced to audiences on Amazon’s streaming platform, as the New York Post reports, prompting Trump's enthusiasm.

Starting March 10, the streaming of these iconic television seasons provides an opportunity for newer audiences to encounter the competitive corporate reality show that once captivated over 20 million weekly viewers.

The Apprentice, first premiered on NBC, was a significant television event, showcasing contestants vying for a chance to work for Donald Trump's varied enterprises.

This series was not only about competition but also about the high stakes involved as contestants faced the prospect of hearing Trump's notorious phrase, "You're fired!" The structure setup by the show allowed 16 hopefuls to engage in various business challenges, competing for a significant $250,000 salary job within Trump's corporate empire.

Insight into Show's History and Appeal

The Apprentice was a brainchild of reality show genius Mark Burnett, who along with Trump, served as an executive producer.

Burnett, who described the show as a "love letter to New York City," praised its format for helping it become a televised hit. The show's initial impact was so strong that it went on to have 14 seasons hosted by Trump, divided into regular and celebrity editions.

The celebrity versions brought famous figures into the mix, with winners like Piers Morgan, Joan Rivers, and Bret Michaels adding star power and unique challenges to the program, making each season a unique viewing experience.

This format shift not only retained the core audience but also attracted viewers who were fans of the celebrities involved.

New Hosts Continue Franchise

After Trump left the series in 2015 to run for president, the 15th season saw a new host, Arnold Schwarzenegger, stepping in for a celebrity edition of the show.

This transition marked a new chapter for The Apprentice, broadening its cultural footprint even further.

The series' return on Amazon Prime Video is facilitated through an acquisition by MGM, as part of a significant deal in 2022 valued at $8.5 billion.

This strategic move by Amazon aims not only to enrich its library with popular existing content but also to draw in audiences with the nostalgia of successful past shows.

Trump, Burnett React to Streaming Release

In response to the planned streaming of The Apprentice on Amazon Prime Video, Trump expressed excitement about re-watching the show, recalling it as a "learning experience" that was immensely "fun" and packed with "great memories." His reaction highlights how the series served as a milestone in his media career before his political ascendancy.

Similarly, Burnett has reminisced about the show's success, envisaging the same broad, renewed viewer engagement that series like Survivor experienced during their re-runs amid the pandemic. Burnett's enthusiasm underscores his belief in the timeless appeal of The Apprentice, expecting it to inspire and entertain a new generation of viewers.

Expanding Horizons with Documentaries, New Ventures

As The Apprentice finds its place again in the limelight, Amazon is not stopping there. It's also developing a documentary about Melania Trump, promising an "unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look" at the first lady, filmed by director Brett Ratner with production already underway since December 2024.

This documentary, along with the streaming of The Apprentice, represents a broader strategy by Amazon to leverage historical and cultural narratives that resonate with a wide audience.

With Mark Burnett's recent departure from MGM and his new role as Trump’s special envoy to the United Kingdom, these developments signal an evolving landscape in television that connects memorable past content with prospects.