‘The Apprentice’ director on the reaction to his Trump biopic
Ali Abbasi, director of the Donald Trump biopic “The Apprentice,” is reacting to controversy around his film.
Americans are in for the ultimate full-circle moment this week, when a reality TV star-turned-president returns to the screen.
In a release Monday, Amazon Prime Video announced that for the first time, viewers would be able to stream all seven seasons of “The Apprentice.”
The business competition show, which helped to remake President Donald Trump’s reputation in the American imagination throughout the aughts, will be released in spurts with the first season out Monday and the remaining six rolling out weekly.
Premiering in January 2004, the show − a brainchild of reality maven Mark Burnett − quickly became a phenomenon, raking in tens of millions of viewers each episode. The format saw 16 contestants completing various business-related challenges as they vied for a job at the Trump Organization and attempted to dodge the president’s signature catchphrase: “You’re fired.”
It was his role on “The Apprentice” that elevated Trump to true celebrity status and helped mint his bragadocious and brash public persona. Cracking open the family business for public consumption, his name became synonymous with tough tactics and a disdain for inefficiency − characteristics he leaned on heavily during his original run for president.
As the series progressed, Trump’s three eldest children, Ivanka, Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, cycled through as advisors.
The program also birthed several spinoffs including “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “The Ultimate Merger” and “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart.” The family of shows ensnared plenty of big names throughout their air, including Gary Busey, Omarosa, LaToya Jackson and Lisa Rinna.
The show shares its title with a recent biopic starring Sebastian Stan that depicts the president as a slumlord, rising to real estate mogul status with the use of ruthless strategy, impressed on him by closeted gay lawyer Roy Cohn.
The film earned an Oscar nod, and a flurry of criticism from Trump.
As for the real “Apprentice,” the president is eager for a re-watch. “I look forward to watching this show myself,” he said in the release. “Such great memories, and so much fun, but most importantly, it was a learning experience for all of us!”
“‘The Apprentice’ is one of the best shows that I ever produced,” Burnett, who also produced “Survivor” and “The Voice,” said in the release. “The charismatic onscreen presence of President Donald J. Trump made it a bona fide hit!”
Prior to being sworn in, Trump named Burnett as the special envoy to the United Kingdom. Burnett “will work to enhance diplomatic relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment opportunities, and cultural exchanges,” Trump said in a Truth Social post announcing the appointment.
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