The Apprentice

The Apprentice
Created byMark Burnett
Original workThe Apprentice
OwnerMGM Television
Years2004–present
Films and television
Television seriesThe Apprentice (independent international versions, see below)
Miscellaneous
GenreReality talent game show
First aired8 January 2004; 20 years ago (2004-01-08)
DistributorFremantle

The Apprentice is a reality talent game show franchise that originally aired in 2004 in the United States.

Created by U.S.-based British producer Mark Burnett, the show depicts contestants from around the country with various professional backgrounds in an elimination-style competition to become an apprentice to a businessman. The show was originally hosted by real estate magnate Donald Trump, who was also one of the producers. Burnett developed the show after previous success in bringing Survivor to the U.S. Since its premiere, The Apprentice has spawned several licensed international versions as well as unlicensed imitations.