Let me start by saying that I did not watch last night’s finale of The Apprentice. I haven’t actually watched a single episode since the first season when I, like the rest of the country, was still charmed and intrigued by the opportunity to peek inside the once semi-mysterious world of Donald Trump. Four years and an astonishing six seasons later, we’ve all seen way more of Donald than we ever wanted or expected.
Last night saw the hiring of Stefani Schaeffer, the first woman to win the show since the third season, but I wonder how much success she’ll actually find working at Trump. Now one of six, the title of “Apprentice” surely can’t hold much weight at all – even with Donald. I had assumed that ever-declining ratings, its star’s poor public image and this season’s desperate attempt to reinvigorate the premise all signaled the death of the series, but apparently there’ll be a seventh installment next year. For longevity alone, that makes The Apprentice creator Mark Burnett’s most successful endeavor, aside from Survivor.
Once possessing the golden touch, Mark’s had some serious missteps in recent years. Rock Star and The Contender both fell flat with audiences but have lingered, with mediocre ratings, in different incarnations. What was once a sure bet for networks, is now a gamble. If Mark is ever going to find that success again, I’m almost certain it’s going to be with Pirate Master.
Next month CBS will debut Mark’s latest creation, a show chronicling “16 modern-day pirates as they embark on a high seas adventure around the Caribbean island of Dominica in search of hidden treasure that will total $1 million.” Survivor has never held my interest, but when you take that basic premise but refer to the contestants “pirates” and have them live on a giant ship – I’m not only going to watch, I’m going to audition for the second season.
Mourning Ugly Betty won’t last long; Pirate Master premieres Thursday May 31st at 8pm.