NBC has hired Arnold Schwarzenegger, replacing Donald Trump as host for Celebrity Apprentice when the show returns for the 2016-17 TV season.

Trump cut ties with the network shortly after he announced that he will be running as a presidential candidate. NBC officially severed connections with the business mogul in June, removing him not only as host for Celebrity Apprentice but barring as well the telecasts of Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants. The network cited Trump's derogatory statements about Mexican immigrants as the reason behind the cessation of all business dealings between the two.

While Trump's camp is adamant that he was not fired from the TV show, quitting voluntarily to focus on his political aspirations, it cannot be denied that the Celebrity Apprentice had been waning in terms of both cultural impact and ratings. By bringing in a new host, NBC will be able to refresh the show, giving audiences a new reason to tune in.

"I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and continue to raise millions for charity," said Schwarzenegger.

Trump appears to approve of the new host, tweeting that his friend will be great and will raise lots of money for charity.

Celebrity Apprentice is a spin-off from The Apprentice, which first aired in 2004. While the original show pitted ambitious young people against each other for a shot at working with Trump, the spin-off had celebrities like the late Joan Rivers, actor Gary Busey and comic Gilbert Gottfried doing whatever they have to do for the benefit of their chosen charity.

Schwarzenegger is best known for starring in the Terminator franchises, jumping from champion bodybuilder in the 1970s to a movie star. He also made a name for himself as the governor of California, entering politics himself when he helped push for a recall of then-governor Gray Davis.

Schwarzenegger's tenure as governor gives him credibility and presence in the boardroom but overall his draw is that he is a much more affable person than Trump. It also doesn't hurt that advertisers love him, referring to him as a "four-quadrant celebrity." This means that Schwarzenegger appeals to all key demographics: single people, families, young folk and older viewers.

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