The Apprentice UK
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Brit business competition slightly edgier than U.S. version.
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What's the Story?
Sticking close to the model set by the American reality show starring Donald Trump, APPRENTICE UK pits 14 of Britain's up-and-coming business people against each other for the chance to work with British tycoon Sir Alan Sugar. Divided into two teams, they must work together to successfully complete business-oriented projects while showing off their corporate savvy and making the most profit. In each episode, three members of the losing team must face off in the boardroom in front of Sir Alan and his advisors. After picking apart the team's strategy, Sugar fires the person he considers to be responsible for the loss -- and pushes the remaining competitors one step closer to their dream job.
Is It Any Good?
Like its American counterpart, Apprentice UK promotes a capitalist corporate culture that views profits and earning potential as the marker of true success. But while the British version successfully follows The Apprentice's original formula, it lacks some of its flair. Sugar is more polite than Trump, and the cultural nuances of the British contestants makes them seem a little less spirited than the contestants we're used to seeing stateside.
The energy may be different, but those who like the American series will probably also enjoy watching British contestants form alliances, participate in humiliating tasks, and defend themselves in tension-filled boardroom sessions. Still, one thing is clear: When it comes to firing people, no one does it like The Donald.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the success of The Apprentice in the United States and abroad. Why does this series resonate with viewers? Do you think people actually learn about business from watching it? Families can also discuss how American shows are adapted for other countries. Do you think the different versions are based on a country or community's specific culture, or are there other considerations? What U.S. TV shows are actually adaptations of shows that originally aired in other countries?
TV Details
- Premiere date: May 5, 2009
- Cast: Margaret Mountford, Nick Hewer
- Network: BBC America
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
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