The Apprentice (2005)
The iconic BBC One business reality competition where ambitious entrepreneurs face Lord Alan Sugar's boardroom — and only one survives to claim the ultimate prize.
The Apprentice - Series Information
- Original Title: The Apprentice
- First Air Year: 2005
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Created by: Mark Burnett
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Reality
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 20
- Number of Episodes: 266
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: BBC One
- Alternative Titles: The Apprentice UK (US)
- Production Companies: Talkback, Mark Burnett Productions, Talkback Thames, Boundless, United Artists Media Group, MGM Television, Fremantle Productions
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
The Apprentice - Plot
British version of the reality competitions series that sees young entrepreneurs compete in several business tasks, attempting to survive the weekly firings in order to become the business partner of one of the most successful businessmen.
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The Apprentice - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mark Burnett
Main Cast
- Lord Alan Sugar
- Mark Halliley
- Karren Brady
- Nick Hewer
- Claude Littner
- Samantha Moon
- Tim Campbell
- Margaret Mountford
- Thomas Skinner
- Adenike Ogundoyin
Executive Producers
- Cate Hall
- Sue Davidson
- Peter Moore
- Michele Kurland
- Paul Broadbent
The Apprentice - FAQs
What is The Apprentice UK about?
A group of ambitious entrepreneurs compete in a series of high-pressure business challenges — from sales and marketing to manufacturing and negotiation. Each week, Lord Alan Sugar fires the weakest performer in the boardroom, until one candidate earns the ultimate prize: a business partnership with Sugar himself.
Is The Apprentice UK still running in 2025?
The Apprentice UK is very much still going strong. The show is currently listed as a returning series, with Season 20 already aired and the series confirmed to continue. It remains one of BBC One's most-watched and longest-running reality competition formats.
Who fires candidates on The Apprentice UK?
Lord Alan Sugar delivers the iconic “You're fired!” verdict each week in the boardroom. He is supported by trusted aides — currently Karren Brady and Tim Campbell — who observe the candidates during tasks and report back their findings before Sugar makes his final decision.
How many seasons does The Apprentice UK have?
The Apprentice UK has run for 20 seasons since its 2005 debut, spanning 266 episodes. Each season typically features around 12 to 15 episodes. The show has evolved over the years, shifting from a job offer to a business investment as the winner's prize.
Where can I watch The Apprentice UK online?
The Apprentice UK airs on BBC One and episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom. For international viewers, availability varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and viewing options available in your country.
Has The Apprentice UK won any major awards?
The Apprentice UK has received multiple BAFTA nominations over its run and has won the National Television Award for Best Factual Entertainment on several occasions. Lord Alan Sugar's boardroom persona and the show's sharp format have made it a perennial favourite with both audiences and awards bodies.
What changed when The Apprentice switched to a business investment format?
From Series 8 onwards, Lord Sugar shifted the prize from a six-figure salary job to a £250,000 business investment, with Sugar becoming a 50% partner in the winner's company. This change raised the stakes considerably, attracting candidates with genuine entrepreneurial ambitions rather than those simply seeking employment.
What shows are similar to The Apprentice UK?
If The Apprentice UK is your kind of television, Dragons' Den and Shark Tank offer a similar blend of business acumen and high-stakes pitching. The Profit follows a hands-on investor transforming struggling companies, while Undercover Billionaire delivers a compelling rags-to-riches entrepreneurial challenge.
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