NBC Is Bringing Back “The Donald” Instead of The Donnellys?

In May 2007, Donald Trump’s reality series, “The Apprentice” was just one of many shows eliminated from NBC’s 2007-2008 schedule due to low ratings. However, NBC recently announced that it had reconsidered its earlier decision and was bringing back the cancelled show in a slightly different format Instead of talented people seeking a job with the Trump organization, the new season will feature celebrities competing for charity.

While donating money to charity is always a good thing, another season of “The Donald” is not. The show has clearly taken a dive in recent years. This past season, we lost both Carolyn and George, who were often the only people worth listening to. In fact, the show was trying so hard to attract viewers that the losing team had to sleep in tents and the biggest thing to happen all season was a soap-opera romance between two of the contestants. Now this year, the show needs celebrities to command audience attention.

What I can’t understand is why NBC decided to bring back “The Donald” (who is clearly better off sticking to real-estate than entertainment) instead of “The Black Donnellys.” It can’t be because television is lacking for reality TV shows. It isn’t because the “fans” (and I use this term loosely) fought to get “The Apprentice” back on television. It certainly isn’t because the drowning reality series is going to move NBC from fourth to first place in the network wars.

I do have a few favorite theories. For example, maybe it’s because it’s safer to beat a dead horse (“The Apprentice”) than to try to ride a wild one (“The Black Donnellys”). Maybe it’s because NBC more often than not stands for “Never Be Creative.” Maybe it’s because Ben Silverman is itching to hear the words “You’re fired.” Whatever the reason, it’s a bad choice.

“The Black Donnellys” had drama, romance, humor and action. It had a young and fresh cast and award-winning creators. The plot and characters drew you in slowly but once they had you, you didn’t want them to ever let you go. There was something for every viewer and it’s too bad that so few got the opportunity to experience “The Black Donnellys”.

**To help us bring back The Black Donnellys visit or join us at the Firecracker Lounge.