NBC renews Trump show

LOS ANGELES -- Donald Trump can look forward to job security with NBC.

"The Apprentice," the reality series featuring business mogul Trump and contestants vying to work for him, has been renewed for a second season.

"We always knew that 'The Apprentice' was an original and smart alternative to other reality shows," Trump said . "I can't wait to get back in the boardroom for season two."

Trump, also serving as executive producer with Mark Burnett ("Survivor"), has helped give NBC a "red-hot" hit, said NBC Entertainment President Jeff Zucker.

"The Apprentice," which airs on Thursdays, was the No. 8 show last week and drew nearly 19 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Zucker predicted that "The Apprentice" will "have an appointment on NBC for many years to come."

Sixteen new contestants will be chosen for the competition to film in and around Manhattan, NBC said. A fall premiere is likely.