NBC ANNOUNCES SEASON PREMIERE OF "THE APPRENTICE" ON MONDAY, FEB. 27 AT 9PM

DONALD TRUMP KICKS OFF THE SEASON PREMIERE OF NBC'S "THE APPRENTICE" ON NEW NIGHT, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 9-10 PM ET/PT

Trump goes "HUGE" with blimps, a billion-dollar business and boardroom battles

NEW YORK - February 23, 2006 - Donald Trump kicks off the season premiere of NBC'S "The Apprentice" in a "Huge" way - with blimps, a billion-dollar business and boardroom battles, (Monday, February 27, 9-10 p.m. ET/PT). In a series first, Trump chooses two captains to pick their own teams - after only just meeting. They're given their first task - to utilize Goodyear blimps to market Sam's Club Memberships. The team that markets the product most successfully wins.

"Synergy" gets off to a rough start when personalities clash as one candidate feels excluded and others feel threatened. "Gold Rush" learns smooth sailing doesn't always last. Tempers flare and accusations are made as candidates begin what is sure to become a heated 15- week job interview.

Trump's loyal lieutenants George Ross and Carolyn Kepcher return for a fifth season along with the original "Apprentice," Bill Rancic, who fills in for Ross while he is away on business. ."

As previously announced, "The Apprentice," premieres on its new night - Mondays at 9 p.m. - with candidates hailing from the former U.S.S.R., England, and Canada as well as a MENSA member, joining Donald Trump for the fifth season of "The Apprentice."

"The Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions. Mark Burnett, Jay Bienstock and Donald J. Trump are executive producers. Conrad Riggs and Kevin Harris are co-executive producers.