Stewart fails apprenticeship

Martha Stewart’s “Apprentice” reality show, in last place in its time slot Wednesday nights, will end after its first season, NBC said Monday. “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart” will air its finale Dec. 21, the network said.

Stewart, founder of publishing company Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., has drawn an average of 6.8 million viewers a week, ranking 67th for the season, according to Nielsen Media Research. The show, which airs at 9 p.m. Wednesdays, ranks behind rivals “Lost” on ABC, “Criminal Minds” on CBS and “Trading Spouses” on Fox.

Stewart’s daytime talk show, broadcast on many NBC stations, also hasn’t performed as well as planned. “Martha” has been watched by 1.7% of U.S. homes with TV sets, less than the 2.2% forecast by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.