December 1, 2004 - Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg delivered an October surprise when he appeared on NBC's The Apprentice on October 21. The Mayor hosted a breakfast at Gracie Mansion as a reward for finalists on the reality show.

Joking that business is a dog-eat-dog world and politics is “just the opposite,” the Mayor advised the contestants, “don't ever compromise on your standards and objectives.”

“We were all very excited to meet … the Mayor of New York City,” Ivana, a contestant on the show, said.

“Anytime there's a reward which involves the ability to acquire knowledge from people who have succeeded in business and in politics, [it] is a far greater reward that just an expensive dinner,” Raj said.

The Mayor made his primetime debut earlier this year on Law & Order, which was such a hit that the producers recast him in the season opener.