LOCALS PENN JILLETTE, MICHAEL ANDRETTI ON ‘APPRENTICE’

Looking to keep a veteran reality format alive, NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice” announced a cast for the coming series that is heavier on familiar faces than in recent seasons -- as well as funny ones.

The cast was announced on Wednesday by the show’s host, Donald Trump and most noticeable was the number of comedians among the 18-person cast. Four will be comics, including Las Vegan Penn Jillette (at left), Arsenio Hall, Adam Carolla and Lisa Lampanelli.