Mine would be

SERIES 3
Series 1
Series 5
Series 9
Series 2
Series 4


Series 7
Series 6
Series 8

I find that series 6-8 was a real low point for the show, very dull the whole 3 series. 7 not as bad as 6 and 8 though

Hmmm... It's difficult. My opinions change quite a lot

I can guarantee that Series 4 is my favourite, and Series 8 is my least favourite.

I think that Series 1 and 2 were both brilliant: each had characters that were very entertaining, and it was less formulaic.

Series 3 is a difficult one. I think it's quite overrated: the tasks aren't very interesting (mostly tasks 7-10), and each of the final four annoyed me in one way or another.

Series 4 is definitely my favourite because every character added something. Each task had so many funny moments, and it climaxed just at the right moment with the Marrakech episode, with ghastly Jenny getting fired - very satisfying. I also sometimes get bored to the end of a series - not with Series 4 !

Series 5 was very watchable the whole way through: it also has three of the best episodes ever in my opinion: episodes 4, 5 and 6. Another good thing is that the final two were likeable and worthy, something that hadn't really happened since series 1.

Series 6 is again very watchable, but it doesn't really reach a climax... It's jsust an ongoing thing if you know what I mean! It did have some good likeable characters though: perhaps a forgettable final two. i didn't like how much airtime Stu Baggs got though.

Series 7 is really good. I liked the Zoe/Susan clash they threaded through the series, and Melody, yes she was annoying, but very entertaining! A great final four!

Series 8 is SO boring, I'm sorry. It actually started really well - the first six episodes were actually as good as any other series, but then the tasks in Weeks 7 and 8 were a bit boring... Very forgettable. In Week 9 and 10 my two favourite candidates went (Gabrielle and Jenna) and the last two weeks, I jsut find SO boring!

Series 9 was much better than Series 8. It had great characters, and was very entertaining pretty much from start to finish, but as people said at the time of airing, it had become a bit of a charicature of itself. Many of the males were selected for their weirdness or their outlandish statements, and on the girls side, there were too many fake people, and in my mind it gave off the message that women have to be glamourous and sexy to succeed in business which is very wrong. Very entertaining series nonetheless.

1. My favourite is Young Apprentice Series 2 - this was partly because I had a particular admiration for Zara, but that isn't the only reason. I found so many people on it to be really strong. It was a fantastic series, and even the stupid semi-final twist didn't spoil it for me.

2. I would say Series 7 is my second favourite. I could really do with seeing it again, but I just found it really enjoyable. It was one of the first series that I watched, and it was around the time that I was really getting into The Apprentice. I just look back on that series as being really special.

3. My third favourite would be Series 1. It was a real toss-up between Series 1 and Series 8, and in the end I only went for Series 1 because Series 8 was a bit more formulaic as the series had been around a bit longer. Saira was great, Miriam was great, Tim was great - a lot more documentary-style back in those days.

4. Naturally Series 8 would come next. Really enjoyed it, had some great people and also I think it was particularly entertaining for the red herrings. No other series has done red herrings quite as well. The first episode was set up to look as though Katie would go, and it was quite a shock when Bilyana went instead. After that, Katie looked like she'd have a big redemption arc, but she went quite soon, as did Jane and Duane, who looked as though they'd go a long way. Conversely, Adam and Jenna pretty much screamed 'early firing' but they lasted for ages! And I was sure that Nick would win, or Jade as a strong alternative, but they were the first two to go in the final, yet Ricky was still a satisfying winner. Fantastic series.

5. Junior Apprentice Series 1. I'm a little biased as this was the first full series that I watched, but I really enjoyed it and still do. Bar Rhys and Adam, I really liked every candidate in it. Also, I found it had a documentary-style similar to Series 1 of the adult show.

6. Series 5 was the first series that I saw any of (I saw bits of it, and watched Junior Apprentice properly) so this is one that I'm fond of as well. It has one of my favourite winners - I thought Yasmina was great - and I think it's really the first series since Series 1 to focus on talent over sloppy entertainment.

7. Series 2. I enjoyed it - not one of my favourites, but it had some people who I liked. Although Ruth totally deserved to win!

8. Young Apprentice Series 3. I didn't think it was as good as the other Young editions, but it was still a good watch.

9. Series 3. It was okay, had some good episodes, but really focussed too much on the drama storylines surrounding Katie. I think there were a few times that they forgot it isn't a soap.

10. Series 6. I wasn't too big on it to start out with, but it grew on me after a while. My major gripe with it is the candidate selection. Most of the candidates who had any sense at all were majorly overqualified for an apprenticeship, which led to grim consequences as Stella sued Lord Sugar. She shouldn't have got that job; that's why I have said time and again that Laura should have won, though few other people agree.

11. Series 9. It's interesting that this is one of my lowest, I didn't realise that it would be when I started this list. I just didn't think it was that good. After doing a great job with Series 8, they seemed to go back to choosing people who would make car-crash telly again. Besides Leah and Luisa, the only others who could possibly have won were Neil and Rebecca. Four potential winners out of sixteen really isn't very good.

12. Series 4. Didn't like it much. Just thought it played on showing the very worst sides of candidates, and Alan Sugar's attitude didn't help matters. I want to see people who I can support and hope to do well, not just people bullying and shouting at one another all the time.

Just a note, you guys have forgotten about Young Apprentice...

I forgot those on purpose but feel free to include them, as indeed you have

I just think it's a shame not to. Just as much hard work was put in by the candidates in those series than in the others. I find failing to acknowledge that a bit disrespectful.

Look please don't start. They aren't the proper apprentice, they even have a different name (young apprentice, junior apprentice whatever) I never liked them as much as the main series. if you think its disrespectful just cos i opted to leave them out then that's just OTT in my mind. Like i say others are welcome to include them

i find it hard to compare YA directly with the adult series.

What I'd say is that Series 1 was really good because it had a good mix of candidates, many were good entertainment. But how I wish Rhys wasn['t there... He just looked too young to be taken seriously.

Series 2 was good, and as you say lots of strong candidates. Zara was great, and many of the tasks were good... It reminds me most of the adult series out of the three Young APprentice series.

Series 3 had good candidates again, but I hate how LS chose Ashleigh over Lucy, and I also had how he chose to fire Navdeep. Patrick was also annoying, but apart from that it was a good series. One thing that annoyed me was how often the girls brought up this image of the 'professional woman.' It's jsut such a cliche... Really annoying.

I find it too hard to rate them, they all have strengths and weaknesses.

Something I've thought about is that actually now I think about it both Series 1 and 2 were quite similar to the adult series, whereas with Series 3 it actually started to break away and come into its own... Just with like the music and the way things were edited etc.

It's certainly a shame it was axed, but it was inevitable considering the ratings.

I don't think I'm 'starting' anything, I'm just saying how I feel. I think that when the candidates on it have worked just as hard as the candidates on the adult show, not to mention Lord Sugar, the advisors and the producers, it is unfair not to count them when ranking the series. People can disagree on that if they wish. I don't see how anyone's opinion can be over the top. I have no issue with anyone stating their viewpoints about such things here, just as I would hope no one has any issue with me saying such things either. That's what this forum is for.

Great:
Series 3
Series 5
Series 1

Good:
Series 9
Series 6
Series 2

Meh:
Series 4
Series 7
Series 8

1. Series 5. Which imho had the best winner and also pantsman!

2. Series 3. Probably the best mix between drama and competition (even with henchmen and henchwomen).

3. Series 2. The best of the original format (on BBC2). As with my number one, a final with two very competent women.

4. Series 7. For some it's all about Jedi Jim, but for me it's all about Mischievous Melody (emergency biscuit.......that sketch )

5. Series 6. The series of the brand. And the winner that Lord Sugar wants to forget the most (as do most of the candidates).

6. Series 9. It had some good stories (Jason mainly), but it also had the likes of Jordan and Francesca in the interview round (remember them??).

7. Series 8. Very competent finalists (well, most of them), but quite a dull series. Mainly because a few of the larger characters were booted early on and some of the better candidates met their waterloo early.

8. Series 1. The start of it all, but too many weak candidates (most of them would be week 1 casualties in other series). The format really had to find it's feet yet.

9. Series 4. Many will say but what about Marakesh? Well, as entertaining as that was, it highlighted the main flaw with this series. It kinda violated a few ethics codes along the way and that is also why I can't rank it higher then the original concept.

I will not rate Junior Apprentice/Young Apprentice, but I do think that Series 2 was the best there (that series at least didn't have an annoying character in it; Zoe/Maria).

Having seen the first 3 seasons of the US Apprentice, I would say that their first season is on par with my number 3, that their second season is on par with my number 9 and finally their third season is on par with my number 2.

I agree with Neil, but I can't see how someone fired midway through can be seen as a potential winner. I've also liked candidates in the past who were fired midway through, but I didn't see them as potential winners.

And I don't think that most of the series have that many potential winners (beside the finalists). Ignoring the concepts of series 4, series 7 and series 8, you'd probably have one wildcard for each series (Miriam, Paul, Katie, Debra, Joanna; only counting interview stages).

But I do agree that the choices (from the start) were a bit barren.

I meant that only those four out of the sixteen could even have had a chance.

Compare it with YA2 for example, where there were so many good people, especially at the final stages. That is the sort of standard of candidate that I want.

Ok, having thought about it, I feel I am in a better position now to make a more structured ranking, that facilitate my changes in opinion...

BEST: Series 4, 6, 7 and 9... Why? I feel that every episode in these series was entertaining. Right until the last episode, it was extrememly watchable, and the right people got to the end in each of these series. Each of these series has their weaknesses but overall I feel these series are my favourites.

NEXT: Series 1 and 2.... Why? These two fall only marginally behind my top four. Literally a hair's width. There is something very refreshing about them in that it was a good balance of entertainment and business nouse. There were some great characters, and it felt more documentary-like. It's a shame that these series lack a double firing. Furthermore, another thing that pushes them behind the first four is there were some awful decisions made: most notably, Miriam's firing, Karen's firing, and LS picking Michelle over Ruth. They are still quality series of the show though, and literally marginally behind the first four... In fact, I might as well have put them in the same category as the first four.

NEXT: Series 5... Why? Because although there were some great characters, the best final six ever, and two of the best episodes ever (four and five), the rest fell a bit flat... Most notably, I find episodes 1-3 and 8-10 a bit boring. Also, out of the final ten candidates, the only ones I find both interesting AND likeable are Lorraine and James.

NEXT: Series 3... Why? Quite similar reasons to Series 5 actually. I find that although the first six episodes were great, it does fall a bit flat, and the whole Adam-Paul-Katie-Kristina plot is over, and it does get a bit boring. Also, I had the same problem with the final ten... There were literally NONE who were likeable AND interesting... Adam, Lohit and Kristina were likeable, Katie and Tre were interesting, but I feel that none of the final four were really very satisfying... Katie and Tre for their nastiness and attitudes, and Simon and Kristina for their hints of gameplaying, and somewhat two-faced natures... There were some classic moments in this series though, I admit, but I do feel this is quite overrated.

WORST: Series 8....Why? I've aired my views on this one, and it's mainly because there are no big characters, tasks 7 and 8 and 10 and 11 are really dull, and the final five are bland and unlikeable. Some of the blame for this lies with LS, for knocking out some of the interesting characters early. Jane and Duane for example were very much in the edit, and then they're gone, and we're left with this bunch of nobodies! Gabrielle was definitely the best thing about this series.

So, on the whole, it's really a case of:

Series 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 9.
Series 5
Series 3
Series 8

Tom, I'm just curious as to what your criteria is for a series to be entertaining? Entertainment is clearly very important to you (I suppose it is to me as well, to be fair) but your idea of what is entertaining appears to be very different to mine. I'd be interested to learn what a series has to have for you to be entertained.

Emmm... Ok, well there has to be interesting characters with interesting personalities each if which has to be different, there has to be in-depth interaction between candidates which develop throughout the series, showing friendships and hostility. There has to be interesting tasks, and also stuff actually has to happen that you would expect! Stuff that is funny, shocking, stuff that triggers emotion, like Saira and James' wolf jacket, the w*nking man on the planr in that 70's porno ad, arguments between candidates, mess-Ups like on the series 5 soap task, but mixed in with all this there has to be underlying business nouse, with moments of genius along the ways, like Alex's foldo chair for example. Also, somethign else that's important is that the right people get to the end, and the right person wins, with us having seen a development in those candidates throughout the show. So those are the things that get me going and I believe Series 3, 5 and 8 didn't tick all those boxes, whereas every other pretty much has.

To clarify, I meant there has to be stuff you WOULDN'T expect.

1. Series 7
2. Series 5
- Junior Apprentice
3. Series 9

4. Series 1
- Young Apprentice (S3)
5. Series 4
- Young Apprentice (S2)

6. Series 6
7. Series 8
8. Series 3
9. Series 2

There we go, something like this. S7, S5, JA and S9 are all stone cold brilliant. S1, YA3, S4 and YA2 are very good. S6, S8, S3 and S2 were each entertaining, but not up to the standard of the other... eight! Crikey. Wasn't intentionally split into fours, but that's how it's ended up.

To expand - S6 had a lot of fun stuff, but it was focused on one or two standout candidates. Many of the rest were a bit incapable and sort of making up the numbers. S8 had the opposite problem - low on massive characters and chaos, largely a bunch of relatively slick people doing their jobs quite well. S3 was entertaining, but chaotic, with so few credible candidates, and S2 was repetitious. All good fun for a few months, though. Didn't miss an episode, so there we go.

I agree with you totally on Series 3 and 8.

I don't think Series 2 was repetitious though... Each episode had many good moments, and there were plenty of strong characters, but the standout thing I dislike about it is Michelle winning over ruth.

I think there were a few strong characters. Michelle not particularly, but Ruth, Paul, and Syed, yes. I like Sharon, too, and Ansell seemed like a nice bloke. But the rest were either boring or one-shot jokes. Mani was a grim buzz of "oh, god, he's still in it" - Jo, likewise. Karen Bremner was interesting before she was fired ahead of Jo and bleeding Alexa, who had the chickens, but not much else. I think all the heavy lifting was on Ruth, Syed, and to a lesser extent Paul. The rest is all just a bit of a blur. Suits 'n' sales-tasks. With a lot of spontaneous crying. That was weird.

Doesn't do much for me, but I appreciate it was one of the breakout series! I don't expect to be in a majority on this one.

I agree. Series 2 had very strong characters some of whom started or built up stereotypes that have been cast time and time again. There's the strange one, the Private Walker and the used car saleswomen and man. . Its the model for what is to come, and characters like Jo Ruth and Syed are probably still the strongest examples of their types.

Ruth couldn't win. The show storyline for weeks had been that she was great at sales , but weak at strategy. Not reading the small print on the cruise ship was a pretty fatal error for someone to make when the task was to set up a new business and negotiate Whether she did read it and tried to catch Syed out - as LAS seemed to be saying, or she couldn't deal with detail , Ruth was from then on doomed. Michelle may have been as good , or better at sales from what we saw, and apart from the shop task had got the strategy right weeks when Ruth missed the point (eg car selling) Michelle had also already set up a company, and had international contract negotiation experience - which looks vital for the job. She was also a smoother operator, and more likely to be able to network to build a new concern, and less likely to frighten people away. Michelle was also technology savvy. - wheras Ruth looked like a saleswomen, and that technological background was necessary for the job on offer. It wasn't even close.

I'd just like to say that I think that Karen Bremner is extremely overrated, and I think it is only her shock firing in Week 3 that make people think she was a really strong candidate. I genuinely didn't think she was that brilliant. Her negotiation for the dinner jacket on the task she was fired was awful, for example, and it turned out that the jacket she needed wasn't available in the first place!

She wasn't terrible, but I don't think she was as good as people made out. She probably should have stayed over Jo, but in all fairness Jo calmed down and improved a lot after that week, so it was possibly worthwhile keeping her on a bit longer. As for Alexa, at that point the chicken thing hadn't even happened, and she made a reasonable point about how she hadn't been Project Manager yet, so I can see from Sir Alan's perspective why he'd want to keep her on at that stage.

1. Series 4 - by miles! It was crammed full of memorable characters and has some of the series' best ever episodes. Marrakech was unmissable TV and we also had classics like Happy Earth Day and the laundry episode. Everything just clicked an although there were a lot of villains it was kind of even more fun because we got to see all of them fall. It's the series I've rewatched repeatedly.

2. Series 5 - the first series I watched so is iconic to me, but was still genuinely excellent. Some of my favourite contestants ever starred here such as Debra, James, Yasmina and Kimberley and despite the usual arguments there was a lot o camaraderie between them. There were again many classics such as PantsMan and the shopping channel, and the right contestant won. Wonderful year.

3. Series 6 - Stuart Bagga dominated too much but most of the other contestants were likeable or at least memorable. Every episode was very enjoyable with the odd classic, and the likes of Alex, Paloma and Laura stayed for just enough time for us to enjoy their downfall. Stella was the right winner and the final was surprisingly enjoyable. Not as great as Series 4 or 5 though.

4. Series 3 - the series in which the format and the use of the contestants themselves really came into its own IMO. The first series to have major heroes and villains, with a brilliant series-long arc with Katie and Kristina. One of the most memorably cringe-tastic moments ever with Simon on the shopping channel, with a lot of other similar moments. It hasn't lived on in my mind that much though and the winner was highly dubious.

5. Series 9 - felt very fresh and new with some very new types of contestants such as bumbling Jason and unbreakable Neil. Some great episodes with surprising twists, such as the PM coup from Luisa, and the final was one of the most interesting in years. Jordan's fraud reveal was a particular highlight and the series generally kept getting better as it went along.

6. Series 7 - several fun, quirky characters like Susan and Jim but not quite as much variety and liveliness on show here as in previous series. Unlike many series this one had a very strong start before becoming weirdly bleak and lifeless. The decision to conclude with the interviews was a weird idea that didn't work. Not the worst series and definitely had some great moments, but disappointing overall.

7. Series 2 - it's been a long time since I watched it so this is probably an unfair placing, but I just felt that there wasn't enough going on in this series outside of the brilliant Ruth and a few extremely ambitious tasks. Enough memorable moments to keep this series afloat though.

8. Series 1 - there's nothing particularly wrong with Series 1 but it's clear the show is still finding its feet. The whole things is very blunt and documentary style and the tasks are usually very small scale. There are a few standouts though such as that ad campaign for the stereo, and the madness of some contestants, which hint at future greatness to come. A solid start but no competition for later series.

9 - Series 8 - easily, easily the worst series. Somehow it all just went wrong right from the start. The casting was very boring and dry with only one or two memorable characters. The villain of the series turned out to be the eventual winner which was... odd. Too many recycled tasks and ideas and too much self-awareness and forced professionalism from the contestants. Overall, just very boring and lifeless.

Series 1, 2 and 4.

Series 2 was sensational and gave the show the popularity it has now.. More bizarre watching it again as one of the candidates now works in my office.

Series 1 - Had the best candidates and also more credibility
Series 5 - Another set of good candidates and a lot less game playing from them
Series 7 - Regained it's mojo after a couple of weak series, probably down to the change in format
Series 2 - Some decent personalities and some strong candidates
Series 3 - Despite the car crash that was Paul Callaghan still some strong candiadates
Series 6 - Liz was treated badly, The Baggs is in the top five of bad candidates, Sid had lost it a bit by now
Series 9 - Decent enough candidates but a bit meh!
Series 8 - Didn't get into this one at all
Series 4 - The weakest winner and some truly awful candidates, including the worts ever Michael Sophocles