“The Apprentice” — one of the most contentious and sought-after films of the year, depicting the life of a young Donald Trump — is too spicy for some major TV networks … at least during presidential and VP debates

Briarcliff Entertainment, the film’s distributor, tells TMZ … a 15-second advertisement for the film was rejected by both ABC and CBS from airing during debate nights.

CBS, which is hosting tonight’s debate between Tim Walz and J.D. Vance, told Briarcliff the network doesn’t feel comfortable promoting “The Apprentice” in the debate or during national news — but is open to advertising the film during other parts of the day.

Sebastian Stan stars as Donald Trump early in his ascent to power, eager to learn from his mentor, famed right-wing and political fixer Roy Cohn … played by “Succession” star Jeremy Strong. In the clip, you hear Strong’s character declare, “If you’re indicted you’re invited.”

Of course, the scene that’s generating the most buzz is when Stan’s Trump is depicted sexually assaulting his ex-wife Ivana Trump, played by Maria Bakalova. We should note, Trump and his lawyers have denied the sexual assault claim numerous times — which filmmakers took from Ivana’s 1989 divorce deposition.