Culture 3 min read By Morgan Griffin
Drew Carey to Host 'Undercover Boss' Return as CBS Orders Three Unscripted Series
CBS is reviving 'Undercover Boss' with Drew Carey as host and has greenlit two new reality shows, 'Stacks of Cash' with Mike O'Malley and '24 Hour Millionaire' from the producers of 'Big Brother.'
CBS is making a major push into unscripted television, ordering a new version of «Undercover Boss» hosted by Drew Carey along with two additional reality series, «Stacks of Cash» and «24 Hour Millionaire.» The network announced the three-series order as part of an expanded slate that signals continued investment in the genre.
The revived «Undercover Boss» will bring back the format that places executives in entry-level positions within their own companies, but with Carey stepping in as host. Carey, a comedian and longtime television personality, is known for his work on «The Drew Carey Show» and as the host of «The Price Is Right.» His involvement gives the reboot a familiar face for viewers who followed the original run.
«Stacks of Cash» will be hosted by Mike O'Malley, an actor and comedian whose credits include «Yes, Dear» and «Glee.» The series is one of two new titles joining the CBS unscripted lineup. «24 Hour Millionaire,» which is currently a working title, comes from the executive producers behind «Big Brother,» the long-running reality competition that has been a staple for the network.
The three orders represent a significant bet on unscripted programming at a time when broadcast networks are looking for cost-effective and reliably engaging content. Reality and competition shows often perform well in live viewing and can be produced on schedules that complement scripted series. CBS has not yet announced targeted seasons, premiere dates, or additional details for any of the three shows.
«Undercover Boss» originally aired on CBS from 2010 to 2020 and became a recognizable brand with its emotional reveals and workplace stories. The new version will aim to recapture that appeal with Carey as the face of the franchise. The format has been adapted internationally and remains a known quantity for audiences.
«Stacks of Cash» and «24 Hour Millionaire» add to a growing roster of unscripted titles across broadcast and streaming. The involvement of the «Big Brother» producing team on «24 Hour Millionaire» suggests a high-concept competition format, though specifics about the rules and structure have not been disclosed. Similarly, «Stacks of Cash» has no announced format details beyond O'Malley's hosting role.
The announcements come as CBS continues to balance its scripted and unscripted offerings. Unscripted series have become increasingly important to networks seeking broad appeal and flexible production models. With Carey, O'Malley, and the «Big Brother» team attached, the network is leaning on established talent and proven producers to launch its next wave of reality programming.
Further information about casting, episode counts, and scheduling is expected to be released at a later date. For now, the three-series order marks one of CBS's largest single unscripted commitments in recent memory.
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