CBS is doubling down on reality TV, and it’s bringing back a familiar face to do it. The network has ordered a 12th season of “Undercover Boss,” this time hosted by Drew Carey, along with two brand-new shows: “Stacks of Cash” and “24 Hour Millionaire.” The announcements came Wednesday.
Carey Returns to ‘Undercover Boss’
“Undercover Boss” last aired in 2022, and CBS is now bringing it back with a fresh twist. The series follows corporate leaders who go undercover within their own companies to see how things really work. Carey takes over hosting duties for the new season, which is currently in pre-production.
The show first launched in 2010 on CBS. It won Emmys for outstanding reality program in 2012 and 2013. Studio Lambert produces the series, with Stephen Lambert, Jack Burgess, Abigail McCarthy, Niall O’Driscoll and Tim Harcourt serving as executive producers.
Mitch Graham, executive vice president of alternative series at CBS, praised the return in a statement. “We couldn’t think of a better time to bring back a reimagined version of ‘Boss,’ with Drew Carey serving as our host through undercover journeys that tap into the heart and authenticity of hard-working employees that audiences have always loved seeing,” he said.
Carey has spent years in front of the camera. He recently marked his 20th season hosting “The Price Is Right” for CBS.
‘Stacks of Cash’ and Its Blocks
“Stacks of Cash” is a game show where six contestants answer questions to earn uniquely shaped blocks. They then stack those blocks toward a gold line. The show is hosted by Mike O’Malley, who starred in the Eye sitcom “Yes, Dear.”
More recently, O’Malley has worked as a TV showrunner for series like “Heels” and “Survivor’s Remorse.” The series is based on a format developed by Eureka Studios Group Pty Ltd and Seven Network Limited. Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Rikkie Proost, Sonya Wilkes, David Tibballs, Ves D’Elia and Ed Egan serve as executive producers.
“Stacks of Cash” has already filmed its episodes. The show delivers another fun, appealing family game show, according to Graham.
’24 Hour Millionaire’ Runs Full Circle
“24 Hour Millionaire” follows contestants through 24 hours of social strategy and physical competitions. One player wins $1 million. The series has been in development for the past year at CBS and is currently in pre-production.
The premise is simple: players compete for 24 straight hours, answering questions, taking physical challenges and plotting against each other. The winner walks away with a $1 million prize. Fly on the Wall Entertainment is behind the show; Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan are executive producers.
Graham described the new series as an exciting new format that feels incredibly groundbreaking in the competition space.
The Orders Are In
CBS is building a deep year-round unscripted slate, according to Graham. These orders reflect that commitment to formats that are ambitious, entertaining and distinctly CBS.
| Show | Status | Host |
|---|---|---|
| Undercover Boss | 12th season, in pre-production | Drew Carey |
| Stacks of Cash | Filmed, awaiting broadcast | Mike O’Malley |
| 24 Hour Millionaire | In development, in pre-production | Not yet announced |
The network’s focus on unscripted content continues. These three shows join a growing roster of reality programming at CBS.
The Logline for ’24 Hour Millionaire’
The logline for “24 Hour Millionaire” promises a punishing test. It describes the series as a competition where skilled players face 24 hours of social strategy and physical challenges without rest, with one player walking away with a $1 million prize.
That kind of marketing speak is standard for reality TV, but this one goes further than most.
“Our new series ‘Stacks of Cash’ delivers another fun, appealing family game show and ’24 Hour Millionaire’ gives us an exciting new format that feels incredibly groundbreaking in the competition space.”
The network is clearly trying to fill its schedule with formats that feel distinctively CBS. Whether that means family entertainment, endurance tests or corporate espionage, the orders announced Wednesday suggest the network is willing to try almost anything.
Carey’s return to “Undercover Boss” is the headline grabber, but the two new shows offer a chance to see what else the network can produce. “Stacks of Cash” looks like a solid, straightforward game show. “24 Hour Millionaire” looks like a spectacle, and the logline admits it.
The question is whether the execution lives up to the promise. That is a fair bet to make, especially when the promise is this overwrought.
For now, the orders are in. The cameras are rolling. And CBS is hoping viewers stick around to see what happens.
Source material: “Drew Carey to Host ‘Undercover Boss’ Return at CBS, Which Also Orders New Reality Series ‘Stacks of Cash’ and ’24 Hour Millionaire’,” Variety.
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