CBS Reboots 'Undercover Boss' with Drew Carey, Orders Two New Reality Series

Key points

• CBS announced orders for three unscripted series on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
• 'Undercover Boss' returns for a 12th season with Drew Carey as host, following a four-year hiatus since 2022.
• New series 'Stacks of Cash' is hosted by Mike O'Malley and filmed in Portugal to reduce costs.
• '24 Hour Millionaire' features a $1 million prize and is produced by the executive producers of 'Big Brother.'
• All three shows are currently in pre-production or post-production, with no premiere dates announced.

Background

CBS has been expanding its unscripted programming slate in 2026, following earlier shifts in its news division, including the return of Norah O'Donnell to 'CBS Mornings' amid broader network restructuring.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Deadline both confirm the three series orders and highlight CBS's push for a 'deep year-round unscripted slate.' Deadline notes that 'Stacks of Cash' was filmed in Portugal to save costs, a detail not emphasized by Variety. TV Insider focuses on the lack of a premiere date for 'Undercover Boss,' while Yahoo’s coverage remains largely inaccessible due to technical errors. All sources agree that Mitch Graham, CBS’s EVP of Alternative Series, views these shows as ambitious and distinctly CBS.

Why it matters

The return of 'Undercover Boss' with Drew Carey signals CBS’s strategy to leverage established talent and proven formats to compete in the reality TV space, while new entries like '24 Hour Millionaire' aim to attract audiences seeking high-stakes, fast-paced competition.

What to watch

CBS will announce premiere dates and season lengths for all three series at a later time. 'Undercover Boss' and '24 Hour Millionaire' are in pre-production, while 'Stacks of Cash' is in post-production.