CBS picks reality show to follow Super Bowl

Posted Dec 21, 2009 by Walt Belcher

Updated Dec 22, 2009 at 05:25 PM

A new CBS reality series, “Undercover Boss,” which follows high-level chief executives as they slip anonymously into the rank and file of their companies, will debut after the Super Bowl on Feb. 7 at roughly 10 p.m.

The series moves to its regular 9 p.m. time slot Feb. 14.

Each week, a different executive will leave the comfort of the corner office for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their companies. While working alongside their employees, they will see the effects their decisions have on others and where the problems lie within the organization, and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering the unsung heroes who make their company run. 

Companies whose chief executives will make the undercover journey include such corporate giants as Waste Management (Larry O’Donnell, president and C.O.O.), 7-Eleven (Joseph M. DePinto, president and CEO), Hooters (Coby G. Brooks, president and CEO), White Castle (Dave Rife, owner/executive board member) and Churchill Downs (William C. Carstanjen, C.O.O.).

The premiere episode of “Undercover Boss” will follow Larry O’Donnell of Waste Management as he works alongside his employees, cleaning porta-potties, sorting waste at a recycling plant, collecting garbage from a landfill and even being fired for the first time in his life. O’Donnell’s mission is to garner an up-close look at his company and work force to see how and where improvements can be made in both operation and morale.