CBS revives ‘Undercover Boss’ with Drew Carey as host and adds two new unscripted series

The network says the moves expand its year‑round unscripted slate.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 30 Sep 2026 17:06:15 GMT

CBS announced Wednesday that it is bringing back “Undercover Boss” for a 12th season, this time with longtime Price Is Right host Drew Carey as the series’ first ever host. The network also ordered two new unscripted series – the game show “Stacks of Cash” and the reality competition “24 Hour Millionaire.”

What happened

According to Variety, CBS confirmed the orders on September 30, 2026. “Undercover Boss” has been off the air since 2022 and is now in pre‑production with Carey attached. “Stacks of Cash” has already completed filming, while “24 Hour Millionaire,” which has been in development for a year, is also in pre‑production.

What the reports add

Variety notes that “Stacks of Cash” will feature six contestants answering trivia questions to earn uniquely shaped blocks that they must stack toward a gold line. The Hollywood Reporter describes the format as family‑friendly and adds that contestants must keep their towers standing to win. Both outlets explain that “24 Hour Millionaire” is a 24‑hour nonstop competition in which participants face continuous social‑strategy and physical challenges, with a $1 million prize awarded at the end of the day.

What was said

“These orders reflect our commitment to building a deep year‑round unscripted slate with formats that are ambitious, entertaining and distinctly CBS,” said Mitch Graham, executive vice president of alternative series at CBS, in a statement quoted by both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

“We couldn’t think of a better time to bring back a re‑imagined 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. 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,” Graham added.

How it came about

CBS has been expanding its unscripted lineup throughout 2026, following the success of reality formats such as “The Traitors” and “All American,” which Felo previously covered. The network’s decision to revive “Undercover Boss” with a host aligns with its strategy to refresh legacy franchises while introducing new formats to attract broader audiences. Variety identifies Mike O’Malley, known for “Yes, Dear” and as a showrunner on “Heels,” as the host of “Stacks of Cash,” and notes that the series is based on a format developed by Eureka Studios Group and Seven Network. The Hollywood Reporter adds that “24 Hour Millionaire” comes from the producers of “Big Brother,” Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan’s Fly on the Wall Entertainment.

Key facts

CBS is reviving “Undercover Boss” for a 12th season with Drew Carey as host. (variety.com)
The new game show “Stacks of Cash” has finished filming and will feature contestants stacking blocks toward a gold line. (variety.com)
“24 Hour Millionaire” is in pre‑production and will award $1 million after a 24‑hour competition. (hollywoodreporter.com)
Mitch Graham, CBS executive VP of alternative series, said the orders reflect the network’s commitment to a deep unscripted slate. (hollywoodreporter.com)