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Thursday
21Jan2010

CEOs Get 'Dirty' on CBS' Undercover Boss

The Real World, America's first true reality show, has asked us for over two decades, "What happens when people stop being polite and start acting real?"

We know the answer.  They become enamored with the possibility of fame and act like a-holes.  We'll see if the same goes for the CEO next door.

No hot tubs.  No alcohol-fueled late nights.  Just 'everyday' CEOs doing your job. That's the concept of a new CBS show, Undercover Boss, premiering in the coveted post-Super Bowl time slot.  

If you're wondering what's exciting about watching head honchos from White Castle, 7-Eleven, and Hooters step out from their corner offices to do 'real' work, we're with you.  Don't expect any elimination challenges or a panel of berating judges.  CBS is combatting the bore factor by attempting to pull at our heartstrings by profiling 'average' workers and their struggles. Aspirational?  We'll see.

In a perfect world, the person in charge would already have an understanding of what people at all levels are up to, but hey, I guess an edited reality show will have to do.

The time slot following the Super Bowl has spawned several hits over the years, such as the Wonder Years and the A-Team.  There have also been a fair share of forgettable duds.  The 'Average Joe' mentality of Undercover Boss should keep many Super Bowl viewers glued to the tube.

I'm never sold when the boss rolls up his/her sleeves to get 'dirty,' but I will tune in.

The series moves to Sunday, 9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT, on February 14.

Watch a preview below.

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Reader Comments (6)

Just when you thought network TV couldn't possibly stoop any lower, they do...and pander to the mindless base that they hold in total contempt! Gimme a break, the last thing any of us want is to have our boss that close. What's the sub-title; "Ode to a Working Man"?

FYI, boo koo years ago, J. Edgar Hoover, of FBI fame/infamy personally arrested (though it was all pre-arranged) a well known gangster in NYC. Instead of getting all of the macho plaudits he thought that this exploit would earn, he was instead so embarrassed by this phony maneuver that he vowed never again to venture beyond his desk.A very smart move...
January 24, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterVictor Kipling
Just when you thought network TV couldn't possibly stoop any lower, they do...and pander to the mindless base that they hold in total contempt! Gimme a break, the last thing any of us want is to have our boss that close. What's the sub-title; "Ode to a Working Man"?

FYI, boo koo years ago, J. Edgar Hoover, of FBI fame/infamy personally arrested (though it was all pre-arranged) a well known gangster in NYC. Instead of getting all of the macho plaudits he thought that this exploit would earn, he was instead so embarrassed by this phony maneuver that he vowed never again to venture beyond his desk.A very smart move...
January 24, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterVictor Kipling
What a bunch of crap. Totally scripted and completely unbelievable. I know the corporate elite holds us in contempt but this is a new low
February 7, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterNot impressed
How can this be 'undercover'? Cameras have to be there filming this. I also heard that the participant employees are not compensated for this. This concept is truly unbelievable!!! CBS is insulting our intelligence.
February 14, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterGrammajane
I do not think that each single student in the world has got a passion of expository essay writing! However, students ,which do not have writing skillfulness have to use a support of professional <a href="http://quality-papers.com">essay writing</a> service and be happy with a success.
February 15, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterjz20Megan
OK, the CEO of Hooters is surprised by the information that some people feel the company exploits women? Ya think?

I wanted to like this show, as I've always enjoyed working with upper management who have "worked their way to the top," but this show feels stagey and contrived to me.
February 16, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterNancy

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