CBS orders sister show to Undercover Boss

US network CBS has ordered a pilot of a workplace reality series from UK and US-based producer Studio Lambert, company founder Stephen Lambert has told TBIVision. The network is hoping to capitalise upon the success of Studio Lambert’s Undercover Boss, which was the most successful freshman show in the US last year.

The news comes as distributor All3Media International prepares to announce the Undercover Boss format and finished show has been sold into over 200 international territories.

“We are making a pilot for CBS, it’s another show set in the workplace, it’s a sister show to Undercover Boss. We will shoot that this year.” Lambert said. Speaking about the second season of Undercover Boss, which started airing late last month, he said: “There are a greater range of companies and organisations in the second season. We’re also having to find new ways of covering up the bosses’ identities.”

Lambert launched his own production company in early-2008 and opened up an LA office later the same year, winning a raft of US commissions soon after. It is backed by All3Media, and generated revenues of £17 million last year. Lambert told TBIvision that the largest proportion of that comes from the US and the company is already turning a profit.

As well as the CBS pilot, Studio Lambert is making several shows for US cable networks including Mel B reality series It’s a Scary World for The Style Network and Southern Fried Stings for TruTV. US versions of UK-originated series The Fairy Jobmother, for Lifetime. A US version of bed and breakfast series Three in a Bed is also in the works.