OWN, TLC Secure Off-Net Rights to 'Undercover Boss'

By R. Thomas Umstead
( Broadcasting & Cable )
published

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and TLC have acquired the off-network rights of Undercover Boss from CBS Television Distribution.

TLC and OWN will each have access to the library beginning in Fall of 2012, according to executives from both networks. 

Undercover Boss is a one-hour reality series that follows high-level corporate executives as they slip anonymously into the rank and file of their own companies. "Undercover Boss is a great addition to OWN's Fall lineup," said Scott Garner, senior vice president, scheduling and acquisitions for OWN in a statement. "The self-contained episodes will serve as strong anchors to complement OWN original programming."

Undercover Boss averaged more than 12 million viewers in its sophomore campaign last season after averaging 17 million viewers in its freshman season, said network officials.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.