CBS renews 'Undercover Boss' for second season

CBS is ordering a second season of its surprise success "Undercover Boss."

Since its post-Super Bowl debut, the midseason reality show has performed strong on Sunday nights, improving considerably on its "Amazing Race" lead-in.

"We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the series and how audiences seem to connect to it on several levels," said Jennifer Bresnan, senior vp of reality at CBS. "The wish fulfillment of seeing the top boss perform jobs of the rank and file is universal, and the employees' stories discovered at each company are often relatable and inspirational."

"Boss" was seen by 38.7 million viewers after the Super Bowl, the largest audience ever for a new series following the big game. Since then, "Boss" has averaged a 5.6 rating among adults 18-49. Though the pickup isn't a surprise, it remains to be seen whether the show's format is sustainable -- with "Boss" a hit show, how many CEOs can continue to go undercover with a camera crew in their own operations without employees getting wise?

Stephen Lambert and Eli Holzman are executive producers for Studio Lambert, Ltd.