CBS has a new way to go 'Undercover'

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Six months ago, before anyone knew that "Undercover Boss" would turn into the surprise hit of this past TV season, CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler assured us that they had already found a way to do a second season.

Because, of course, it was easier for the bosses to go undercover while being followed by a camera crew before anybody had seen the show.

Apparently, they won't be using the same cover story from Season 1: that the cameras were there to film a documentary about a person looking to land a new job.

But what the new cover story is remains a secret at this point.

"Well, I'm certainly not going to reveal any changes, because then it's not undercover anymore," Tassler said. "But the interesting thing about it is, if you hear hoofbeats, you don't think zebras. I mean, people seeing cameras don't automatically think, 'Oh, I'm on an episode of 'Undercover Boss.' "

That's true. Although, given that the show was such a success, they just might.

"The good news is that they have a procedure. They have a process in place, and there are wonderful surprises in store," Tassler said. "But, again, how they do it, the methods, I certainly don't want to reveal."

We do know that Season 2 will feature executives from NASCAR, DirecTV, Chiquita Brands and Great Wolf Resorts. And that none of them are paid for their appearances on the show.

"No, there are no fees, and it's cast like any other reality show," Tassler said, "which is just regular casting process. You go out and you look at companies and you approach their communications person, and it's very standard."

And yet they don't seem to lack for willing CEOs.

"I think that (the show's producers are) really effective in capturing great drama and great moments," Tassler said. "And we've got an unbelievable lineup of great companies this year, so I'm excited."

No problem: According to Tassler, Charlie Sheen's legal problems won't affect the production of "Two and a Half Men."

"No, we've been given no indication from Warner Bros. (of a problem)," she said. "We happen to have a really wonderful relationship with them, and there's been no indication that there will be any interruption to the delivery of the episodes or to the production."

Dave has a home: David Letterman has a couple of years left on his contract, but he's not going anywhere anytime soon. Unless, of course, he decides to retire.

"As long as Dave is happy and Dave wants to stay around, we're very happy to have him there," Tassler said before ramping that up to, "We're thrilled to have him.

"And Craig (Ferguson), too."

Still big on "CSI": Tassler made it clear that although both "CSI: Miami" and "CSI: NY" are moving to new nights in the fall, the network does not see either show ending anytime soon.