“Undercover Boss” Episode One review and synopsis: Waste Management COO Larry O’Donnell

CBS launched its new reality series Undercover Boss in the much-coveted time slot following Superbowl XLIV to great ratings with an estimated 38 million viewers tuning in. It was the most watched reality premiere in television history! Every week Undercover Boss will feature a senior executive at a high profile, major corporation, who will go “undercover” in his/her own company for one week as an entry-level worker, to find out how the company really works and to identify some of the under-appreciated everyday heroes among the employees.

Episode One follows Larry O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer of Waste Management, as he takes on such jobs as a line worker at a recycling facility, trash collector at a central landfill, scale operator, portable toilet cleaner, and trash collection assistant.  The mood and delivery of the show is uplifting and a nod to the everyday workers that make mega corporations tick.

Here is a clip introducing Larry:

While the premise can seem a bit contrived, and it’s hard to avoid being somewhat skeptical as we see how genuinely concerned an ultra rich boss is for his underlings, the reactions of the workers in the premiere episode are genuine and moving.  One Waste Management employee, Walter (who reveals he is on dialysis) fires Larry for being too slow at his job.  Later Larry states that he understood the reason for being let go and promises paid time off so that Walter can assist other dialysis patients.

See a clip of Larry and Walter here:

As Larry tries his hand at running scales he is introduced to Jaclyn, who is nothing short of a miracle-working multitasker.  Randy learns Jaclyn is officially an administrative assistant, but also acts as an office manager, scale operator, scale supervisor, as well as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll for the Fairport, New York facility.  Wow!

See Larry and the multi-titled Jaclyn here:

 

Much like Extreme Home Makeover the viewer can feel good about the individuals who are helped while being aware that the larger social issues, or in the case of Undercover Boss – corporate issues, that put these everyday folks in their sympathetic position will primarily remain unchanged. But, it is a noble gesture on the part of these corporate executives and there’s certainly a nearly universal appear to watching “The Man” learn what it’s like to work for “The Man.”

You can watch Undercover Boss Episode One: “Waste Management COO Larry O’Donnell” here courtesy of CBS.

Episode two will air Sunday February 14th at 9:00PM.  Undercover Boss will make a transition from dumpsters to d-cups as we watch Hooters, Inc. CEO Cody Brooks take his turn as incognito employee for the world famous wings restaurant. 

Here is a preview of Undercover Boss Episode Two : “Hooters, Inc. CEO Cody Brooks:”