CBS hopes it has found the next Dr. Phil, signing financial coach and radio host Dave Ramsey to star in a reality pilot for the net.
Project would feature the personal money-management expert as he tries to help families in dire financial straits get out of debt.
Emmy winner R.J. Cutler ("American High") is aboard to exec produce the as-yet-untitled series.
CBS Entertainment prexy Nina Tassler said she was inspired by Ramsey's riches-to-rags-to-riches story. A millionaire by age 26, Ramsey lost his fortune by age 30. He then rebuilt it and hit the circuit to describe the lessons he learned in the process.
He's since written several books, including "The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness."
"Dave Ramsey has the potential to be a true force on the television screen, combining a dynamic and inspiring persona with knowledge and expertise of how to make a difference in someone's life," Tassler said.
Ramsey also has sealed a deal with the net's sibling syndie unit, CBS Paramount Domestic TV, to develop a syndicated skein.
Cutler's other credits include the recent skeins "Black.White." and "30 Days," as well as "Freshman Diaries." In the film world, he was behind political-campaign documentary "The War Room."
Contact Michael Schneider at
mike.schneider@variety.com