CBS to focus on reality slate

Network bulks up on nonfiction programming

By JOSEF ADALIAN

As remaining supplies of original scripted programming continue to dwindle, CBS is bulking up its reality slate.

The Eye has given series orders to three unscripted shows, including a talent competition featuring celebrities. The network hasn't provided any timetable for when the shows will air, but it's likely all will be ready for broadcast later this season or this summer.

These are the three additions:

• "Secret Talents of the Stars," a celeb competition in which famous folks show off their hidden skills (which may range from singing to juggling). Tournament-style skein will air twice a week, with a performance seg followed by a results show.

Robyn Nash and Don Weiner are exec producing for the Eye's inhouse Magic Molehill Prods.

• "America's Top Dog" (working title), an hourlong competition series in which dog owners and their pets live together and (Marma)-duke it out with other canine-human teams in a battle to determine the best-trained dog.

R.J. Cutler ("The War Room"), Stu Schreiberg and Stephen Kroopnick are exec producing via Magic Molehill.

• "Game Show in My Head," a half-hour from exec producers Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg and Karey Burke of Katalyst ("Beauty and the Geek"). Hidden camera quizzer has contestants performing outrageous and embarrassing stunts in public, all in an attempt to win big bucks.

Fox 21, Katalyst and Hat Trick Prods. are producing, with Jimmy Mulville and Leon Wilde also serving as exec producers. The Eye ordered a pilot for the project last year (Daily Variety, March 5).

All three skeins fall into the "light entertainment" category of reality. They round out a slate of unscripted skeins that also includes "Survivor," "The Amazing Race," "Big Brother," "Power of 10" and "Super Password."