‘S
ecret Millionaire” is getting a second chance to prove its worth.
ABC has picked up the Fox castoff for its fall schedule — hoping to duplicate the success of “Undercover Boss,” a thematically similar show which premiered on CBS after the Super Bowl and has been a breakout hit.
Both shows feature wealthy people trading in their fancy lifestyles to go undercover (in “Boss” it’s a CEO mingling with his employees; in “Millionaire” it’s a benefactor moving to a needy neighborhood).
At the end of each “Millionaire” episode, the benefactor reveals his or her true identity and donates a minimum of $100,000 to one (or more) people in the neighborhood.
“Millionaire,” a huge hit in Britain where it originated, aired six episodes in December 2008.
The show premiered to a promising 7.3 million viewers — and critical acclaim — but tailed off later.
“We feel the series fits perfectly with our brand,” an ABC insider said yesterday.