CNBC picks up two new unscripted series

In a further attempt to bolster its profile in the dense cable landscape, CNBC has given the greenlight to two new reality series.

"Family Business Project" features family businesses competing for cash in front of an audience and a panel of judges. The second series, "The Big Fix" will revolve around business turnaround master Marcus Lemonis as he spotlights and helps struggling businesses with his own money.

“We understand how difficult it is to build hit shows,” said senior vice president of primetime alternative programming Jim Ackerman. “But you just need one, and it really can sort of change the profile of a channel.”

The cable network is mostly known for its coverage of financial news and developments, but the series pick-ups mark its latest foray into original programming. In December, the network added "Treasure Detectives" and "The Car Chasers" programs to their line-up, seen as a dramatic shift in its primetime identity.

“We’re not dabbling. We’re not dipping our toe in,” Ackerman said. “We think we’re doing compelling shows. But this is a big-time commitment. It’s a big-time commitment in terms of programming dollars, in term of the marketing, and in terms of the time we’re going to give it.”