Under the Dome, the science fiction drama television series from CBS, may be boasting stellar names like Steven Spielberg (executive producer) and Stephen King (creator) but according to Entertainment chief Nina Tassler and TV president David Stapf, the show became even more successful because they were able to make big, ballsy decisions.

Among these decisions was the agreement between directors, stars, and products to air the show's first episode in the middle of summer when competition wasn't that tight among dram shows. During the summertime, networks have reserved most time slots for reality shows or other live shows, a requirement that clearly that does not qualify "Under the Dome." The show is about an indestructible dome that cuts off a Maine town from civilization. As residents try to figure a way out, people began to distrust in each other and discover each other's dark secrets.

"It was escapist and obviously sci-fi," says Tassler, "but it's a fantasy with relatable characters set in small-town America that's also very relatable."

Speaking to the the Hollywood Reporter Magazine, Rachelle Lefevre, who plays the protagonist Julia Shumway, said that actors didn't feel much pressure and that they "were able to make big, ballsy decisions as a result, and success is what comes from that."

For CBS TV president David Stapf, the show worked "beyond their expectations."

In its first season, UTD was able to ink a groundbreaking deal $700,000 per episode with Amazon, slightly lower than its high production cost of nearly $3 million per episode. The show ended its first season on September 5, 2013 and expected to come back by summer of 2014 for the second season.

Aside from Lefevre, who used to be a part of movie franchise Twilight, the show also stars Breaking Bad's Dean Norris, and Bates Motel's Mike Vogel.