Among the new dramas that NBC recently announced as being part of the upcoming lineup is The Philanthropist. The series, which centers on a renegade billionaire named Teddy Rist, a man on a mission of philanthropy, is set to take over the Monday night post-Heroes timeslot next winter.
Here’s NBC’s description of the series:
“THE PHILANTHROPIST -- This one-hour drama is about a rebel with a cause. Teddy Rist loves women, money and power. After the tragic death of his only child, Teddy has an awakening and becomes the world's first vigilante philanthropist -- a renegade billionaire who uses his wealth, connections and power to help people in need. He'll do anything to achieve his goals -- bargain with the self-righteous, trade with the nefarious and even tell the truth. Instead of spending $25,000 a plate at a fundraiser, he’s dodging bullets in third-world countries to hand-deliver vaccine. It's a global adventure that will take viewers to the ends of the Earth and will inspire them as well. "The Philanthropist" is produced by Universal Media Studios, Original Media and the Levinson/Fontana Company. Tom Fontana ("Homicide: Life on the Street"), Barry Levinson (“Homicide: Life on the Street”) and Charlie Corwin ("L.A. Ink") are the executive producers; Jim Juvonen is a co-executive producer."
A show about a vigilante philanthropist dodging bullets to hand out vaccines? I don’t know why but the premise of this series isn’t really doing it for me. Maybe it’s because it sounds like the kind of show that aims to be inspirational but only comes off as sappy. Then again, it could also be the kind of series that looks like that on paper but actually turns out to be great as a show. So for me, the jury’s still out on this one but I’m willing to keep an open mind about it.
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Comment on “New NBC Series: The Philanthropist - Winter 2009”
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This show is so different from the typical tv venue that requires little emotional or intellectual investment--I am excited and hopeful at the possibility that the American public might embrace a show that deals with global, humanitarian issues. Sorry to George and others if some of the details aren't right--most of us are pretty ignorant and wouldn't be able to distinguish between Zulu and Nigerian anyway; maybe a TV show like at this will help us broaden our world so that we will learn and appreciate the differences in the diverse cultures of the African continent. At the moment I am just glad that the entertainment industry is paying attention to the the political and human difficulties of this region--it has been ignored far too long.
Bravo to "The Philanthropist" for opening our eyes to the world. I hope it succeeds!!
I am a bit disappointed in the fact that as much as the pilot program had the right idea but the setting (Location) very disappointing especially when one has to remember the show will be reaching out to millions of viewers around the world. My native tongue is Zulu and for it to be taken for Nigerian is very insulting especially when you walk down the street/busing and the person sitting next to you insists that I'm from Nigeria because that's what they heard in this flick. Directors, lets do our research before stepping on viewers' toes who share the same sediments as I do.
I think its fun new concept,a hard charging ruthless philanthropist hell bent on righting the world, who still has time to love the ladies. Simply awesome. The show can work if doesn't get too preachy but equally emphasizes Teddy's fun loving lifestyle while avoiding the cliches of the rich and famous. Purefoy was great as the radically debauched Mark Antony on HBO's Rome so guess he can pull it off. Anyways, we'll soon find out.
This show seems like is has nice possibilities; if the cast meshes well & hopefully will not be the same old faces we see over and over again on pilots...might be pretty enjoyable.
Im desperate and I am looking for a way to tie up with a Philanthropist. I want to make my school flourished and it's getting hard for me to comply with the necessary requirements as it means money. I hope to save my students....
Please link me to a real philanthropist. I can be contacted at +639194114751.
Is this an original concept - I think not - lets think hart to hart, matt houston, just to name two - rich people helping people out with their wealth. Premise could be ok but as I said no idea is original anymore.
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