'The Philanthropist' is an NBC TV fictional account of the adventures of a wealthy philanthropist who mends a broken heart through traveling the world and doing good.
I watched the pilot last night and enjoyed it. During the commercials, I searched for other programs I could be watching and came up with CSI: NY, Lou Dobbs, Larry King, Fast Money, a rerun of NCIS and of Bones. The only competition for me was a show on PBS called "Musical Instinct."
Yes, it was unrealistic, but who's going to watch a show called 'The Philanthropist' that is realistic? How boring. The public loves suspense and adventure. This show tried to fit that mold but with the twist of someone doing something good.
'The Philanthropist' extolled "eyeball to eyeball philanthropy." It has pathos, drama, drug dealers, exotic locales, a handsome leading man, a near-death experience, and an emotionally satisfying ending. What's not to like? I just wonder if the title will sink it. Will the general public really be drawn to a show called 'The Philanthropist?' Does the general TV watcher even know what that means? Of course, they're watching "The Mentalist." So...maybe...
Call me a sap, but I'll probably watch next week's episode too.
Here are comments from nonprofit experts and others both before and after the show:
- A Philanthropist Reviews NBC's 'The Philanthropist'
- 'The Philanthropist' Lacks Reality - Chronicle of Philanthropy
- How a Very Rich Man Grows a Conscience - NY Times
- Must-See Do-Good TV: NBC Unveils ‘The Philanthropist’ - ServiceNation.com
- Real Life Philanthropist Inspires New TV Drama - Examiner.com
- Did I Like The Philanthropist? Not So Much. - Have Fun, Do Good Blog
The Chronicle of Philanthropy live-blogged during the show...you can see the comments here.
Comments
you could’ve watched the President on ABC. much more interesting.
Yes…that is right. I forgot that one. Thanks for the reminder.