The Philanthropist
NBC | Release Date: June 24, 2009
CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
60
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 17 Critic Reviews
Positive:
8
Mixed:
7
Negative:
2

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
88
New York PostMichael Starr
Season 1 Review: It works, thanks to Purefoy's winning performance, pacing that never lags (the Olivia/Philip/Rist triangle is a diversion, quickly glossed over) and terrific writing. Read full review
83
Entertainment WeeklyKen Tucker
Season 1 Review: A pleasant surprise: a drama about a rich, rule-breaking risk-taker (a saucy James Purefoy) that's not cutesy or predictable. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterRandee Dawn
Season 1 Review: Deep inside Philanthropist is a smart, earnest yet realistic series waiting to be told, and the pilot makes an intriguing beginning. Read full review
80
Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRob Owen
Season 1 Review: Against all odds, this week's premiere turns out to be a competent, highly watchable hour of television, the most promising broadcast network premiere since "Southland." Read full review
80
The New York TimesAlessandra Stanley
Season 1 Review: The pilot was shot on location in southern Africa and is dazzlingly filmed; the cinematography alone stands out. But it’s the hero’s duality--he’s a good Samaritan with a flawed personality--that helps make The Philanthropist an unusual and exhilarating network series. Read full review
75
Slant MagazineAdam Keleman
Season 1 Review: The Philanthropist proves compassionate and insightful, never didactic, and heartily entrenching. Read full review
70
Newark Star-LedgerAlan Sepinwall
Season 1 Review: I want to see another episode or two before I can tell if The Philanthropist has the potential to be anything more than a summer trifle. But thanks to Purefoy, it's at least an entertaining trifle. Read full review
70
VarietyBrian Lowry
Season 1 Review: It remains to be seen whether Teddy's work on behalf of the needy can become an unexpected gift to needy NBC, but strictly as light summer entertainment with a touch of heart, The Philanthropist delivers. Read full review
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