- Network: NBC
- Series Premiere Date: Jun 24, 2009
Critic Reviews
- Critic score
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- By date
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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.
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A pleasant surprise: a drama about a rich, rule-breaking risk-taker (a saucy James Purefoy) that's not cutesy or predictable.
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Deep inside Philanthropist is a smart, earnest yet realistic series waiting to be told, and the pilot makes an intriguing beginning.
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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."
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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.
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The Philanthropist proves compassionate and insightful, never didactic, and heartily entrenching.
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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.
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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.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 44 out of 55
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Mixed: 3 out of 55
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Negative: 8 out of 55
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neenawOct 11, 2009Refreshing show with good writing, good intention, and substance.
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BruceD.Aug 29, 2009Great show!! To bad NBC thinks people want to watch reality crap!
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CraigB.Aug 27, 2009Beautifully shot its nice to see well made programs back on TV, where plot and production values mean something