The Philanthropist

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 24, 2009
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 55
  3. Negative: 8 out of 55

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User Reviews

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  1. TomB
    Jul 8, 2009
    10
    Surprisingly entertaining and enjoyable with episodes filmed across the globe and a winning cast. I wonder if it's too good to survive!?
  2. AS
    Jul 13, 2009
    10
    Wonderful show. It makes viewers aware of problems in the world that they might not otherwise be aware of while still being enjoyable.
  3. TeriT.
    Jul 16, 2009
    9
    Cinematic, great writing, fast paced, altruistic themes. It's good for the world. I love it.
  4. MattM.
    Jul 30, 2009
    9
    Nice to see something different for once. Enjoyed nearly every episode.
  5. sandrag
    Jul 5, 2009
    9
    A great concept, a great actor and after seeing episode 2, it held my interest throughout. I found none of the offensiveness of some reviewers because of Teddy's naivite. He really does mean well!
  6. mistym
    Aug 16, 2009
    10
    Great show! was entertaining and got me thinking about what more I can do to help others.
  7. LouieP.
    Aug 19, 2009
    10
    If I could give it an 11 I would. The narrative viewpoint is original. The concept is superb. This show actually makes you think about something other than yourself. The negative comment posted are probably disturbed by their own self centeredness.
  8. neenaw
    Oct 11, 2009
    8
    Refreshing show with good writing, good intention, and substance.
  9. JasonN
    Jun 24, 2009
    1
    What a boring show, so full of cliches it almost insults the viewer. Even for a summer show, this is just too much fluff!
  10. SJLewis
    Jun 26, 2009
    10
    This show is a cut above most shows. The leading man is charismatic, the writing is intelligent, it has a heart and soul.It seemed to be a modern version of James Bond meets The Millionaire. I liked it and look forward to more episodes.
  11. LucyB
    Jul 22, 2009
    9
    Here is one tv show that is not cops and robbers, not glorified narcissism, not silly and mindless. The people of the world are so interesting and beautiful and this show celebrates them. I am amazed to find this show on tv but delighted. I hope it enlightens us all about the kinds of problems our brothers and sisters in other lands have and where to direct our prayers and resources for Here is one tv show that is not cops and robbers, not glorified narcissism, not silly and mindless. The people of the world are so interesting and beautiful and this show celebrates them. I am amazed to find this show on tv but delighted. I hope it enlightens us all about the kinds of problems our brothers and sisters in other lands have and where to direct our prayers and resources for supporting humanity.… Expand
  12. [Anonymous]
    Aug 6, 2009
    10
    I have enjoyed all the episodes. Although a little far fetched, the show has been very entertaining! It is one of the only shows that my husband and I both agree on!
  13. NoelleP
    Jun 25, 2009
    5
    So-so. IMHO, pretentious, patronizing, rich white man guilt. Teddy Rist's conversion is unconvincing. A great supporting cast not given room to stretch. But great locations, good action. It wasn't bad, but not great either.
  14. Jo-AnnM
    Jun 30, 2009
    10
    Really nice show, with a good heart, good actors, and good intentions.
  15. JohnC
    Jul 1, 2009
    9
    Purefoy is wonderful and the adventure aspect of the show felt more like a film than a TV show.
  16. MichaelM
    Jul 15, 2009
    7
    This show won't be seen as the most entertaining series but it has an excellent foundation plot. It mimics how corparate business is done in the real world. The "Great White Hope" theme makes me cringe but the truth has a way of hurt us sometimes. I Like the cast mostly but the cinematography makes the show feel low budget and cheap. I see a diamond in the rough if the characters grow.
  17. AviaM
    Jul 15, 2009
    9
    Great idea. Good use of good guy with flawed character. James Purefroy is great. Good to see Michael K. Williams, too. I hope the show gets a chance to tell its story. I'll keep watching.
  18. PhilH.
    Jul 23, 2009
    1
    Rich man seeks psychotherapy by doing good in the least helpful manner when with all that cash, he could do better while putting viewers to sleep because they aren't getting paid to listen to him work it out. After all the reality crap I was praying for a good fiction story. I'll keep praying.
  19. danc.
    Jul 30, 2009
    5
    A bit far fetched, over acted, similar scripts in far away places.
  20. LagosM.
    Aug 15, 2009
    3
    I am a Nigerian, if you were going to use nigeria at all in a film, at least use some nigerian actors. The people are not nigerian, the language is not nigerian, the location is not even near nigeria. I would have it that it would have a more effect if it was even a bit nigerian. Well good effort so i rated it 3.
  21. CraigB.
    Aug 27, 2009
    10
    Beautifully shot its nice to see well made programs back on TV, where plot and production values mean something
  22. BruceD.
    Aug 29, 2009
    10
    Great show!! To bad NBC thinks people want to watch reality crap!
  23. vancouvergirl
    Jun 24, 2009
    7
    In a world where looking out for ones own interests and doing anything possible to make a quick dime, even if it destroys the lives of others, it is a relief to watch an adventure show that demonstrates the value and reward of placing the needs of others ahead of our own.
  24. GenieH.
    Jul 14, 2009
    10
    Intelligent & exciting, well-written,a type of adult content that doesn't insult some TV watchers-can't wait for more.
  25. JaneB
    Aug 16, 2009
    9
    Different than most shows- takes on some of the real issues happening in the world. Beautiful scenery is just one more plus

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Best TV Season of 2009
51
#51 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
66
#66 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 2 out of 17
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    50
    It’s hard to fault a drama that celebrates altruism and tries to glamorize social conscience. But I found myself cringing at the condescending scenes of our rich white savior wandering among the Africans with their colorful outfits and drum music, his checkbook at the ready in case he needs to bribe a local.
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  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Paige Wiser
    50
    If you can get past the patronizing only-a-white-man-can-save-the-needy concept, the series could be an illuminating look at what's going on in the rest of the world. It's too educational and earnest for me to consider it "entertainment," but other viewers might be better people than me.
    Read full review
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ken Tucker
    83
    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
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