X
  • 2009
  • TV-14
  • NBC
  • 2009
  • TV-14
  • NBC
The Philanthropist

Summary James Purefoy stars as Teddy Rist, a billionaire and playboy who turns into a philanthropist after witnessing a severe flood in Nigeria. From now on, Teddy travels the world and uses his power, his money and his passion to help those who are in need. Haunted by his past, by the young son he lost, Teddy seeks the danger and risks his life...

Created By: Charlie Corwin, Tom Fontana, Jim Juvonen

  • 2009
  • TV-14
  • NBC
  • 2009
  • TV-14
  • NBC

The Philanthropist

Season 1 Premiere: 2009
Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 17 Critic Reviews
60
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary James Purefoy stars as Teddy Rist, a billionaire and playboy who turns into a philanthropist after witnessing a severe flood in Nigeria. From now on, Teddy travels the world and uses his power, his money and his passion to help those who are in need. Haunted by his past, by the young son he lost, Teddy seeks the danger and risks his life...

Created By: Charlie Corwin, Tom Fontana, Jim Juvonen

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 17 Critic Reviews
60
47% Positive
8 Reviews
41% Mixed
7 Reviews
12% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 17 Critic Reviews
60
47% Positive
8 Reviews
41% Mixed
7 Reviews
12% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
88
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.
FULL REVIEW
80
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."
By Rob Owen FULL REVIEW
75
The Philanthropist proves compassionate and insightful, never didactic, and heartily entrenching.
FULL REVIEW
60
Horton may in fact reach too frequently into his bag of editing and photographic bells and whistles, but for the most part his approach helps sustain interest when the teleplay falters, sputters or just plain poops out.
By Tom Shales FULL REVIEW
50
Purefoy brings some raffish charm to the role, but these days, who wants to embrace raffish philandering philanthropists--particularly ones so defiantly dim.
By Verne Gay FULL REVIEW
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.
By Matthew Gilbert FULL REVIEW
10
Pointless, charmless and bound to be viewerless after the first half-hour or so, The Philanthropist recalls such epochal television bombs as Manimal (a scientist who could turn into a crime-fighting dolphin) or It's About Time (astronauts break the time barrier and frolick happily with cavemen) in its conceptual imbecility.
By Glenn Garvin FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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Details

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Production Company:
  • Carnival Film & Television
  • Stillking Films
  • The Levinson / Fontana Company
  • Truly Original
  • Universal Media Studios (UMS)
Initial Release Date: 2009
Number of seasons: 1 Season
Rating: TV-14
Genres:
All Details

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