In the first challenge, Oprah hands ten contestants sealed envelopes with a photograph, a name of a complete stranger, a clue and $2500. Then they have five days to change this person's life.
The remaining nine contestants fly to Denver, where Oprah gives them a 48-hour challenge to give away $4800 in the most creative and dramatic ways. Then comes a twist: They have 24 hours to give away the car they're driving to a deserving person.
In Houston, the remaining eight contestants divide into two teams. Each is given $1000 and the aid of a major celebrity to help out disadvantaged school children.
In Miami, the Maloof brothers give the remaining seven contestants 24 hours to give away $100,000 each. But they can't give away cash, they can't spend more than $500 on an individual, and they can't give more than $10,000 at any single location. Two contestants go home.
In Atlanta, contestants are charged with performing random acts of kindness toward strangers using $5,000 and a map that leads them to mystery locations throughout Georgia.
With no money and 48 hours, the final three must create Big Gives out of thin air. In the end, Stephen Paletta walked away with $1 million - $500,000 for himself, and $500,000 to give away.