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The Philanthropist

  • TV Series
  • 2009
  • TV-14
  • 1h
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
1.6K
YOUR RATING
The Philanthropist (2009)
ActionAdventureDrama

"The Philanthropist" chronicles the heroic adventures of a billionaire playboy-turned-vigilante/philanthropist. James Purefoy ("Rome") stars as Teddy Rist, a successful tycoon whose life is ... Read all"The Philanthropist" chronicles the heroic adventures of a billionaire playboy-turned-vigilante/philanthropist. James Purefoy ("Rome") stars as Teddy Rist, a successful tycoon whose life is forever changed after rescuing a young boy during a hurricane in the Nigerian town he was ... Read all"The Philanthropist" chronicles the heroic adventures of a billionaire playboy-turned-vigilante/philanthropist. James Purefoy ("Rome") stars as Teddy Rist, a successful tycoon whose life is forever changed after rescuing a young boy during a hurricane in the Nigerian town he was visiting. Spontaneous and impulsive, Rist and quickly decides to channel his passion, powe... Read all

  • Creators
    • Charlie Corwin
    • Tom Fontana
    • Jim Juvonen
  • Stars
    • James Purefoy
    • Neve Campbell
    • Michael Kenneth Williams
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.3/10
    1.6K
    YOUR RATING
    • Creators
      • Charlie Corwin
      • Tom Fontana
      • Jim Juvonen
    • Stars
      • James Purefoy
      • Neve Campbell
      • Michael Kenneth Williams
    • 21User reviews
    • 5Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Episodes8

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    TopTop-ratedSeason2009

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    Top cast99+

    Edit
    James Purefoy
    James Purefoy
    • Teddy Rist
    • 2009
    Neve Campbell
    Neve Campbell
    • Olivia Maidstone
    • 2009
    Michael Kenneth Williams
    Michael Kenneth Williams
    • Dax Vahagn
    • 2009
    Lindy Booth
    Lindy Booth
    • A.J.…
    • 2009
    Jesse L. Martin
    Jesse L. Martin
    • Philip Maidstone
    • 2009
    James Albrecht
    • Gerard Kim
    • 2009
    Bonnie Mbuli
    Bonnie Mbuli
    • Chima Balo
    • 2009
    Krista Allen
    Krista Allen
    • Julia Rist
    • 2009
    Dominique McElligott
    Dominique McElligott
    • Bella Olazabal
    • 2009
    Treva Etienne
    Treva Etienne
    • The Dealer
    • 2009
    Mark Pellegrino
    Mark Pellegrino
    • Walter Kerabatsos
    • 2009
    David Clennon
    David Clennon
    • Duane
    • 2009
    Jonathan Adams
    Jonathan Adams
    • 2009
    Karel Roden
    Karel Roden
    • Bayonne…
    • 2009
    Visar Vishka
    Visar Vishka
    • Imam Hassan
    • 2009
    Jesse Lee Soffer
    Jesse Lee Soffer
    • Dean Fitzsimmons
    • 2009
    Nick Chinlund
    Nick Chinlund
    • Rayburn
    • 2009
    Lambert Wilson
    Lambert Wilson
    • Yves Moehringer
    • 2009
    • Creators
      • Charlie Corwin
      • Tom Fontana
      • Jim Juvonen
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews21

    7.31.5K
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    Featured reviews

    9biker451

    Another potential winner that will probably be scrapped

    I was surprised that some people think this show is a dog and deserves to be scrapped, that the scripts are unrealistic and this stuff could never happen in the real world. I think they are missing the point. Ask yourself this: How many dramas or any type of show can you name, in television land, that even mention philanthropy? How many promote giving of oneself? How many shows inspire the normally uninspired masses to even think about what goes on outside of our fantasy land of the U.S.A.?

    Sure, this show has unrealistic plots, portrays a myopic view of world issues, has obvious product placement, and other faults but that is what pays the bills. Without these things this show would never had been made or even hit the airwaves and if it changes the life of even one person, especially one from the class of nouveau riche, it will have done a service to humanity. Sure it is flawed but there is enough truth to it to bring people back and maybe change their lives. It is all about the message, not the messenger. I do so hope NBC will let this one live.
    9ggaanuti

    Simply Great

    A piece of Television that is worth watching. Cast is fresh & new. Purefoy is completely HOT, but makes his character believable, it wasn't until recently that I've seen some of his work (Vanity Fair); which was OH SO REMARKABLE. Campbell & Martin are great. Campbell with her elegant way (I hope to see her funny side (like in 3 to tango) in moderation) & Martin with his more 'series' role. Booth is new for me as an actress, but I look forward to seeing what she can bring. I didn't think I watch the show, but I'm glad that I did. I would give it a 10, but because of the "time slot" I'm stuck at 9 out of 10. A MUST WATCH.
    10deborahbrancheau

    Help Us Save This Show!

    The Philanthropist is one of the best shows currently NOT on television. This show is a great example of how two different ideologies (for lack of a better word) – capitalism and philanthropy – can coexist and work together effectively. In fact, the show not only demonstrates philanthropy and giving of oneself but it also shares ideas about how to solve tough social and economic problems by encouraging job stability in war torn and poverty stricken areas. Name another TV show that does that.

    We need to keep this show on the air and that is why a number of supporters of the show have started a cause on Facebook called "Save the Philanthropist through Charity". You have to search for us through the Causes application on Facebook, not the regular Facebook search box. With the support of fans, we know we can convince NBC to reverse their decision to cancel the show.
    9Brandy-28

    Fanstatic Show

    When the first episode came on, I said to myself. This show is going to be a huge hit. This show is real. It's shows what a real person is capable of doing with his money, instead of spending it on Rodeo Drive or on another stupid car.

    I would rather see this show, instead of another stupid reality series, with half naked people run around a stupid island or a house, after the last bit of bread or whatever.

    I hope the network keeps this one. They probably won't. Network's usually get rid of really good shows and keep the garbage.

    It's great to see Jesse Martin back on television and something that shows his true talent. And the guy who plays Teddy Rist. He's just fantastic.
    8yossarian100

    America is one country among many.....

    .....but Nigeria and Burma are not household words here. Thanks to THE PHILANTHROPIST, American television entertainment may have just taken a humanitarian turn for the better, while still providing solid entertainment.

    This can't help but be a good thing, and I sincerely hope this show is successful. It's entertaining enough, so I remain optimistic.

    One thing I noticed, the lens through which we view the rest of the world, so far, isn't filtered by American values. What we see are simple human values. This is a good approach, I think.

    Our protagonist, emotionally devastated over the death of his son, is driven to help those who are also suffering, especially children. That this takes place on the world's stage is quite unusual for American television, and long overdue.

    I've enjoyed the first two episodes and been moved by them as well. This is what a dramatic series should do.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Inspired by the hands-on philanthropy of Bobby Sager.
    • Connections
      Referenced in Séries express: Episode #2.45 (2009)

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    FAQ16

    • How many seasons does The Philanthropist have?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • June 24, 2009 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • Czech Republic
      • United Kingdom
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • El filántropo
    • Filming locations
      • Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
    • Production companies
      • Carnival Film & Television
      • Stillking Films
      • The Levinson / Fontana Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

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