The Philanthropist, the first prime time TV show about a "billionaire playboy-turned-vigilante philanthropist" airs tonight, a testament to the way newfound benevolence has tapped into the imagination of mainstream popular culture.

Can a show about a globe-trotting "rebel with a cause" succeed?


"I'm hoping it makes philanthropy sexy," said Trevor Neilson, president of Global Philanthropy Group, a Seattle firm that advises celebrities, foundations and others on philanthropy.

As entertainment, it's not bad, according to reviews like this one.

Here's how NBC describes the compassionate but flawed main character:
"Teddy is spontaneous and impulsive and quickly decides to channel his passion, power and money into helping those in need."

The billionaire finds new meaning in his life traveling the world on weekly humanitarian adventures from Africa to Kashmir and Kosovo.

The Council on Foundations had this comparison: "The Philanthropist is to charitable giving as The Pink Panther is to police work."

Steve Gunderson, president of Council on Foundations, says he wishes philanthropy "was really that fun and that easy."

"It's great entertainment. His life is exciting. His solutions arrive in sixty minutes. And he always succeeds," Gunderson said.

"While some elements may ring true, very little of the first episode conveys the realities of philanthropy."

But some issues do lend themselves to drama, said Neilson.

"The issues that philanthropists are seeking to address are life or death issues," he said. "It's not surprising that a good television drama can come from this kind of work."

Neilson knows because he helped create a program chronicling efforts of elite philanthropists called "Giving."

Now in its second season, Neilson says "Giving" has become the most popular show on Plum TV, a cable network targeting affluent audiences and broadcasting exclusively in resort communities such as The Hamptons, Aspen and Miami Beach.

"There's a hunger for meaning in peoples' lives," Neilson said. "Shows like "The Philanthropist or "Giving" fill a gap that a lot of people feel."

Beyond Brangelina and Billanthropy, could this show offer something inspiring for a mass audience?

"If a show like this can make philanthropy sexy, the odds improve that more people will want to be philanthropists, including more people in Seattle," he said.

Or maybe it's just an updated version of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous."

If you happen to tune in, let me know what you think.



source : http://seattletimes.nwsource.com