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Season 1 – The Philanthropist

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Philanthropist Jun 2009 Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
61% Tomatometer 23 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
After the death of his only child, hedonistic billionaire Teddy Rist experiences an epiphany when he rescues a boy during a hurricane in Nigeria, and he reinvents himself as a vigilante philanthropist, using his vast resources to help people in need.
The Philanthropist — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Though it stumbles on its James Bond-esque premise, The Philanthropist is saved by its beautiful cinematography and the enigmatic charisma of its main star, James Purefoy.

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Critics Reviews

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Joanne Ostrow Denver Post 09/05/2019
James Purefoy is magnetic as Teddy Rist, a clearly wounded tycoon who impulsively devotes himself to helping those in grave need. Go to Full Review Robert Lloyd Los Angeles Times 09/05/2019
["The Philanthropist"] might be better to go the full 007. As it is, and notwithstanding some spectacular location footage, there's scarcely a real moment in it from first shot to last. Go to Full Review Emily St. James AV Club 09/05/2019
B
Rist lies, jokes and goofs his way through the story, generally proving himself an agreeably unreliable narrator. It's an old idea, yes, but in skilled hands, the execution makes it seem just new enough to make it an enjoyable summer diversion. Go to Full Review Denise Duguay Montreal Gazette 09/05/2019
That [James] Purefoy is gorgeously charismatic does not hurt. The excellent cinematography and action sequences (filmed in South Africa, Mozambique and Prague) also help. Go to Full Review Scott D. Pierce Deseret News (Salt Lake City) 09/05/2019
Judging by the first episode, "The Philanthropist" isn't entertaining enough to make people want to watch. Go to Full Review Boston Herald Staff Boston Herald 09/05/2019
There might have been a good TV show in here, if someone had properly developed it. Don't give up your time to "The Philanthropist." Go to Full Review Read all reviews
The Philanthropist — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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James Purefoy

Teddy Rist

Jesse L. Martin

Philip Maidstone

Neve Campbell

Olivia Maidstone

Lindy Booth

AJ Butterfield

Michael Kenneth Williams

Dax

Krista Allen

Julia Rist

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jun 24, 2009 Pilot Teddy Rist, a successful tycoon, decides to use his power and money to help those in need. Details Episode 2 Aired Jul 1, 2009 Myanmar Teddy seeks advice from a Burmese democratic leader who has been under house arrest for almost two decades; Teddy meets a girl who desperately needs a kidney transplant. Details Episode 3 Aired Jul 8, 2009 Paris Teddy, Philip and Olivia go on a business trip to Paris; Olivia learns that an old friend is in debt to a powerful man running a sex trafficking ring. Details Episode 4 Aired Jul 15, 2009 Nigeria Part II Teddy's friend, Dr. Chima Balo, is kidnapped by a local rebel leader who objects to Teddy's activities in the village; Philip reflects on Teddy's newfound interest in charity and decides to try his hand by helping an unemployed acquaintance. Details Episode 5 Aired Jul 22, 2009 Kosovo Teddy tells his ex-wife about his business venture to Kosovo; Philip and A.J. fear that Teddy has taken on more than he can handle. Details Episode 6 Aired Jul 29, 2009 San Diego Dax and Teddy search for an identity thief when charitable donations are fraudulently charged to Teddy's credit card; Philip and Olivia make an upsetting discovery. Details Episode 7 Aired Aug 5, 2009 Kashmir One of Phillip and Teddy's college friends asks for help negotiating with Indian and Pakistani governments; Teddy goes missing. Details Episode 8 Aired Aug 12, 2009 Haiti Teddy and Philip try to help solve the food shortage in Haiti; Philip locks horns with his estranged brother. Details

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Season Info

Executive Producer
Tom Fontana, Barry Levinson, Charlie Corwin, Peter Horton, Gareth Neame, Teri Weinberg
Network
NBC
Rating
TV-14
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jun 24, 2009