Who knew philanthropy could be controversial? Only when it’s on TV, apparently.
The Hudson Institute sponsored a panel Tuesday to discuss whether NBC’s new show “The Philanthropist” is really all that philanthropic. Co-creator Tom Fontana called it “a show about a crazy man running around the world trying to do good.” That crazy man is the Richard Branson-esque Teddy Risk, played by James Purefoy.
The main complaint? The show’s title. Steve Gunderson, of the Council on Foundations, said there is a fine line between philanthropy and charity, and the show’s title could confuse people. He said he wished it were named “The Good Samaritan.”
Fontana conceded he’s horrible at coming up with titles. “I should have called it ‘Teddy’s Big Giveaway,’ ” Fontana joked.
Gunderson said the show is even defining philanthropy for policymakers. “I’m a little unsettled that Congress would base decisions on my TV show,” said Fontana. “I feel totally more intimidated.” He then joked if it comes to that, he’ll bring the hunky Purefoy to Congress for a photo-op.
But Ian Willhelm of the Chronicle of Philanthropy suggested all is well when life imitates art. “When I heard that [Sonia] Sotomayor was inspired by Perry Mason, I thought that maybe Teddy Rist could do the same,” he said.
