Hollywood and Philanthropy: Charity Gets Attention on TV

By Caroline Preston

The Philanthropist, a television show that will have its debut next week on NBC's prime-time schedule, is not the first show to bring the concept of giving to the small screen.

Series like the reality show The Benefactor, Oprah Winfrey's Big Give, and Celebrity Apprentice have popped up over the last few years. But this summer's show distinguishes itself as a scripted drama.

Charlie Corwin, who helped create The Philanthropist, says he thinks