The Philanthropist watch online HD

If one has to argue whose the best at what they do when it comes to helping the little guys, it'll be either Batman, Iron Man, or anyone in between and that somebody is James Purefoy, which is what we get in NBC's new drama The Philanthropist. Although both Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark have their ways of helping the world aside from their "other jobs", this new guy is much more realistic.

Purefoy stars as Teddy Rist, a billionaire with a flair for money and women, things all men desire (and who wouldn't want to walk in this man's shoes) and admire in men among men who stand head and shoulders above the rest. Taking into account of a recent deal gone on in the auspices of his company, as well as his relationship with friend and business partner, and his wife, he sets out on a journey of redemption following the loss of his beloved son a few years ago. At first he seems rather jumpy and a bit paranoid about the trip, but a chance encounter with a little African boy amidst a raging hurricane gives him a new outlook on life and thus he sets out on an adventure of redemption and genuine good within his heart.

This show works for two reasons: One is the charm and charisma of the lead character. Two, the hero of the story is more grounded in reality on par with Batman; albeit a little different (obviously) considering the fact that despite comparisons to certain superheroes/pop-culture icons, one cannot help but fathom the interesting notion of Bruce Wayne being in a similar, but different approach to righting the wrongs in society and it is because of this that The Philanthropist is a unique show. No fancy costumes or martial arts, high-tech gadgets, just a ordinary guy with a lot of cash helping those in need. A neat twist in a sea of reality TV, corporate dreck so prevalent in todays market.

As it stands, the pilot sets up the characters and their personalities really well, giving the show a sense of believability and groundedness while also tossing in a few subplots along the way with a nice, steady flow of ease with moments of humor that doesn't come at the expense of genuine character development although to be fair some of it does seem rather forced and out of place. Nevertheless, things are kept at a steady pace and you are more involved with the character and those whom he comes into contact with. The only sore spot, for me at least, is Neve Campbell. I don't dislike her character entirely, but her performance needs to be ironed out more and a little more natural. With that perk aside, the rest of the acting is overall good.

But there's another thing that I really liked about the show and that's the cinematography from the glass and steel of NYC to the back streets of African towns and lush jungles; creating a stark contrast to the corporate offices of Rist's company headquarters. All give the show a sense of culture and adventure with the suspense coming mostly of Rist's perilous trek through Africa while avoiding a life/death encounter with some local MP's and poisonous snakes on his way to deliver medicine to a village where he meets up with an old friend of sorts.

This is the most original show to come out on NBC despite canceling so many high quality series that never got the recognition they deserved. If anything, The Philanthropist shows being human and caring for others is much more important than material wealth, which in context, is something that network TV should learn if it wants to reclaim audiences that have disappeared, if not entirely, from the airwaves.

.....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.

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.

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.

The Philanthropist may not win Emmys or Golden Globes but it does something that only shows like Frontline or 60 Minutes. Yes, it's fiction and not hard fact based like those good news magazines.

But hopefully what it does is take real-world problems and show them to people who wouldn't normally watch a television news magazine. It's worth keeping a show that allows the viewers to see beyond their white picket fences or even beyond the person in front of them while waiting at the unemployment benefits line.

We are indeed in one of the worst economic situations we've had in decades. But we ought to always look at it in perspective: It could ALWAYS be worse. I think we Americans, with nearly a century of prosperity and a relatively isolated geography, have forgotten to look beyond our borders. We, the middle class - and even the upper lower class, are likely still better off than 90% of the global population.

This fictional drama depicts real global issues. Slavery in Haiti, dictatorships in Burma, human trafficking in Eastern Europe (and really, even in the US)... These things are real and the average person probably doesn't know anything more than the fact that these things exist. I think that this show helps frame these issues to connect emotionally with the audience (such as it is). Whatever helps.

We complain about the "high" price of gas or milk but we don't live in a country where a cup of rice is all we have in a DAY. Though many say that the government is too socialized, know that it's only because it cares that its people live with at least a certain level of human welfare; that though some will take advantage of it, the vast majority of recipients need the help and deserve it. A society can be judged on how it takes care of those who cannot take care of themselves (the homeless, elderly, mentally handicapped...). Our people should also be judged on our awareness of others beyond our shores.

If this show has opened even one set of eyes to the problems out there then it's done its job. It's not asking any one of us to solve the problem but to be more than just superficially aware. What we do as a society - is up to us.

We can appreciate how good we have it even when it seems bleak and still seek to help those worse off than us, or we can pity ourselves because we can no longer afford the 2+ bedroom house we think we deserve (vs. an apartment) and ignore the human beings who may not even own their own lives.

I hope the show stays on air,it offers insight to some of the issues happening in the world today.James is very good on the eyes and the other cast members just fit perfectly. I truly love the story line it encourages me to read more issues on the internet concerning other countries. I enjoy the race issue the show deals with and I feel its goes beyond dealing with class and status its more about the issue within that particular environment he has gotten into. I have told others about the show because I was worried that the show might get the ax if people did not watch and most people are looking for laughter but some people like me truly enjoy shows that has meaning.

No spoilers or much really just that as campy as the series might be on the surface, there is something about the way the characters are written and the show is directed and acted that draws me into the plots enough to care, even after a single episode. After watching the second there is little doubt I find this to be one of the best written, directed & acted shows in the past decade. I won't miss a single episode. Of course this means, and that is the irony of ironies, the show will be canceled in favor of a less challenging more profitable "real life reality" show all in the name of funding the AmeriCorp machine.

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.

I really liked this show. I only recently watched the last couple of shows that I had missed online. I'll admit that the main reason I tuned in in the first place was out of curiosity because I liked James Purefoy in "Rome." While it would be nice to see the show return (even if it's only a summertime thing), it probably won't, because I know the networks. Every time they come up with a new & interesting concept for a TV show, they promptly cancel it in favor of the same, tired old recycled garbage they they've been spitting out for decades.

I've tried searching for info on it, but I can't locate any info about it on the web. So I'll just assume that the network killed it and move on...

This show is incredibly well thought out and inspiring. I rate this as the best show on television, possibly ever. Certainly competitive with the HBO/BBC production of Rome and Purefoy is just as brilliant and engaging as Rist as he was as Mark Anthony. The show is inspirational and provocative. It incites lively discussions about current events in the positive light of what can be done to make the world a better place. The episodes cover all types of events and remind everyone that the biggest differences can be made by individuals who do what they can to help when the opportunity arises. The soundtrack/score is extraordinary and does a fantastic job of bringing emotions into many of the powerful scenes. I hope that this show will continue as it truly is worth watching.

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.

The Philanthropist is a fabulously entertaining, educational and heart rending show!! James Purefoy is sooo sexy, and a perfect fit as this do-gooder, playboy millionaire. And, I feel so much more edified on the issues in the other countries (and so LUCKY to be an American) when I watch this show. PLEASE, PLEASE do NOT cancel this show, NBC-Give it a chance!! I have really begun to mistrust the major networks because, unlike cable, none of the good shows get a 2nd season! Prove me wrong, NBC! I loved the ID theft show. Your writers are really something else, and I would love to know who Teddy Rist is based on. The fact that he lost his son just rips you up and makes him so much more human.

As a humanitarian worker with 15 years' experience in virtually every locale covered by this series so far, I can assure you that this is pure science fiction. Teddy Rist would have been dead within 15 minutes of the first episode: each is so unrealistic it would be laughable if it weren't such a perversion of the realities of working in conflict or post- catastrophe zones in the developing world, which makes it just pitiful. Poor scripts... Superficial characters... Implausible scenarios... Don't even get me started...... "An American action drama series that premiered on NBC on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, reportedly being viewed by 7.41 million viewers. The program is a mid-season replacement, which means that new episodes will air throughout the summer outside of the regular television season. The show has seen a great drop in viewers and is currently in danger of cancellation", a fate it richly deserves

After reading some comments here that are praising the show , i decided to give it a try and watch it .

Now the premise of the show has quite a good idea to start with , but besides the idea, a really important part is how you put it into practice . After watching the first 2 episodes i came to the conclusion that the script is really poor , the lines are often corny or just overused i have heard them over and over again , and when they do try to show some emotion , like when Teddy Rist has a flashback with his lost kid , its in a totally innapropiate moment of the episode , and the first thing that comes to mind " OK this is just lame " . Besides this the characters seem weak in execution , but i blame that on the scrip for failling to develop them more .

On a positive side the scenery seems real , and the direction of the film seems to be quite enjoyable , traveling the world to do great things with your money and power is really cool . Unfortunately the script of the show is so bad i just cant watch it .

I had really some expectations from this series regarding the high rating, but unfortunately it is another US Wonderland superheroes production... Shame, but waste of time watching it.... Insult to the intellect of an average non US viewer! Well and IMDb demand of writing the minimum length of 10 lines for reviews is also quite stupid.

But that how the game is played so here you have 10 lines minimum.... even though I told everything in just 4.

And they still want some more lines, here we go again.... And again

And again, so I guess you have to tell a lot of bullshit to get your review submited

The plot is weak and the leads are even weaker. Thoroughly unconvincing opening. But each scene is even worse. For example, how did he get bailed out of jail - he buddy called the White House, sure, but how did they even get news that he was in jail in the first place? And the scene with the doctor and later, the DEA letting him go, what? The only thing I liked was his confusion over the place names. That seemed like the first thing that was realistic. I liked the scenery too. But let's here it for some outrageous product placement. While she "googles" using Bing which just happens to be the show's sponsor, the camera moves artificially to focus on the Bing logo. Sigh.

I love everything about this show. From Concept, acting, to overall message. It is sad that it can't be found to stream on either Amazon, Netflix, or Hulu.

It's just airy fairy, stupid in the extreme. Michael_cure's review must have been watching smthg else or he was inebriated

Teddy Rist aka The Philanthropist performs an outstanding character serving the humanity around the globe, risking his own life. The sparkling touch of Teddy's emotional side, after his son died is awesome. But, with all of his gigantic contributions to the humanity, his charm for women is unbelievable. Characters of Olivia and Philip Maidstone, has also contributed to the reality of the fictional show, and they have taken it to the new heights of emotion and love for serving humanity, even when their lives and money are at the stake. Anyways! it really encourages me to do the same and have the same feeling for the troubled as the Teddy Rist does.

This is a limited miniseries because it lasted one season only and had no more than eight 45 minutes episodes (net of commercials). It was evident from the very first episode that budget was not a constraint. The lead man hobnobs to African, Asian and European countries from one episode to the next whilst being based out of New York. The hero, Teddy Rist, played by James Purefoy is a character that is reportedly, by inferences in each episode, a playboy and one who was not handed his fortune on a silver platter. He is portrayed as a troubled man following the death of his son, the nature of which is kept from the audience, and painful divorce soon after. Rist develops a need, an urge, perhaps even a passion for helping the less fortunate who are victims of various evils of man. These victims are thrust in his life always by accident of course and he uses his circumstances (international industrial business tycoon) to help out. That, in a nutshell is the premise for each episode. There is no cliff-hanger at the end of each episode, just some simple continuity.

The lead man's character has charisma and charm, a job that seems to come easy for James Purefoy, and that is a good start; then the stories do not rely on gadgets or super powers or sci-fi of any kind that will please those who like heroes to be grounded people. The three main characters are English, Haitian and American which mix makes for a broader view of things and of the world, not a typical Hollywood production. I liked the action punctuated series because we get to visit the world and because the hero gets the you know what beat out of him from time to time; that drives the point that he's not the smartest or strongest guy around, just a good hearted man with a degree of self confidence and stubborn determination.

Consider the eight episodes as short sequel movies and you have yourself a hit; ratings bear this out. I did not figure out why the series only lasted one season but I guess the production cost could be one part of it; the other could be that it does not lend itself to much product placement or its commercial value does not fit the American market. Had this been an HBO co-production, I'll bet it would still be on the air. One more thing, I was happy to see Neve Campbell again; I had not seen her for a while and noted that she's going to be featured in 2011-2012 movies that should revive her career based on the information I read about those movies.