A Guide to Charity-Themed Television Shows

The following charity-themed reality television shows are on the air or in development:

The ACLU Freedom Files

Summary: A show created by the American Civil Liberties Union that focuses on everyday people who are advocating for their constitutional and human rights.

To tune in: The show’s first season originally appeared in 2005 on the cable channel Court TV and on Link TV, a satelitte television network. It will be rebroadcast this spring on PBS stations.

Web site: http://www.aclu.tv

The Apprentice

Summary: The show features 18 people who compete for a job with the real-estate mogul Donald Trump; while not strictly about philanthropy, the contestants’ final task is to organize fund-raising events.

To tune in: Its sixth season started last month, with the show appearing Sunday nights on NBC stations.

Web site: http://www.nbc.com/The_Apprentice_6

The Big Give

Summary: Ten contestants compete to find inventive ways to help others, with money or other resources, in a show being produced by the talk-show host Oprah Winfrey. Ms. Winfrey also is developing a show tentatively titled “Your Money or Your Life,” in which experts will offer guidance to families in emotional or economic trouble.

To tune in: The shows are expected to air this summer on ABC stations.

Web site: http://www.abcmedianet.com/pressrel/dispDNR.html?id=121506_01

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Summary: A team of designers and homebuilders repair the damaged houses of needy families, and occasionally the run-down facilities of charities or religious groups. The families are often victims of a fire or another disaster, such as Hurricane Katrina, or face unexpected economic difficulties.

To tune in: Currently in its fourth season, the show runs Sunday nights on ABC stations.

Web site: http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome

Fortune

Summary: A panel of five millionaires listens to appeals from people seeking money for charitable causes or to fulfill personal desires, such as forming a small business. The panel votes to decide which contestant will receive their funds.

To tune in: The show will air on NBC stations, but no broadcast date has been set.

Web site: http://www.nbc.com/Casting/#fortune

Nascar Angels

Summary: The race-car legend Rusty Wallace travels the country to repair broken-down vehicles, most of which are owned by people who assist other people, such as nurses, teachers, and charity leaders.

To tune in: The show, which started last fall, is nationally syndicated.

Web site: http://www.nascar.com/auto/angels

The Secret Millionaire

Summary: A five-part British documentary series in which a wealthy individual disguises his or her identity to work and live in a working-class area of England. At the end of each episode the undercover donor reveals the subterfuge and provides almost $100,000 to one or more economically strapped people.

To tune in: The series, which aired on BBC Channel 4, ended last month.

Web site: http://www.rdftelevision.com/categories.aspx?cid=2&pid=164

Sierra Club Chronicles

Summary: A program hosted by the movie actress Daryl Hannah and created by the Sierra Club to feature Americans who are fighting pollution and other environmental dangers.

To tune in: The show’s first season appeared last year on Link TV. The charity is trying to raise money for a second season.

Web site: http://www.sierraclub.org/tv