April 23, 2008 | Read Time: 1 minute
Even in television fiction, it seems, people can disagree about donor intent.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the producer for the new NBC drama The Philanthropist has left the show because he wanted it to focus on gritty social issues.
Tom Fontana, whose credits include Homicide: Life on the Streets, wanted the main character, a wealthy donor who travels the world to help needy people, to examine such topics as immigration, drug addiction, and child soldiers.
NBC wants the show to be “more escapist,” the article says.
What’s more, The Hollywood Reporter says that the show’s creators have been unable to find a lead actor for the past seven months.
If Chronicle readers had their way, Sigourney Weaver would take the role. An informal poll conducted this month by The Chronicle of Philanthropy showed strong support for the actress to star in the show.
What do you think? What issues do you think the show should look at?
— Ian Wilhelm
