NBC Loves Philanthrophy

“It’s the best character I’ve ever read,” NBC chief honcho Ben Silverman said. “He’s a little James Bond, a little badass. The world’s in triage, and he wants to help be the Band-Aid.”

The character Silverman is referring to is one that will see big timers Tom Fontana (M.O.N.Y.,” “Oz” & “Homicide: Life In the Streets”) and Barry Levinson (”Man of the Year,” “Homicide: The Movie”) come together, once again, to be showrunners. The program titled “The Philanthropist,” in which this new and interesting character will be highlighted, is not even on the air yet and won’t be until next season. You heard me right! NBC is so impressed with the concept brought to them that they have already given the go ahead for it to begin development for next year’s 2008-2009 season, an unprecedented move for any network since the 2007-2008 season is only four days old. The peacock network is already committed itself to 13-episodes, another rare move this early in the scheduling game.

The basic premise behind “The Philanthropist” centers around a “rebel billionaire who uses his money, connections and power to help people in need — no matter the risks,” according to Variety. For those reading this that are old enough to remember the old 1950’s TV drama, “The Millionaire,” then “The Philanthropist” may sound a little familiar.