Oprah’s Big Give on ABC

By Adam Shuler

Many TV reality shows reward contestants who perform ethically questionable tasks such as lying or manipulating others. This dates back to the breakthrough program of the reality genre, when Richard Hatch parlayed his skill at deception into a million-dollar prize in the first season of Survivor. In an atmosphere where individuals compete against one another and decisions about who is eliminated are made by their peers, some contestants feel that stooping low is the only way to succeed. But now a new show has emerged which puts an ambitious and positive spin on the reality format. Created by media titan Oprah Winfrey, Oprah’s Big Give seeks to make dreams come true and showcase the difference that one person can make in helping others. Premiering on ABC March 2nd at 9:00 p.m. ET, the first episode was an admirable start for the program and is our Best of the Week.

Ten contestants from many walks of life were chosen to compete. They included: Cameron, a 22-year-old internet millionaire; Eric, a 37-year-old disaster relief worker; and Carlana, a 38-year-old TV producer who is paralyzed from the waist down as a result of an accident involving a drunk driver. Every contestant had one thing in common: the desire to help to people in need. For the first challenge, the contestants were split into five teams of two. They were given a picture, a name, a clue to help them find the person they were assigned to help, and $2,500 to start their challenge. People benefitting from their help included the widow of a slain store employee who needs help paying off her house; a homeless woman desperately needing shelter for her family; and a woman needing money to expand a center for mentally-challenged adults. After the teams raised money and helped their parties, they were judged on four criteria: creativity, leadership, presentation, and accomplishment. Although it may not be entirely fair to eliminate contestants after doing good deeds, at least the criteria related to positive game-play elements.

It is beneficial that Winfrey is throwing her substantial media muscle behind this series. Oprah’s significant profile helps propel this innovative idea in competitive reality programming, a program that may not otherwise have been aired. Oprah’s Big Give is broadcast immediately after Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and the two altruistic series complement each other well. It is a shame that the networks do not schedule more family-friendly programming blocks similar to ABC’s Sunday night lineup: programs which are not only entertain and elevate, but also attract a large number of viewers. Oprah’s Big Give is a welcome addition to ABC’s schedule, and we hope it continues inspiring others to give a little of themselves.

Best TV Show of the Week

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org