Oprah’s Big Give

Network: ABC
Episodes: Eight (hour)
Seasons: One

TV show dates: March 2, 2008 — April 20, 2008
Series status: Cancelled/ended

Performers include: Oprah Winfrey and Nate Berkus (host).

TV show description:
Created by iconic television host Oprah Winfrey, the goal for the ten contestants in this reality show competition is to out-give, out-pay, and outlast the others.

Each episode, the philanthropist hopefuls travel to a different city and are given a large sum of money to help out an individual, a family, or an organization. Contestants raise money for their assigned cause by organizing charity fashion shows, calling/visiting corporations for donations, producing a televised charity tennis match, hosting fundraisers, and publishing websites. Challenges include working as a team to help grant wishes, giving away their cars to people in need, helping 1,000 children the most effectively, and spending $100,000 in 24 hours (without handing over cash) to help others.

Judges for the show are chef/philanthropist Jamie Oliver, charity founder Malaak Compton-Rock, and NFL star and Boys & Girls Club Hall of Famer Tony Gonzales. Participants are critiqued on their creativity, leadership, presentation, and accomplishments during a challenge. At the end of the challenge, contestants receive an envelope. Those that find a plane ticket inside get to stay in the competition.

Hosted by interior designer and Oprah Winfrey Show personality Nate Berkus, the winner of the show is surprised with a check for $1 million dollars. He/she is allowed to keep half for themselves while the rest is to be used, in the tradition of the show, to change lives by “giving big.”