2008-05-14
Do-gooding show won’t be back
Oprah’s Big Give won’t be returning to ABC’s lineup in the fall.
But it’s not because the network didn’t believe in the show. Winfrey herself chose to end it after its one and only season, reported TV Guide.
“We loved that show and absolutely would have loved to bring it back,” said ABC entertainment president Steve McPherson. “But it was something (Oprah) didn’t want to do.”
The show was based on an episode on Oprah’s talk show that featured her giving each audience member $1,000 and each person had to give the money to someone or something deserving.
However, two months ago, TVGuide.ca reported that a woman was suing Winfrey, and claimed that the talk-show titan stole her show idea, which would challenge contestants to help those in need.
Big Give featured 10 people who travelled the U.S. to help unsuspecting, deserving people. Each week, the least effective giver was sent packing, while the winner, Stephen Paletta, not only got the title of Biggest Giver but unbeknownst to him, he also received a million bucks.
Despite appearances by Oprah and her pals, Jennifer Aniston, John Travolta and Jada Pinkett-Smith, the show still only averaged so-so ratings. Aside from specials and TV-movies, Big Give was Oprah's first attempt at a regular prime-time show.
denette@tvguide.ca
