CBS’ ‘The Briefcase’ Ripped as ‘Poverty Porn,’ Viewers Demand Cancellation

[mvcg66b3r]

A petition to cancel the controversial new CBS reality show, “The Briefcase,” is quickly gaining momentum.

More than 13,000 people have signed the Care2 petition, demanding the network pull the plug on the series.

“This show is cruel and exploits the suffering of real families,” the petition reads. “Consider that CBS’ CEO makes $54 million a year. If CBS really wants to spotlight the hardships of America’s poor, it should donate outright, not exploit their suffering.”

While CBS has not responded to TheWrap‘s request for comment, the show’s creator and executive producer David Broome has defended the show, saying it has been “mischaracterized.”

“The Briefcase,” which premiered on May 27, features struggling families who are knee deep in debt. Each family is presented with a briefcase containing $101,000. But before they can spend a dime, they are presented with a difficult, and some say controversial, choice: either keep the money or give all or part of it (the amount is up to them) to another family in need.

What the family doesn’t know is that the other family has also received a similar briefcase and instructions.

http://www.thewrap.com/cbs-the-brie...etter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mailchimp

 

[vchimpanzee]

As a rule, I don't watch reality shows. I'm getting a lot of actual newspapers read these days by either avoiding prime time TV during the week or recording a few shows I watch on weekends.

But it sounds like good TV to me, with ethical dilemmas and people doing good.

 

[Bob Eubanks]

Simple solution: don't watch, and don't worry about what other people do.

 

[umfan]

I'm sure CBS appreciates this free publicity.

 

[Oscar Madison]

Sounds like a reworking of Monty Hall's act.

 

[JeffM]

"Tiffany network," huh?

 

[Ultimajock]

...somewhere in a corner of Heaven, Bill Paley weeps...