TV Crunch » Oprah’s Big Give

Did Oprah Steal “Big Give” Idea?

Wendy — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:39:25 +0000

A Boston woman is claiming that Oprah stole the show concept for “The Big Give” from her.

New York’s Daily News reports that Darlene Tracy, a mother of four ,came up with the idea for a reality show called “The Philanthropist” in February 2005 and sent her pitch idea to an exec producer at Oprah’s show. Allegedly, a show producer requested more info and Darlene Tracy submitted a business proposal on March 1, 2005. Ultimately, Harpo Productions decided to pass four months later.

In December 2006, Oprah announced that she was developing “Big Give.”

Darlene Tracy filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in Boston to try and keep “Big Give” off the air. Of course, you can’t be the big O… Tracy has since filed an appeal.

Simon Cowell on March 17 Oprah (Video)

Wendy — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 23:08:03 +0000

“American Idol” judge Simon Cowell stopped by the March 17 Oprah in this video clip.

Drew Barrymore Donates $1 Million on March 3 Oprah (Video)

Wendy — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:03:24 +0000

Drew Barrymore got in the spirit of Oprah’s “The Big Give” today by announcing that she is donating $1 million of her own money to fight hunger.

Check out the video clip from Oprah’s March 3 show. Drew Barrymore, who serves as a World Food Programme Ambassador Against Hunger, is using her own $1 million to contribute to the Fill the Cup fund-raiser. The money will help feed children in developing countries.

Even Cameron Diaz makes a phone call to chat with Oprah and Drew Barrymore!

Oprah’s Big Give Delivers Emotional Response

Wendy — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:02:02 +0000

Maybe it’s just me, but I sat blubbering through most of “Oprah’s Big Give” tonight. After so many reality shows that feature contestants in it only for themselves, it’s refreshing to see “Oprah’s Big Give” exploring the idea of changing people’s lives.

Overall, “Oprah’s Big Give” provided plenty of weepy moments for me — I didn’t care for the frenetic pace, however, because it didn’t provide much time to see what each team did to raise money.

It’ll be interesting to see who wins “The Big Give” — who do you think will win it all?