The Benefactor (TV series)

The Benefactor was an American reality television series that aired on ABC in the fall of 2004. It was hosted by real estate mogul Mark Cuban, who also served as the benefactor. The show centered around sixteen contestants vying for a $1 million prize by participating in various challenges designed to test their intelligence, emotional stability, and business acumen.

Each week, contestants were given tasks that ranged from practical business exercises to tests of character. Cuban observed their performance and, at the end of each episode, eliminated one or more contestants based on their perceived shortcomings.

The show's format emphasized competition and strategy, often leading to conflict and alliances among the participants. Contestants were required to live together in a mansion and were under constant surveillance.

The Benefactor was ultimately cancelled after its initial six-episode run due to low ratings. The show was criticized for being overly derivative of other reality television formats, particularly The Apprentice. Despite its short lifespan, it remains a footnote in the history of reality television as one of Mark Cuban's early forays into the genre.