The Briefcase,” a six-episode series giving families experiencing financial setbacks a unique choice, will premiere at 8 p.m.Wednesday on CBS.
In each episode, two families have 72 hours to learn about each other’s challenging circumstances and then decide what to do with the $101,000 in the briefcases each were given.
Creator and executive producer Dave Broome touted “The Briefcase,” saying it “will be the most inspiring reality show ever on television.”
“I think this show has the potential to change people in this country and around the world,” said Broome, the creator of the NBC weight-loss series “The Biggest Loser.”
Broome said he was inspired to create “The Briefcase” because of his desire “to make shows that have some type of socially redeemable qualities” and give participants “a transformation opportunity.” He said he also wanted to explore what would happen if a difficult decision was added to winning a lottery jackpot.
“We’ve all dreamed about scratching that lottery ticket and thinking about what we would do with the cash,” Broome said.
“But what if you actually had a dilemma that went along with those winnings — the chance to keep the money for yourself or possible give some or all away to a stranger? That process would start to make you evaluate what really matters most.”
Broome said he and his staff sought “relatable and inspiring middle- class families, working hard each day to make it come together for their family.”
“We looked for families that often don’t agree with each other on how to handle their bills or anything financial-related and we wanted families that we felt had a point a view — whether it was because of their religious beliefs, or lifestyle or where they lived in the country,” Broome told City News Service.
The premiere features the Bergin family of Matthews, North Carolina, and the Bronson family of Manchester, New Hampshire.
Joe Bergin started an ice cream truck business, which is struggling, after he was laid off from his corporate job 10 years ago. His wife Kim is a part-time event planner. They have three children, ages 12, 13 and 15.
Dave Bronson lost a leg in a Humvee explosion during the Iraq War. His wife, Cara, is a nurse. They are parents of a 3-year-old, with a second child on the way.
An episode whose date has not been announced features the Mata family of Boyle Heights. Richard Mata is a high school teacher and his wife, Esperanza, is a special education teacher. They have 16- and 19-year old children.
The family performs in a mariachi band on weekends and the parents run a mariachi conservatory in an attempt to keep youths off the streets.
The Matas have a large debt because of student loans and often find themselves spending their own money on school supplies.
“They struggle each and every day, yet they do so much good for their community and are constantly making sacrifices,” Broome said. “They’ve overcome many odds in their lives together and I feel America will be truly inspired by them.”
—City News Service