NBC's new 'The Philanthropist' is a Wednesday TV pick

'The Philanthropist'

What initially looked like a throwaway summer series to me now looks very promising. Check out this pedigree: producer/writer Tom Fontana ("Homicide: Life on the Street") and actors James Purefoy ("Rome"), Neve Campbell ("Party of Five" and the "Scream" movies), Jesse L. Martin ("Law & Order") and Michael K. Williams (Omar from "The Wire"). Definitely worth a look. 10 tonight, NBC (seattletimes.com/tvlistings).

Doug Knoop, Seattle Times staff

Also on today

"So You Think You Can Dance," 8 p.m. (Fox): The top 16 dancers perform.

"Extreme Vegas," 8 p.m. (Travel): Extreme Las Vegas: scantily clad blackjack dealers; foie gras ice cream; 113-yard buffet; the tallest thrill ride in the world at the Stratosphere hotel.

"The Music Instinct: Science and Song," 9 p.m. (KCTS): How and why music penetrates the brain and the emotions.

"I Survived a Japanese Game Show," 9 p.m. (ABC): Players collect tennis balls in their pants; contestants race to dress a mannequin; participants tackle an obstacle course while covered with lotion.

"Throwdown with Bobby Flay," 9 p.m. (Food): Bobby challenges two brothers over their signature dish, country captain chicken.

"Your Worst Animal Nightmares," 9 p.m. (Animal Planet): A surfer struggles to survive after being bitten by a snake multiple times; a man is killed by crocodiles while crossing a river.

"Reno 911!," 10:30 p.m. (Comedy Central): Jones and Williams go undercover at a swingers club.

The New York Times