The Briefcase (Australian TV program)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | June 20, 2016 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Reality television |
The Briefcase is an Australian reality television series broadcast on the Nine Network, adapted from the original American format created by Dave Broome. The show centers on two Australian families facing financial hardship, each receiving $100,000 with the choice to either retain the full amount or share part of it with the other family, both unaware that the other faces the same decision.
This six-episode series debuted on 20 June 2016 but encountered unfavorable reactions from viewers and critics alike, with some describing it as "exploitative poverty porn." After only two episodes, declining ratings prompted a shift from its initial 7:30pm prime-time slot to a post-9:30pm time, which also affected the audience numbers for Nine's subsequent drama Love Child. The concluding episode aired during the 2016 Summer Olympics as an alternative viewing option.
Development and production
The Australian adaptation rights were secured prior to the US version’s premiere. The Nine Network's Head of Development criticized the American show for its sensational casting choices and referred to it as a "freak show," stressing that the Australian version would be "fundamentally different" by focusing on "ordinary families" following negative responses and cancellation of the US original.
Participants initially believed they were part of a program titled Making Ends Meet, which offered financial guidance, rather than understanding the true premise of the show. While some contestants felt deceived, most reported a generally positive experience during filming.
Episode 1
| Details | Families | |
|---|---|---|
| The Carter Family | The McCracken Family | |
| Money Received | $100,000 | |
| Money Given Away | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Given to | McCracken Family | Carter Family |
| Conditions | none | none |
| Money Kept | $0 | $0 |
| Money Given | $100,000 | $100,000 |
Episode 2
| Details | Families | |
|---|---|---|
| The Richmond Family | The Hockley Family | |
| Money Received | $100,000 | |
| Money Given Away | $25,000 | $50,000 |
| Given to | Hockley Family | Richmond Family |
| Conditions | none | none |
| Money Kept | $75,000 | $50,000 |
| Money Given | $50,000 | $25,000 |
Broadcast
Template:Episode listTemplate:Episode listTemplate:Episode listTemplate:Episode listTemplate:Episode list {{Episode list| No. | Title | Original air date | Australian viewers |
|---|---|---|---|
| EpisodeNumber = 6 | OriginalAirDate = August 9, 2016 |
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