CBS to Premiere New Reality Series THE BRIEFCASE, 5/27
By: Caryn Robbins Apr. 28, 2015
CBS announces the new reality show THE BRIEFCASE, featuring hard-working American families experiencing financial setbacks who are presented with a briefcase containing a large sum of money and a potentially life-altering decision: they can keep all of the money for themselves, or give all or part of it to another family in need. The series premieres Wednesday, May 27 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
"THE BRIEFCASE is an eye-opening look into what matters most in people's lives, taking the audience on an emotional roller coaster ride with a shocking ending each week," said THE BRIEFCASE Creator and Executive Producer Dave Broome. "I've been incredibly impressed by just how generous Americans are, even with shrinking paychecks and rising debt, when there's little left to give." Each week, two families have 72 HOURS to learn details about each other's challenging circumstances and make the weighty decision of what to do with $101,000. However, what they don't know is that the family with whom they are considering sharing this financial windfall received an identical briefcase with the same instructions. Throughout their journeys, relationships within both families will be tested and beliefs questioned as they find out what really matters most in their lives, and how much importance they place on values such as love, generosity, compassion and faith.Bergin Family Joe: Ice Cream Truck Owner Kim: Part-Time Event Planner Three children, ages 15, 13 and 12 Matthews, N.C. After Joe was laid off from his corporate job 10 years ago, he and his wife, Kim, started an ice cream truck business which is struggling. Bronson Family Dave: Injured Retired Iraq Vet Cara: Nurse One child, age 3, with another on the way Manchester, N.H. Dave is an American hero whose Humvee exploded when he was in Iraq and he lost his leg. He and his wife, Cara, are expecting their second child this summer. Living on one income with a growing family has put a significant amount of stress on the Bronsons.
Amari Vendely: Unemployed Natalie Salgado: Medical Assistant Three children, ages 7, 5 and 3 Miami, Fla. Amari and Natalie's financial situation hit a rough patch when Natalie was laid off from her position as a medical assistant. She has since found another job, but the time unemployed in-between jobs took a toll on the family. In addition there will be extra expenses for Amari's transition. He was born female, but after giving birth to two children and living as a woman for most of her adult life, he now lives as a man. Aponte/Kassimatis Family
Mike Aponte: Welder Andrea Kassimatis: Pediatric Nurse Three children, ages 14, 7 and 11 months Union Beach, N.J. Mike and Andrea have been together for nine years. In 2009, they invested in a house, but shortly after completing the renovations, Hurricane Sandy hit the New Jersey coast and destroyed what they had built. Owens Family Robert: Educational Consultant Lucy: Special Programs Coordinator Two children, ages 9 and 3 Dayton, Ohio Robert and Lucy place high importance on education within their family. Robert is an educational consultant with a master's degree from Wright University and working on his doctorate. Lucy is a special programs coordinator at Wright University. With large student loans and trying to pay for their children's education, they have a HARD TIME staying afloat financially.
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