Fontana returns to 'Philanthropist'

Tom Fontana has been rehired as executive producer for NBC's The Philanthropist, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Fontana was dismissed from the midseason drama in April and replaced by Battlestar Galactica's David Eick. Eick has now departed the show to oversee Galactica spinoff Caprica, and the network's new president of scripted programming Angela Bromstad has reinstated Fontana.

Fontana will bring in a new writing team to redraft upcoming scripts. A pilot for the James Purefoy drama has already been shot by Peter Horton, who is returning to executive produce the 13 episodes ordered. Production may be delayed as Purefoy pulled a hamstring while filming the pilot.

The Philanthropist focuses on a rogue billionaire (Purefoy) who uses his wealth and power to help people in need.