TV Shows About How Rich People Got Rich

Over the past few weeks I've stumbled on two TV shows that are about how rich people got rich and I thought I'd share them with you all.

The first is aptly titled "How'd You Get So Rich?" It's hosted by Joan Rivers (warning: she's got a potty mouth, so be careful if you watch it with kids). She tells a short story of how a person became wealthy, but most of the show is a tour of the person's home -- complete with price tags that pop up telling you how much was spent on a table, painting, desk, or some other outrageously expensive item.

I have a couple comments on this series:

• The title of the show should be "How to Waste a Boatload of Money." Seriously, you wouldn't believe what people who have an almost unlimited amount of money spend their money on. It's almost sickening to me. (Then again, it's their money, so they have the right to spend it as they want.)
• It is interesting to see their homes. Even though so much of what is shown is way, way, way over-the-top, it's kinda like watching a train wreck happen -- you just HAVE to see (the house in this case)!

The second show is called "How I Made My Millions" and is more interesting to me. In this series, they tell the stories of how people became so rich -- they invented something, started a business, etc. The show tells people's stories from the beginning and shares all their trials in addition to their successes. I like watching these with the kids because each segment reinforces the facts that 1) many people get weathly because they WORK for it (wealth isn't given to them), 2) most wealthy people had times of adversity they had to overcome, and 3) they had to persevere to be successful -- three good messages for kids to learn IMO.

Has anyone seen either of these shows (or something similar)? If so, let the rest of us know what you think of them.

Comments

[Eugene Krabs]

I don't have cable, so no, I didn't watch this show. So, thanks for this. I agree that watching and learning how people build their wealth is much more entertaining and informative than what how they've spent the money.

[Reasonable]

My husband and I watch these shows from time to time; don't judge, it's like a train wreck. A lot of the shows on MTV and VH1 are based on the premise of spending money on wacky and crazy things. Maybe being reckless with your money is the new shock factor.

[Money Reasons]

Hmmm, never heard of those before, but I eat that kind of stuff up. Thank for bringing it to our attention, I'll see if I can find it on the web or which channel it is on (I don't watch TV as much as I use to...).

[jim]

The 1st show sounds like Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous. The 2nd show sounds interesting. I might check that one out.

"most wealthy people had times of adversity they had to overcome"

Are there people who don't have times of adversity in their lives? I guess there are, but they'd be the rare minority rather than the norm. I guess the observation is that the rich people didn't have 'smooth sailing' their whole life and like the rest of us they also had some set backs.

[Rob]

I would definitely be more interested in watching how people built their businesses and made money as opposed to how they spent it all. But, we don't have cable. Plus I'm too busy building my own business!

[Eric]

I can't watch most television shows nowadays. I feel like my IQ drops.

[Old Limey]

Eric:
Try watching the PBS channels.
NOVA, NATURE, American Experience, Globe Trecker, and Charlie Rose interviews won't insult your intelligence, they will broaden your mind and outlook.