CBS New Reality Show "The Briefcase" Premieres Tonight! #TheBriefcase

What would you do if you were given $100,000 and 72 hours to decide whether to keep the money or to give part, or all of it away to another family in need? That's the tough situation the families are faced with in CBS new reality show "The Briefcase", which is set to premiere today at 8-9pm ET/PT. Tune in the show tonight to find out how each family reaches their final decisions.

Each week, two hard-working American families who are experiencing financial setbacks will each be presented with a briefcase containing $101,000. They get to spend the $1,000 any way they want, and have 72 hours to learn details about each other’s challenging circumstances and make a potentially life-changing decision about what to do with the remaining $100,000.

What the families didn't know, however, 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.

I was given the opportunity to preview the premiere episode. I have been on an emotional roller coaster as much as the families were in the show. Tears couldn't help running down my cheeks as the families struggle to weigh their own needs against those of the other family. I can't possibly imagine what I would do if I were in their shoes, but I do realize how lucky I am to have everyone in my family happy and healthy even though we are not financially well-off. I don't want to give away too many spoilers. What I can say is that the ending is both surprising and heartwarming.

Meet the two families in the first episode:

The Bergin Family, Matthews, N.C.
Joe: Ice Cream Truck Owner
Kim: Part-Time Event Planner
Three children, ages 15, 13 and 12

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.

The Bronson Family, Manchester, N.H.
Dave: Injured Retired Iraq Vet
Cara: Nurse
One child, age 3, with another on the way

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.

Watch the trailer below:


While you are watching the show tonight, you are welcome to join the Twitter viewing party with hashtag #TheBriefcase. During the one-hour online chat, CBS will be giving away $250 in prizes and each winner will have the option to keep the gift or to give it to someone in need. Be sure to follow @broome88 (Dave Broom), @TheBriefcaseCBS, @CBSTweet, @RoleMommy, and @JillonMoney for the chat. Dave Broome (Creator and Executive Producer, The Biggest Loser) and Faye Stapleton are executive producers of The Briefcase.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Role Mommy Writer's Network.