Likely due to mediocre ratings and its star’s health, A&E has cancelled The Beast after one season.
Set in Chicago, The Beast revolves around an unorthodox veteran of the FBI, Charles Barker (Patrick Swayze). He takes on a rookie partner, Ellis Dove (Travis Fimmel) and trains him a hard-edged and controversial approach towards undercover work. Others in the cast include Lindsay Pulsipher, Kevin J. O’Connor, Larry Gilliard Jr., Shannon Edwards, Johnny Kastl, Suzy Brack, Danielle Mulligan, Randy Bernales, Emily Margaret Heitzer, Mike Bach, Dale Caba, and Thomas Kosik.
Overall, the series was well-received by critics, with Swayze receiving the lion’s share of the praise. The show’s ratings unfortunately didn’t reflect the positive press. Approximately 2.45 million tuned in to watch the premiere but then only 1.55 million returned for episode two. The third installment dropped to 1.35 million. The first season’s 13 episodes averaged about 1.3 million.
Those numbers aren’t stellar but they are good enough for the cable channel to consider ordering a second season.
 Loading ... |
Unfortunately, another significant deciding factor in the renewal decision is Swayze’s health. A&E President Bob DeBitetto told USA Today, “As has been the case from day one, it is all about Patrick — in a lot of ways… It is about his condition, and when and whether he would be up for another grueling production schedule.”
The 56-year-old actor went public about his battle with pancreatic cancer in January 2008. While still undergoing treatment, Swayze shot the rigorous role last Summer in Chicago. His wife Lisa told People, “He had challenges while he was working because he was still doing chemo and it wasn’t always easy but in spite of all of that, he’d suit up and show up. He was always there.”
On working with Swayze, The Beast costar Gilliard Jr. told People, “In his mind, nothing was wrong… That’s the kind of person he is — very positive.”
Even still, the media has been fueling negative speculation about the actor’s prognosis for survival. Those reports were fueled earlier this year when Swayze missed press appearances because he had to be checked into a Los Angeles hospital for pneumonia.
Though A&E denies that a decision about the show’s fate has been made, sources close to the show have indicated to Variety that The Beast won’t be returning. There apparently had been some speculation about another actor stepping into the lead role but apparently a suitable replacement couldn’t be found. An unnamed source told People, “There’s no way it was going to happen without Patrick.”
The last episode of The Beast, titled “No Turning Back,” aired on April 23rd.
Image courtesy A&E.
More about:
The Beast
Related Content
-
The Cleaner: A&E Series Cancelled; No Season Three for Benjamin Bratt
Sep 27, 2009 -
-
Las Vegas: NBC Cancels Long-Running Series
Feb 21, 2008 -
Sex and the City: Carrie to Reunite with Mr. Big
Aug 10, 2007 -
Little House on the Prairie: Melissa Gilbert Returns
Mar 16, 2007
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
Are you crazy?why did you canceling this awsome serial!!Is to good to appear only one season!!Please do something to appear!!
In my opinion “The Beast ” is one the best shows ever made. I too will join the boycott if it will bring back “THE ONLY SERIES WORTH WATCHING ON TV”!!!!!
(R.I.P Patrick Swayze)
BRING IT BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I say its cancelled now because of Patrick passing away yesterday
This is a testament to how good patrick was as an actor and the chemistry between barker and dove was unreal. To not have the guts to continue in his memory is another typical example of brilliant gritty drama being replaced by more moronic american comedy TV probably.
We live in the UK and had to get an import of this series and it was well worth it. What do A&E consider gritty drama american idol or will and grace perhaps. Another typical gutless american Tv company deciding that true genius is about viewer numbers than actual qualty drama programming.
Why would you leave this series open like this…get the money and pull your fingers out of arses and have the balls to finish such a brilliant show…and even if u americans dont wanna watch it the UK audiences will love it…
i am american and i do/did watch the series………. it was very suspenseful to me and i enjoyed every episode i too will be disappointed if it is cut. even with patrick’s passing the script can still be written for the given situation.
I am American and I LOVE the show. Bring it back please i never missed an episode!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BRING IT BACK!
← Previous Comments