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The Philanthropist: NBC Drama Officially Cancelled

The Philanthropist TV showNBC’s not being very charitable to fans of their summer series, The Philanthropist. The feel-good drama has been cancelled.

The Philanthropist revolves around Teddy Rist (James Purefoy), a once-selfish billionaire who decides to channel his money and power to help those in need. The series also features the talents of Jesse L. Martin, Neve Campbell, Michael Kenneth William, Lindy Booth, Krista Allen, and James Albrecht.

The Philanthropist TV showFor a summer show, the drama did pretty well in the ratings initially. But, as the weeks wore on, the numbers fell off. NBC stuck with it and ran all eight episodes, with the last one airing on August 12th. Though it looked unlikely that the show would be renewed, many viewers have been holding out hope. The network didn’t make an announcement about the show’s fate but they rarely do.

Now, an upcoming DVD release from Universal Studios Home Entertainment has put the chances of the series returning to rest. They’ve announced the upcoming release of The Philanthropist: The Complete Series. The two-disc set will be available on January 5th and will include all eight episodes but unfortunately won’t have any extras.

What do you think? Are you sorry that the show is officially over? Any storylines you would like to have seen?


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{ 118 comments… read them below or add one }

Tonya November 15, 2009 at 8:10 pm

So typical of networks. They keep the garbage like “Rock of Love” , “Gossip Girl” and any other stupid “so-called Reality Shows” and dump worthwhile, positive shows like “The Philanthropist”. I absolutely loved this show.

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grammysan November 16, 2009 at 7:33 pm

Have been hoping that the show would be coming back possibly in January. What a shame that they would cancel a show that shows someone doing something worthwhile in this world……….shame and sorry that it won’t be back.

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Olga November 18, 2009 at 6:57 pm

I loved the show “The Philanthropist” Maybe the public “got it” more than the powers that be. The storylines were “real” and each ending was heartwarming, yet realistic. The actors were perfectly cast. It was the only show I actually followed besides Criminal Minds. There is so much “junk” with no meaning on TV. I could care less about how actors live in their homes, how dysfuntional so many people in Hollywood actually are. Give me substance BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Allie November 19, 2009 at 7:13 pm

I am so disappointed in the network! This show was a heavy hitter! It had everything! Love, sex, friendship, drama, and a conscience! I really wish this show would come back on the air. We need more shows like it.

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josh November 20, 2009 at 12:16 pm

Agree with everyone…great show…it just needed to get exposed and it would have caught on….very refreshing of a charaacter…what it did for me is open up the eyes to see what problems are going on the world…it’s too bad it’s cancelled….maybe producers will read reviews and try it again.

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Lisa November 22, 2009 at 6:06 pm

I am so sad but not suprised any time something really good comes along and the powers that be axe it props to any channel that would pick up this show,which shows good writing,acting and is tasteful

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John Doe November 22, 2009 at 10:45 pm

Other than Kings this was the only show that I have really gotten into and now they want to cancel it. Now we are stuck with shows like survivor and lost. Law and Order is getting so boring. This show is a breath of fresh air. Well hopefully they decide to bring back the show.

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Vladimir November 24, 2009 at 2:17 pm

I understand the way business works, but canceling this show is almost as an insult to people that are sick of so called reality shows and other disfuncitons that are all over the TV. Let us watch something inteligent, for a change, something that could actually inspire someone to do something good. Thank you.

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?? November 24, 2009 at 4:02 pm

Cancelling this show is like saying f-you to the hungry, poor people in poor countries

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runningtiara November 24, 2009 at 9:24 pm

this world needs shows like this one to inspire others. please bring back. at the very least, include additional shows on the dvd

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Case November 25, 2009 at 3:43 pm

Such a Shame, After the Chile Episode I went and donated to the charity you have listed on the NBC website. It inspired me and it made me want to give to that, more than World Vision with their sad commericals. It brought all the elements of a good show and it was nice to see a British Actor get to play a British Character unlike House. It brought up real social issues that if you travel the world like I do and see the things that actually happen. North America can make a difference if we don’t tolerate things like Human Trafficing or Child Labour or Food Shortages. We need the show back and make people care about whats going on in the world than just our backyards. This is the Show to do it. BRING IT BACK NBC

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Drew November 30, 2009 at 12:30 am

I’ll second that!!!!
WTF NBC!?!

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Rachael December 1, 2009 at 12:04 pm

I agree. It was a very inspirational show and it showed other parts of the world (and what is happening) that we are oblivious to and should be made more aware of. Another show that makes a difference for the positive down the drain. Let’s keep more of the killing and homicide shows to help promote violence in our world. You know, the big money makers.

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Michelle December 6, 2009 at 1:01 pm

If you do cancel Three Rivers Bring Alex back in Moonlight. I think that show was aired a bit before its time

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Lisa December 8, 2009 at 5:56 am

I am saddened at how often shows that are original and step outside of the typical cookie cutter TV drivel are cancelled. For once a positive show with action…I was so looking forward to the second season and based on the way the finale ended I expected to get it. Truly sad. Perhaps they will replace it with another “not so real” reality show and leave the true creative works to to ABC. My Own Worst Enemy was another brilliant NBC creation that they just couldn’t believe in…How much $ are the executives wasting over there anyway? No wonder Conan is always bitching about the ratings. I am sure he is tired of bearing the burden.

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