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.
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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.
the beast was an awesome series and should be brought back for sure!!!!
It’s just too bad they do not solicit the help of Patrick’s brother to become the next Beast and continue the series. I found the series well done, yet had that suspense needed to keep you going back for the next week to see how it all plays out. It was a series you had to commit too so you knew what was going on each week. It is too bad the majority of the public had their say.
I enjoyed watching Patrick Swayze for decades, and will continue to enjoy his shows as I introduce younger family members to him, even with his passing. I recently found The Beast on Netflix, and my 16 year old daughter and I watched the series in two days. It is one of the best shows I have seen in a long time. The dreck on tv encouraged me to get rid of both the cable and satellite several years ago, and when Netflix came to Canada we decided to make use of it. This show has been one of the better… Read more »
This show was phenominal! I blocked off time at night just to watch this show. Why must all the good shows get pulled? Rest in peace Mr. Swayze. You were an inspiration to many of us.
I thought the show was great and thrilling and i couldn’t wait to see the next one i finished the season in three days. Sure it wouldn’t be the same without swayze but you cant just cut it off like that
…Very entertaining. Gritty, evocative, this is action/adventure/thriller storytelling at its best. That’s why it was cancelled. When a show is great, rip it off the air! That’s the way to do it. Anything really good gets the axe! Yup… The only thing that lasts is the dreck. Mindless millions will watch dreck! Yup… Keep the good stuff off! That’s the way to do it, TV executives! Yup!!!
I also think the show was great! But with the unfourtunate passing of Patrick I don’t know if they could replace the character with another actor. But I believe they should have tried and let the audience decide. It’s because of us fans that television networks like A&E are doing so well and it would be nice for a change if they would do something for the fans instead of just worrying about themselves! Even if they busted on season 2 and then canceled the show they wouldn’t have that mountain of cash get any smaller. It pisses me off!
I don’t know to say but ,the beast is one of the greatest shows i have ever seen patrick is awesome never seen such a kick ass actor do such a great job very sorry for his passing you will be missed. but once again this show kick ass wish there was a season 2 .
This was a great show. In Ireland it was was really popular and we even bought the box set. Get your fingers out and make another series please. Don’t just relybon audience figures for your decision. Quality acting and story lines should be the basis of wether to cancel or not and The Beast has that in abundence. Even if Anerican audiences don’t want it beleive it or not there are other audience viewers out there!!!
this serial is awesome! I want season two with the same people ! I know… Patric’s pass away… He was great person! I like him a lot ! but his gone and life must go on… and movie and everything! I’m from Poland and me and my friends love the beast! And Travis hmm 😀 I only said… nice 😀
so I would be very, very greatful to be continued this movie 🙂
see You 🙂
The show is the best show ive ever seen. Who ever wrote the stories was a genius and the casts were outstanding. Specially, Patrick Swayze’s acting was amazing, also the expressions of Travis Fimmel(Ellis Dove) were so realistic in the movie. I hope they will continue with Season 2. R.I.P Patrick Swayze !!!
I am American and I LOVE the show. Bring it back please i never missed an episode!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BRING IT BACK!
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.
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.… Read more »
I say its cancelled now because of Patrick passing away yesterday 🙁