Another of NBC’s new Summer series, The Philanthropist, got off to a moderately successful start in the ratings but has been losing steam quickly. Should NBC show some charity and keep it around or should they just cancel it already?
The Philanthropist tells the story of Teddy Rist (James Purefoy), a billionaire playboy who is haunted by the death of his only child. After rescuing a young boy from a hurricane, Rist begins using his wealth to help those in need. The show also features the talents of Jesse L. Martin, Neve Campbell, Michael K. Williams, Lindy Booth, Bonnie Henna, Dominique McElligott, and James Albrecht.
The drama premiered on June 24th and attracted an average of 7.41 million viewers and a 2/6 rating/share of the 18-49 demographic. For a Summer series, that looks like pretty decent performance on the surface but less so when you look at the specifics.
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The show lost 35% of the audience from the last half hour of the successful America’s Got Talent lead-in. What’s more, many viewers tuned out before the premiere of Philanthropist was over. That’s not a good sign and a sure indication that those viewers probably won’t be back the following week.
The second week, the Philanthropist ratings dropped significantly to 5.69 million viewers and a 1.4/4 rating/share in the demo. Week three fell further and by week four, Philanthropist fell to 4.28 million and a dismal 1.1/4. Last week’s viewer numbers perked up a little to 4.74 million but the all-important demo remained dismally the same.
With numbers like these, there’s not much hope that NBC will feel charitable and renew the series for a second year. On the positive side, with just three episodes left to air, the network will surely let the short season play out.
What do you think? Is the show worth saving or should NBC have cut their losses and cancelled it already?
Image courtesy NBC.
I really enjoy the show. It is different and entertaining and made aware of the rest of the world. I think that the writers should be more creative and challenging. There are some pretty good actors on the show, they should really get better material. This show has soooooo much potential. i hope it doesn’t get cancelled, just better.
I watch very little TV. In fact, I couldn’t care if the television is on at all. However, The Philanthropist has brought me back to spending a regular hour each week watching TV. This is my favourite TV show. Gosh, what is it about good news that people can’t palate? This is quality television! So much junk is allowed to continue poisoning the minds of our children and this show which might inspire a worthy goal or a dream is on the chopping block. Please give it a few more seasons to take hold as it has improved with each… Read more »
I absolutly love this show. I record all the episode and watch them over and over again. It does have a great message about giving back to humanity. I try to show my children to help those in need and I think this show displays that doing the right thing is reward itself. Besides James Purefoy is very easy on the eyes.
I NEVER watch tv. I feel I have so many other more interesting things to do with my time than watch the less than mediocre-at-best rubbish that is presented. This show is intelligent and has something important to say. Perhaps if the current programming that is being touted as worthy were replaced with more shows like this one, television would be worth watching. Please keep this show.
I watch relatively few shows, but this one is worth keeping or at least keeping for more than half a season! TV shows, especially dramas, can not be judged on a few episodes’ ratings. All of the Greats out in TV land had to build and audience and a following and that takes time. Some shows did not become household names and successes until their second or third season! Give Philanthropist a chance to live and grow!!! The show has gotten increasingly better with each episode and I feel it will keep getting better if it keeps its Heart and… Read more »
If the #s are not ther then it gets the boot!
The show should be moved to a better night, but it’s worth saving. The problem with bringing in a show during the summer is that people aren’t as invested in watching television as they are during other times. Sure, there are some minor flaws, but it’s worth watching and worth tweaking with, in my opinion. Look what happened to “Arrested Development”? Smart shows get cancelled. It will make money for NBC when they get the right day. Don’t cancel it and leave the other crap on. For the love of G-D! Just once, I’d like to see the talented folks… Read more »
I enjoy this show – don’t cancel it. However, I usually DVR it and watch it later. When a show is DVR’d does it still count towards the ratings – I have always wondered that?
Keep it. And while you’re at it, BRING BACK “Kings”!
heads above any reality show networks insist on producing. if cancelled it would only be a money issue. lets try to make television enjoyable, give us something to watch. give us a program that requires an iq to watch.
A show that recommends rich people give their money away and do good for people- think about it; the people who own the TV companies are never going to let that continue are they? Showing 8 episodes is mere tokenism on the part of NBC. The premise of the show undermines the nature of the television industry iyself. This excellent series never stood a chance.
The Philanthropist is the best thing that happened to Network Television. It’s the first time in years that I have a “Standing date” at 10:00 PM on Wednesday evening…and if anyone interferes with it…they have to join in with me to watch THE PHILANTHROPIST on NBC. It has a terrific REALISTIC Story line…intelligent writing…great casting and wonderful acting. There is synergy in the story line and cast – great TV. NBC – be smart and renew the series in the fall. I am thoroughly enjoying it … so are my friends who rarely watch network TV anymore! THIS IS REALITY!… Read more »
This is by far one of the best shows in a long time. I can’t beleive they might cacnel it. Give it a full regular season run. I think they will watch viewership go through the roof. Especially after last weeks episode.
Why would anyone watch redundant, boring, petty, CREEPY “reality” TV over a decent program with an excellent actor leading the cast and a wonderful story? America doesn’t have talent; in fact, it’s painful to watch all those “talented” people being “talented” jackasses. Just for once, give a good program with an interesting story and a decent message and a gifted actors a chance. Believe it or not, not everyone can stomach “reality” TV. Instead, we have almost given up and considered canceling our cable subscriptions because there is nothing good on television anymore. We just wait for the good shows… Read more »
Any show people have to actually use their brains to actually follow, hear, see and get involved with seems to get cancelled. The philanthropist is one of the best shows if not the best on TV. I said to my husband, don’t let anyone know we like it or they will cancel it! Not funny, but serious. This is a show with a story and some grit. There is actual quality writing and directing wihich are fantastic as well as the great acting by the lead Jame Purefoy. The supporting cast are wonderful as well. I am becoming hard prest… Read more »