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 somehow missed this show when it aired and found it last week following a comment on Facebook. I loved this show and watched every episodes available. I loved the global outlook , the action, and the good message. Please bring this show back. This show has a heart; so much better than much of the junk out there.
Yes, I became of fan of this fabulous “summer” series. Pls do not cancel it. With a monotony of dull programming out there on network tv this one caught my attention. It was different, engaging and I’m glad NBC took the risk plunge by airing it! There simply are not enough quality drama programs these days. I say keep it on the air! Give the “little guy” a chance.
Please don’t cancel this show! Unlike the majority of TV shows they air nowadays, it actually gives you a look at what sorts of things really do go on in the world, yet it’s still entertaining. These are the kinds of shows America should be watching, not some celebrity gossip show.
Please do not cancel it
Please don’t cancel this show. It was great! Can’t believe that 5 days of Leno would do better! How about 1 day of Leno and let The Philanthropist continue!
Hi…Please don’t cancel the “Philanthropist”……great show!
Tell us sumthin good! Please keep this show on. Like everyone else says – it’s contemporary, it’s relaying a good message, it’s great action, it’s character driven, AND it’s gotten my attention. I want more.
my sister and i love this show. please don’t cancel it.
Please please don’t cancel this show. The accuracy of the issues facing Haiti in the episode shot there was excellent. it was presented in a way that was also insightful and entertaining.
WELL DONE
It is unfortunate that there are more mindless idiots out there that like to watch drivel (reality shows) and shows that make you think or expose you to a different cultures gets shafted. It says something about our society I think, not a good thing! The Philanthropist is one of the few TV shows that I looked forward to every week, I hope that a NBC TV executive actually has the brains and guts to keep this show going, or will they just go along with the zombies out there?
How could you consider cancelling this fabulous show. For once there is some good TV viewing. Please don’t cancel the show! Its sooo good.
this is a wonderful show TRY CANCELLING all those WORTHLESS reality shows. This is one of NBC’s better shows. The Philanthropist is the ONLY reasons I tuned in to NBC during the summer months. I am SO TIRED of all the dribble with stupid reality shows. Really like James Purfoy’s performances and Jesse Green’s.
This was certainly one of the best shows of the summer!
Keep the show. I really enjoyed it. Great cast
I think the show is great. It is a “feel good” program and is worth keeping. I think we need more shows like this. Shows that give us some hope that there really are still some super great people on this planet!
Keep it running!!!!!!