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.
This show gets better every week! I wasn’t sure about it at first, either–but I like to give shows a decent chance. You just can’t tell after two shows (unless it is hopeless). Anyway, I hope someone at NBC is reading the positive comments–time to do another poll. It makes you aware of many of the horrible conditions in the world, yet is entertaining at the same time–you really “root” for the hero and you understand his motivation is coming from his own child’s death. Also, it looks truly authentic because they really filmed in many real places around the… Read more »
The Philanthopist is one of the best new shows on TV….great acting…great plots…interesting characters….unique format….Please keep it for next year.
I am sure if NBC adds a forbidden love to the series, it will attract more viewers. All other successful shows have at least a couple of lovers that for some reason can’t express themselves.
You Americans have money and capability to make interesting shows and world certainly feeds on your shows. If you cancel a great series like The Philanthropist, there will be another opportunity missed on educating the world. Isn’t there a real philanthropist to save the show for everyones sake?
It’s really a shame if NBC cancels this show. This show is about the reality and the people of America need to know about what’s happening around the world and the rich people can help some people who are living in so much miseries including hunger
The Philanthropist is another NBC great. I find myself really liking the NBC lineups. Shows like Chuck (almost cancelled), Journeyman (cancelled), Medium (moved to CBS), and The Philanthropist (probably will be cancelled). The problem is, each time I find an NBC show I like, they get rid of it. Unfortunately, it does not matter how good a show is, if it doen’t bring in the masses, it does not sell the commercial spots, and so it gets cancelled. As much as I would like to continue watching The Philanthropist in the future (I have seen and enjoyed every episode), it… Read more »
Keep it! It’s a great show. I love Rist & Maidstone.
It would we a shame indeed NBC drops The Philanthropist. And, wonderful if they allowed it to find its audience as it did with Cheers. But, we live in a different world today than it was 25 years ago. I’m afraid that what will replace it is another narcissitic reality-show that frankly causes me switch the channel to PBS, cable or shows that offer value-added content. I do so enjoy The Philanthropist for its entertaining intelligent approach to presenting the world issues and problems though the eyes and life of people with the heart and resources to solve them.
I am so sick of NBC… Every time they come up with a decent show to watch, they decide to cancel it the moment they do not hit the target numbers… The truth is, shows like the Philantropist can never have as high of ratings as the majority of the rubbish out there simply because the majority of the population is not very intelligent (at best) and prefers to watch stuff like Simple Life, Family Guy, Biggest Looser, My Name is Earl, Office… you name them… It seems to me that the key to success is simple or no plot,… Read more »
It would be a shame to loose the series. The Philanthropist is an inspirational show based on a true character. My belief is that if the show is allowed to continue, it will awaken in many Nobel Sentiments, which will in turn manifest into much goodwill.
Just as “Raiders of the Lost Ark” inspired archaeologist to search for the Ark of the Covenant and “Star Treck” inspired scientist to search for other forms of space travel, “The Philanthropist” will awaken the noble sentiments of many hearts.
Keep it., very few decent program out there. We need something other than reality crap.
I truly love this show. I download from Itunes and can’t wait for the next episode. This show is so unique. The Philanthropist’s emphisis is on the possitive and what persons, in need around the world are facing. I love that the audience has a chance to feel compassion for others and a wanting to help others anyway that we can.
In a TV world full of crime, reality and no talent shows, I find the Philanthorpist to be uplifting and fresh. Please don’t cancel…People will soon tire of the current garbage being aired to watch this wonderful sleeper.
Keep it! – Very little decent tv out there these days, and even less seemingly promoting having a conscience about the world at large. Sure, the premise is possibly totally implausible, however, it does give the viewers a look at the issues in the rest of the world, no matter how presented.
KEEP IT!!!
I am reading some of these posts and I have only one thought. Are you people serious? This is television. Not reality TV! If you think that it is real life, you need to get one! This is only a drama. It has no basis in reality. The plots are frilly at best and at worst, just plain unbelievable even as fiction. Oath 101, there is nothing “real” about this show. Islandgirl, if you think that the dialogue between Teddy Rist and the radio host was real, you have never really listened to talk radio. Maizey, if you want to… Read more »