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.
 Loading ... |
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.
Don’t cancel! Yes, it’s a little exaggerated But the topics need to be told.
The reality crap everyone watches – even American Idol – is absurd when there
Are “real” issues going on. Give it a chance.
Definitely keep the Philanthropist on TV. The show is unique in both its plots and different settings each week. It’s great to see the various cities and countries around the world, even if the same location is used to portray a new locale. I’ve travelled extensively and love the African shows in particular.
James Purevoy is a talented actor and great eye candy as well! The entire cast is doing a wonderful job – keep them working together.
Why would they cancel the Philanthropist? Is NBC afraid of the possibility of actually EDUCATING it’s audience? This is one of the few shows I’ve seen that demonstrates some real world problems….even if it is “fantasy” to think one man can the problems. It is enjoyable. NBC…leave it alone,, do the right thing for a change.
I cant believe that this show doesn’t have enough viewers. It’s a great show with great acting, and stories. Each show has a twist and a good message that makes the viewer think. It’s smart, funny, sexy and exciting. Even the way they film makes the show look like a mini-movie each episode. I vote keep this show, and show’s like the this on the air. We have enough reality t.v., become famous garbage. Sure those bring in the ratings, but I don’t want to watch t.v. to see regular people do their thing and become wealthy, while I am… Read more »
Once I found the show, I looked forward to it airing on Wednesday nights or catching it on Hulu when my schedule was busy. Outside of “Teddy Rist’s” playboy ways, I really enjoyed his choice to get involved and make positive change. Would LOVE to see the show continue beyond Season 1, Episode 8!!! You have my attention and my viewer loyalty.
i really love this show and along with many others, hope you will keep it. it reminds us that no matter what problems we have in our lives, that somewhere else there is someone whose life is far worse than ours. it also makes me feel like maybe there is some hope out there in this crazey mixed up world, and that there is some human kindness, and less hatred. we all need that spark of hope and love. maybe in some way we can all contribute in some way to make someone elses life a little less unbearable, maybe… Read more »
Please keep this show. I just love how it shows the way people are living in other countries. And it also shows how we can help others. The Philanthropist demonstrates true morals.
Every other channel on TV displays shows about “reality”, when in fact most of the shows portray “non-realistic” matters or are over exaggerated. I think that The Philanthropist actually portrays some of the most candid and horrible conditions that exist around the world. The average American doesn’t take out time to actually take note of these conditions and I believe that this show allows Americans to open up their eyes and maybe even be inspired by it. I know that it has definitely opened up my eyes and encouraged me to do something about them. The Philanthropist is a mix… Read more »
This is one of the two shows I watch on network tv, please don’t cancel it. It’s about time we got some quality programming on NBC!
Please don’t cancel.the show. It’s one of few shows worth watching on tv.
Good Evening,
As an avid fan of the program, I was shocked and disappointed to hear cancellation rumors floating about.
In a world full of mediocre sitcoms, boring dramas, and ridiculous reality shows, it’s quite refreshing to find a show that’s smart, sexy and entertaining.
Kudos to NBC for having the guts to air the show. My hope is that it will be given the same amount of time to flourish as “30 Rock”.
Regards
This show is a public service and entertaining. Most tv is crap and networks should be required to show a certain amount of quality shows to off set the realty and other junk shows.
Finally a show that brings to light alot of issues besides what restaurant we are gonna eat at, who can sing and dance. It reminded me I have a nice home over my head, money in the bank, food on my table, a grocery store to buy my food in, CLEAN running water to drink, bathe and wash in. They need to keep this show.
#52 No Name expressed it beautifully. It seems today’s TV watchers prefer screaming singers, money-grubbing competitors and distasteful sitcoms providing very bad examples of character, language for our youth. This show, which NBC should continue, inspires and shows how people can care for others. It reminds me of the book “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortensen. While volunteering at a children’s live-at school in N. Thailand, I witnessed some of the neediest of the world. Too bad U.S. young people can’t do the same first hand. This show provides an opportunity to do that and to learn some compassion… Read more »
I love this show. I think it gets better each time. I am enjoying watching the characters develop. I love the premise and though idealistic, since it’s tv, I enjoy watching and wishing for an hour that problems could be solved so easily.
I must like shows that no one wants to watch because two of my all time favorite shows “Pushing Daisies” and “Murder Club” was also cancelled and I thought they were brilliant. I hope I’m not jinxing the show because I sure enjoy it.