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 love this show. I wish there were more episodes. Like Joe above, I say try a new time slot, because I have yet to talk to anyone that doesn’t like it.
Keep the show! Ditch Neve Campbell.
It is nice to see a sexy middle aged man on a show that is not all about a sexy middle aged man.
As an on-line viewer, my viewing is not tracked but I do look forward to the weekly installments – keep the show.
I love this série, I hope NBC sell rights for some TV channel in Portugal! It will be a sucess!
Currently I’m just watch this série on Internet..
I haven’t not found something worth watching for a very long time. This show has to stay on the air. It is the first show that I have found that actually has a message the world needs to hear. For so long reality television has chosen to show what society finds appropriate, but this show sends a message of what truely is reality for sooo many other people around the world. Shows like this one are necessary to realize the obligation we have to others in this world to help and promote true justice. I truely hope they decide to… Read more »
Hi. I have _never_ posted to any site like this before. And I haven’t owned a TV for nearly 20 years because I find, pretty much, nothing worth watching. A friend introduced me to this program and I have not missed a single episode (I watch online which won’t show in your ratings). Truly, I hope this program is given the time it needs to “catch on”. I believe it will. I understand the need to monitor ratings and deal with advertisers – certainly – TV is a business. And I acknowledge that the show could use a few “tweaks”… Read more »
Please NBC give The Philanthropist another chance. Sure it needs some improvement to get better ratings. James Purefoy and Jesse Martin have charisma and sex appeal but the actress’s lack personality. Lets face it Sex & the City would not have been as popular without casting Sarah J. P. & Kim Cattrel. If they had cast women who lacked charisma and had dull personalities the show would never have lasted as long. Also they need to inject a little humor into the show kind of like the adventure movie “Jewel of the Nile” with Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito.
I love the show, please keep it!
NBC. I am begging you to keep the show playing. It is one the few shows I will watch. It is about time one of the networks model what human beings are supposed to be about. Give it a chance…
How can you even consider in canceling the show, it is the Best show on TV.
Enjoy the show a lot. It’s one of the only shows from NBC that I watch. Intelligently written.
It is a great show
Keep the show. It is entertaining and enlightening. I would like to see more focus on the economic and social plights of the countries featured each week; and the business aspect of Teddy’s company – how the company is specifically helping these countries to improve. Less focus on Teddy’s playboy aspects – make it a bit more real with regard to all the daredevil antics as well; however, leave some of this in as it is fun to watch. The show has great promise and is an immense relief from the overload of “reality” programs that are contributing to the… Read more »
This was must-see TV for us. Very disappointed not to see it on NBC last night. This is informative, brightly written, high-minded drama that deserves airing. Can’t believe the audience doesn’t skew upscale based on content — a great luxury goods vehicle. Please bring it back!
I personally loved the show – I only watch certain tv programs and this was one I really didn’t want to miss!
Give it a chance!
Great show, it the only show I watch on NBC. Hate to see it canceled