NBC’s not being very charitable to fans of their summer series, The Philanthropist. The feel-good drama has been cancelled.
The Philanthropist revolves around Teddy Rist (James Purefoy), a once-selfish billionaire who decides to channel his money and power to help those in need. The series also features the talents of Jesse L. Martin, Neve Campbell, Michael Kenneth William, Lindy Booth, Krista Allen, and James Albrecht.
For a summer show, the drama did pretty well in the ratings initially. But, as the weeks wore on, the numbers fell off. NBC stuck with it and ran all eight episodes, with the last one airing on August 12th. Though it looked unlikely that the show would be renewed, many viewers have been holding out hope. The network didn’t make an announcement about the show’s fate but they rarely do.
Now, an upcoming DVD release from Universal Studios Home Entertainment has put the chances of the series returning to rest. They’ve announced the upcoming release of The Philanthropist: The Complete Series. The two-disc set will be available on January 5th and will include all eight episodes but unfortunately won’t have any extras.
What do you think? Are you sorry that the show is officially over? Any storylines you would like to have seen?
This was such a great show, with all the features you are looking for.
Funny, kept you on the edge of your seat and had good messages.
So sad they got rid of one of the good serious they had.
It’s too bad that NBC doesn’t understand that there are people out here that like show that involve “real world news” in the shows we watch. Although “Law and Order” blends “Real News” in to some of the stories. The Philantropist was one of the show’s that did this well. It’s closer to ‘Reality” then the so called “Reality Shows”. The reason the Biggest Loser is so popular, its because most of it’s watcher are …… But the Philantropist is about what most watcher don’t have Money and what they don’t want to do with it, Give it away to… Read more »
I’m so sad! I absolutely LOVE James and really enjoyed this show. My 12 year old daughter even loved watching it; now that’s saying something!
How sad. Finally an intelligent show with a handsome appealing star whose more than just greedy – and it’s cancelled. Sad news indeed. Hope Purefoy will go forth to make more movies! I’m a fan.
It’s no wonder NBC can’t keep a top-rated show if they aren’t willing to promote and keep quality shows like The Philanthropist. I was a faithful viewer for all eight episodes and would continue to watch if it returned. It was a refreshing change from all the crime lab and reality shows. Loved it! Bring it back, NBC!
A number of us fans and supporters of The Philanthropist are trying to urge NBC to reverse their decision to cancel the show. We just started a Facebook cause titled “Save The Philanthropist through Charity”.
The purpose behind this cause is two-fold. First and foremost is to save this show from cancellation. This show is a great example of how two different ideologies (for lack of a better word)
Wake up NBC. Your execs need to know a keeper when they have one. Work to improve content when the topical intent is so excellent and the cast is in place. This had all the makings of an excellent contender to CBS and ABC who are kicking your butt.
Seriously?????? Yet another show with actual story lines, talent, and purpose canceled by a studio. Is America really so far removed from art that we call “reality tv” artistic? Come on directors and producers – stop selling out your profession! Go find a network that will carry your art!!!
This is why I do not watch NBC, they suck. This show stay, but jay leno stays on a 10pm with the same show he had on the Tonight Show…. NBC you are idiots, I will watch ABC and FOX
i loved this show-finally a show that addresses real issues! bring back this show-please?
My husband and I faithfully watched this show every week! I can’t believe that NBC canceled this. The plot lines were fantastic and really was a nice change from most shows being so ‘US-centric’. Such a shame.
Its what I thought would happen but I am very sad it has been cancelled, it was a pretty good show mainly due to the excellent acting of James Purefoy, he was great as Teddy Rist. Oh well where one door closes, another opens.
Sorry to see James Purefoy leaving US TV but The Philanthropist writing did not entice me to watch it, James Purefoy did. The writing was very predictable, boring, and repetative. You knew what was going to happen because the same thing happened the week before. I think the writers should have incorporated Teddy’s private life, (girlfriends, affairs, parties, dinners, etc.) into the script and not just have him running amuck in 3rd world countries every week. The show needed some spice, something to look forward to the next week. Of course I can sit and watch James Purefoy read a… Read more »
So sorry to see this show go, it was very entertaining with a great message for society today (we need all the help we can get now-a-days!) Plus, James Purefoy is a wonderful actor and he made the show in my opinion.
77% voted not to cancel…so what is wrong with NBC? I love The Philanthropist. The writing, directing, and acting on all parts is wonderful, exciting and thought provoking. NBC has also cancelled Southland. Last year ABC was cancelling great shows too and people must have quit watching as this year they are putting some decent shows on. So far they are not cancelling the ones I like and have only gotten ride of Defying Gravity. So is NBC pulling the same crap that ABC pulled last year? I am really sorry to see The Philanthropist go. It was a great… Read more »