MovieChat Forums > The Philanthropist (2009) Discussion > Great show, but I'm giving up on America...

Great show, but I'm giving up on American television...

posted 15 years ago by GreenwheelFan2002
15 replies | jump to latest

when this gets cancelled I'm giving up. I am so bloody tired of medical shows, crime shows, talent shows, and reality shows. This show, which isn't perfect, is at least something fresh and not a complete copy of CSI and American Idol. This show stresses positive energy and yet it seems no one is interested since there aren't bullet holes in people's brains and people to make fun of when their dreams get shattered.

this is trully pathetic and I am really sick of it.

[–] Doogiebee 15 years ago

You're right.

American programming is not what it should be, and the reality shows, which are not truly "reality" but appeal to the lowest common denominator of human intelligence, have made television a veritable toilet.

Unfortunately, non-American television shows are virtually unwatchable.

So, thank God for PBS and the History Channel.

[–] TxDepDrlng 15 years ago

I wholeheartedly agree with both Greenwheel and Doogiebee. Something new comes along that's not a medical or reality show and what do we do? We kill it!

And James Purefoy is Hot! Can't wait to see him in Solomon Kane! Now if only it gets distributed here in the U.S.

I also happen to watch the History Channel too, when I'm not buying and watching European-released only DVDs!

There Can Be Only One!...And That Is Christopher Lambert!

[–] silk47 15 years ago

I agree with all of you. Television needs someting new for a change and the show gave us that.

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] FutureOutlaw 15 years ago

I'm just going to say one thing. Pushing Daisies. That was so unique and good but got canceled. This was a good show and I enjoyed it, but Pushing Daisies was easily better, though its not for everyone.

[–] Annika277 15 years ago

when this gets cancelled I'm giving up. I am so bloody tired of medical shows, crime shows, talent shows, and reality shows. This show, which isn't perfect, is at least something fresh and not a complete copy of CSI and American Idol. This show stresses positive energy and yet it seems no one is interested since there aren't bullet holes in people's brains and people to make fun of when their dreams get shattered.

this is trully pathetic and I am really sick of it.

I agree with everything you said. I hope the powers at NBC are smart enough for once to not cancel this show.

[–] Wolverine37 15 years ago

I don't see this show being canceled. More like not renewed.

Apparently my signature defines who I am... so I made it just this

[–] hollycole1 15 years ago

it would have a better chance with a company like HBO behind it. NBC aren't serious about intelligent programming.

[–] cbrugette 15 years ago

I don't NBC ever intended The Philanthropist to be anything but summer filler in a time slot they're going to eliminate when Jay Leno does his prime time show in the fall.

If NBC had had more faith in the series, they would've allowed the production of the thirteen episodes they initially ordered. They also would have aired it in the mid-season, which was the network's original intent.

I'm just glad it's done well enough to warrant it's eight episode run.

[–] Wolverine37 15 years ago

Yep. NBC bought the show on the strength of the writing staff and cast without having seen any footage or even a script. After seeing it the episode order was reduced and it was shifted to Summer. I assume they found the show too preachy to succeed.

Apparently my signature defines who I am... so I made it just this

[–] silverbullets 15 years ago

OH hear, here. You said it. The perfect litany of entertainment mediocrity. I feel the boredom just thinking about these shows. Excuse me for shouting, but HOW MANY CSIs DO WE NEED? How many more dancing couples in sequins and bad karaoke numbers or fake dating drama can we take? What about those of us who are an untapped market because TV's standard fare has failed to hold our interest? It seems like every show with an ounce of uniqueness and risk gets canceled two breaths into things. Everything less than perfect is considered failure--when it's a rare (eh...maybe nonexistent) show that doesn't have its burps or even misfires.

To me, it seems that the networks are wasting their own money when they make such knee-jerk decisions. Maybe lower ratings should be a signal for them to question the effectiveness of their marketing rather than just assuming that they can't get anyone's interest. So maybe they can't get the interest of people who watch 5 hours of TV every night and think reality shows are all reality, but do they make up the entire potential audience?????

Hello, where is the creative thinking? Is no one willing to think outside the box in the board rooms?

[–] Godfrey-222 15 years ago

You are right on all points. Tabloid TV is here to stay. It is the fault of all the people who watch these lowest common denominator programs. They are creating the figures that TV companies point to when they say ' people love reality Tv - Look at the figures'. They are also cheaper to make by a long way. It is not going to get better on network TV which is all but a dead medium for storytelling.

Just be thankful for cable TV. A small narrative oasis in the desert of endless banality and mindless drivel.

By the way - its hear hear - not here here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hear,_hear

[–] Annika277 15 years ago

I agree with you guys on all points. I'm tired of the cop shows, doctor shows, lawyer shows and reality shows. The Philathropist was new, innovative and had a good cast(with the exception of Neve Campbell). The Philanthropist was a refreshing addition to primetime and James Purefoy was excellent. Now that the show is gone, it's back to the same old crap on television. Those television executives don't know anything.

[–] pjanaway 15 years ago

Love this show, so don't want it cancelled.

[–] 15 years ago

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