A&E Cancels Patrick Swayze's The Beast

A&E has canceled Patrick Swayze's FBI drama The Beast, TVGuide.com confirmed Tuesday.
"The Beast has truly been a labor of love for everyone associated with the project and we couldn't be more proud of the series and are in absolute awe of Patrick, his passion and tenacity," A&E president Bob DeBitetto said. "His incredible performance was an inspiration to us all. ... However, after careful deliberation we have reluctantly decided not to attempt a second season. We would like to thank the cast and crew of The Beast for their tireless dedication to this project and the entire A&E family continues to wish Patrick and his family the very best."
The Beast featured Swayze as Charles Barker, an undercover FBI agent who teams up with rookie partner Ellis Dove (Travis Fimmel). The series premiered in January and faced several hurdles, including soft ratings over its 13 episodes and concerns about Swayze's health.
Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, at the show's beginning, but his doctors allowed him to to work. DeBitetto called Swayze's performance in the series "an inspiration to us all."
The Beast's cancellation was largely expected. Sources told Variety last week that the network would likely not renew it for a second season, although there was some speculation that it might go on with a new leading man. An A&E rep says the network never considered anyone but Swayze.
This fall, Swayze and his wife, Lisa Niemi, plan to release Swayze's memoir. The book will share memories from his childhood, marriage, career and battle against cancer.
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