CBS relents; ‘Jericho’ will return
“Jericho” fans who slammed CBS with protests over the show’s cancellation have won the battle: It will return next season.
The move is an unusual display of viewer might, since networks usually put ratings ahead of even the most passionate, well-organized fan base.
But CBS says the drama about a Kansas town isolated by a nuclear terrorist attack deserves another chance, while cautioning that it must prove it has wider appeal.
“Over the past few weeks you have put forth an impressive and probably unprecedented display of passion in support of a prime-time television series,” CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler said in a letter to “Jericho” boosters.
Tassler said seven episodes have been ordered for midseason 2007-08, adding: “In success, there is the potential for more. But, for there to be more ‘Jericho,’ we will need more viewers.”
The network is planning a campaign to reintroduce the series, with reruns this summer, streaming episodes and clips online, and release of the first season on DVD on Sept. 25. The show’s return date and scheduling has yet to be determined.
CBS has proven its flexibility at least once before. In 1983, after “Cagney & Lacey” was canceled and the network was bombarded with protests, the police drama was brought back in 1984 – and ran successfully to 1988.
Several factors worked in “Jericho’s” favor. It appealed to the young adult viewers sought by advertisers and was one of CBS’ most popular shows streamed online, indicating an audience beyond that measured by traditional ratings.
CBS also likely took into consideration the dent a long hiatus put in the show’s viewership. Last fall, “Jericho” was averaging 10.5 million viewers; when it returned in the spring, it drew about 8.1 million.
The display of fan enthusiasm included the delivery of 50,000 pounds of peanuts to its New York offices. In the season finale, a character replied “Nuts!” to a demand that the beleaguered town of Jericho surrender.
CBS is donating the protest peanuts to charities, including one that sends care packages to troops overseas.