Resurrection: The fans save 'Jericho'

Sometimes going a little nutty is a good thing.

For weeks, "Jericho" junkies have been firing e-mails (effectively shutting down InBoxes at CBS and this newspaper), signing petitions and sending bags of nuts to CBS headquarters in protest.

The assault seems to have worked, "Jericho" creator and executive producer Carol Barbee said Tuesday. CBS executives are in discussions with the show's producers and actors to resuscitate the show  -- killed just last month -- for an eight-episode run in mid-season.

"The idea would not be to bring it for eight and out, but to bring it back for eight with the hope that it would keep going," Barbee said. "They're making deals with the actors and there's other logistical stuff to work out too. 'Swingtown' [a new drama] was supposed to take over the same stages so it's a lot about the logistics of how to work out a schedule that works for all of us."

Barbee said the fan fever for the show did not surprise her-she had been keeping a close eye on the show's viewers on the Web. But she never expected CBS to change its mind because of the devotion.

"I was so kicked in the gut when we were canceled," she said. "I was really upset and angry and mourning over this amazing experience we had this year and this amazing family we put together and this show we were all so proud of. I didn't see the end coming so it felt like it wasn't over."

When the fan fight to save the show would not let up, CBS began talks with producers about a two-hour movie that would wrap up the show, but the writers were not interested, Barbee said.

"We just felt like that was doing it short-shrift, and it's too big of a story to wrap up in a two-hour movie," she said. "I really think that what has been learned here is that networks are going to have to look at numbers and who is watching their show and who is downloading their show in a different way from here on out. I think they have to understand that the Nielsens are not telling the story anymore and that the 18-49 demographic they're all so keen on is online and that's how increasingly they are getting their news and entertainment."

Since the fan revolt began, "Jericho" viewers have insisted they also would not be satisfied with a TV movie or online re-cap that told them how the "Jericho" story ends.

If the actors sign on the dotted line -- and those deals should be in place in the next day or two -- Barbee said "Jericho" junkies will get their way.

-- Maria Elena Fernandez

Comments

[Scott - Indianapolis]

This is a giant step in the right direction. Can't wait to hear it from CBS themselves! Way to go Rangers!

[Yancey]

Good Job CBS.. Hats off to you for recognizing what viewers want, and for reviving this show. Maybe its time I take a look at other shows on your station.

[DeeJ]

OMG ...This is great news. I do hope it works and we get our "JERICHO" back. Thanks to all who are helping and all of us that are giving. LOL Great day!!!!!

[Marlene]

Okay now I'm in tears here.....What a wonderful feeling I have right now!!! JERICHO ROCKS!!!

[Sharon Tomlinson]

Thank you so much for this article. I am so happy I'm crying. Thank you CBS for bringing Jericho back for a second season. It's been a long exhausting & expensive battle - writing letters, making phone calls, sending nuts and flowers, being a dork with a big sign on the back window of my car - but it was all worth it & I'd do it again. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!!

[JA]

Thanks for the Great news. Hope they can work it all out. Loved the show, great story line!

[Emarie]

I am soooooooo pleased. I am so proud of CBS for relenting to everyone's collective cry. This is awesome news. In all sincerity: Thank you, CBS.

[Jess]

Wow. This is such a rollercoaster. To find this great show in April (yes a little late and making me one of the 18-49 year olds who almost solely watched this show via CBS's own Innertube) and to get totally hooked, to seeing rumors about it being "on the bubble" to it being outright canceled to by happenstance find out about the nuts campaign - and subsequent email, phonecall, and snail mail campaigns - to the "closure" statement from Nina to the TONS of nuts to the slight slowdown of nutty momentum and the restructuring of our efforts to get the word out even more to now finding all our work is coming to fruition and that we might get at least a half-season and possibly more! I'm beyond excited. I can't believe I helped in this. I am just flabbergasted beyond belief.

Thank you to CBS for listening to the fans. Jericho is an excellent show. We will make multiple seasons happen for you! Rock ON! NUTS!

[MulletMan]

And how is the creator of the show's word NOT official word? lol.

In my book it is official, and I am happy! w00tXx0Rz

[Ken]

I think that a lot of people, myself included, don't get involved in these things because we feel that they have no chance of success. I want to congratulate everyone who worked so hard to make this happen. It's proof that people can make a difference, and that's a great thing.

[nancy]

I can't believe it!!! I sure hope this is for real. My husband and I were glued to the set Wednesdays at 8. It's the only show we felt that way about.

[Tom_Ga]

NUTtastic!!! Congratulations Rangers of Jericho for making television history!

However, Nina's press release is not yet in hand. Until that time, CBS stays locked out of my settop under "Parental Control."

22 not 8 !! NUTS!!!

www.jerichonuts.com

[Larry]

Thanks for listening, CBS. Thanks!

[Kathy_NC]

Wonderful, wonderful news! Thank you sooooo much, CBS! The superb cast, crew, writers and producers deserve this second season! And I make you a promise that the Jericho Rangers will make their next mission the explosive, worldwide promotion of the show. What say you, Rangers?

[Michael]

I have been an avid watcher of Jericho, When I can get my wife hooked on it then it has to something good. My Wife and I are both in our 50's so do not worry about the age thing.
We both live in the Great Buckeye State of Ohio. Thanks to all who have worked so hard to keep a good show going. I am a disbled Vietnam Veteran or I would have been out there with all of you.

Thanks from Ohio

[Rubberpoultry]

We're pumped! See the season 2 promo here:

http://tinyurl.com/2vdbpg

[Sarah Hinton]

Yee-ha!! Thanks so much CBS for listening to loyal Jericho fans! I can't wait for the official announcement - this is the best news ever!!

[David Hatcher]

8 episodes doesn't cut it for me. I had NEVER heard of Jericho until a little over two weeks ago. What does that say for advertising? It's called cross promoting! Billboards! Those little black and white papers! Magazines! Buy some time on FOX!

I heard of it from my sister after the last episode aired

I watched all 22 episodes online and on my Xbox. I even stayed up all night until 11 the next day finishing off the season! Then after getting addicted to the point that I would give up 24, Lost and Heroes all together, I heard Jericho was not renewed.

I say we all start a movement to boycott 'Kid Nation' and free the slot, stage, and budget for Jericho. CBS, if you only give 8 episodes, you lose this house.

As of right now, I will not watch CBS again until season two airs. You promise me only 8 episodes, you stay blocked. Any thing less than a full 2nd season and 3rd season renewal, you get blocked again.

FYI - In my line of work I have learned that 95% of unsatisfied customers don't confront poor service. ,They simply do not return. Think about that when you make your next round of cuts!

[Maphusio]

Don't you dare give up yet Jericho fans! Continue the fight nothings set in stone yet!

[john]

are they going o finsh off when th army was comeing an green was killed