Can Twitter and Subway save "Chuck"?

Josh Schwartz, co-creator of NBC's "Chuck," is hoping that the show's small but loyal audience can keep the sci-fi/romantic dramedy alive for a third* season. The show, which has garnered lots of critical praise, has not seen that translate into ratings success.

In an interview at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas, Schwartz said he had a good meeting with NBC about "Chuck's" future, but he would not speculate on whether the show would survive. NBC, which is stripping Jay Leno across the 10 p.m. time period five nights a week, does not have a lot of real estate for shows like Schwartz's that are on the bubble.

In the meantime, "Chuck" fans are taking matters into their own hands. According to Schwartz, there is a push on the Internet to get fans to go to Subway on Monday before the season finale to buy sandwiches in support of the show. Why Subway? Because the sandwich shop was featured prominently in a recent episode. So much for product placement turning off viewers. "It shows a real sophistication on the part of the viewer," Schwartz said.

Then there is the group of rabid "Chuck" fans who are constantly Twittering support for the show on the social networking site. It has merited so much attention that even NPR did a piece about the efforts to save "Chuck."

But will some tweets and eats be enough to buy "Chuck" a new life? "All grass-roots movements have to start somewhere," Schwartz cracked.

As for his latest TV project, a spinoff of CW drama "Gossip Girl," his other show currently on the air, Schwartz says there has definitely been a crackdown on spending this pilot season. "There is a ceiling on talent deals," Schwartz said.

– Joe Flint

Photo: NBC

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story said that "Chuck" was seeking a second season. It is currently in its second season, and a renewal would bring it back for a third.

Comments

[twitter.com/savechuck]

Correction:

"Josh Schwartz, co-creator of NBC's "Chuck," is hoping that the show's small but loyal audience can keep the sci-fi/romantic dramedy alive for a second season."

should be THIRD season.

[aby]

Chuck for a 3rd Season!!!!!

[Tasha]

Here's hoping we can save Chuck!!
I'll be buying my Subway sandwich, and have been tweeting for support.

[Tempus Fugit]

NBC! Please renew Chuck for a 3rd Season!

[Jeffster]

Please correct the story. Chuck is looking to be renewed for a third season not second.

[CoW mAn]

It's already in it's 2nd season

[anonman]

Even if it's only 13 episodes, or 10 I don't care, but we need more after this finale. We are going to need some damn closure, and if they aren't willing to give a full season give us a shortened one.

[Kim]

Please save Chuck, if Big Bang Theory.. which is a fun show but not nearly as.. heehee awesome can stay.. I'd say change the shows time and give it another chance

[Bulgarian`Fan]

NBC! Please renew Chuck for a 3rd Season! The show is just great!

[Carriep]

Needed a reason to get over to Subway. it's been too long. If it can help save "Chuck," even better.

[Hacksmak]

I want this show in the next LEVEL! SEASON 3 PLEASE!!

[Chuck Fan]

There are 3 CSI's, about a million Law and Orders, and twice as many "reality" shows based off of the same storyboard. I am getting so tired of the bland, formulated crap shown on TV to appease the thoughtless, witless robots most of the world has become. Chuck is the only reason I look forward to Monday. Please Chuck, stay in the car!

[maura]

Save Chuck! Check out ten reasons why everyone should watch be watching this great show:
http://savedbythetube.blogspot.com/search?q=chuck

[Christy]

Chuck is one of, if not the only show I watch regularly every week. Chuck embraces the inner-geek in all of us, and how we want to be more than what we are. I am more than happy to go down to Subway and buy as many sandwhiches as possible to help and support this show.

[Rose]

Why on earth would NBC cancel such an intelligent, engaging, and original show?? It is the one show that has it all--great casting, excellent writing, comedy, drama, incredible action scenes, romance, and most of all, HEART. I've written letters to the network, partiicipated in online comments, and of course faithfully watch CHUCK every week. The family will be be heading over to Subway on Monday if it will help save CHUCK !!

[Maria]

NBC, PLEASE RENEW CHUCK FOR ANOTHER SEASON!! I watch a lot of TV and Chuck is by far my favorite show!! Got most of my friends to start watching the show and they are catching up online to be ready for a third season. It would be a shame if it never came to be...

[jOSEPH hUSBY]

Yes! Save chuck!!!!! PLEASE!

[Amanda]

What else can I say about "Chuck" that hasn't been said? It makes me happy. I was a late-comer to the show, but I am so glad that I found it. What ELSE could make me LOOK FORWARD to a Monday??

I will be at Subway and dragging my two roommates with me. My hope is that NBC will give this show another shot, perhaps in a less-deadly timeslot, before killing it. Even if it's just a 13-episode pick-up...after this season -- especially the last few episodes -- I can't lose this show. TELEVISION can't lose this show.

Might as well add my thoughts: http://naynaycontraire.blogspot.com/2009/04/yay-chuck.html

[Kate]

Subway is a great way to help save Chuck. IT's so much better than sending stuff like peanuts or candy to networks. We Chuck fans have been sending out letters. Buying subway is so much more productive. Both these stradagies show that Chuck is a well loved show in a more meaningful way. This campaign can push out about $30,000,000 for Subway. That's a lot more than peanuts.

[gswd]

You know, it's interesting that a show/character that embraced Twitter early on, later abandoned us, yet still wants us tweeple to help save it. I like the show, watch it every week, but would sure love to see Chuck ask us in the twittershpere for our help. Same goes for the folks at Big Bang, Sheldon, Penny, and Walowitz all have accounts, but are rarely on there.