Save Jericho. . . Again?
June 16, 2008 by Cynthia
I’m all for showing the love to your favorite TV series, but this Jericho thing is getting out of hand. While many SOS campaigns buy ads in Variety, Save Jericho Again has purchased commercial airtime for an ad they produced. Quite an effort, but here’s the rub, we’ve been here before. CBS revived the show and no one watched so it was promptly canceled again.
Check out the postcards on the Save Jericho Again site, especially the one directed at Comcast cable with the message “If You Air It, We Will Come.” It should read, CBS, you DID air it, so sorry we didn’t come.
We love your passion, Jericho fans, but it’s time to let it go.
ETA:
The audience was also far smaller than the 11.7 million viewers Jericho drew in its 2006 debut, suggesting that the eyeballs that left the show when it went on a three-month Christmas break last season aren’t coming back.
New York Times
Jericho Goes Out with a Ratings Whimper
CBS’s sci-fi show “Jericho” limped across the finish line Tuesday, earning just under 6 million viewers in its series-finale, according to Nielsen’s estimates. “Jericho” — which was canceled last spring, revived over the summer after an outcry from devoted fans, and then canceled once again — finished third in its 10 p.m. time slot behind ABC’s “Primetime” (10.4 million) and a repeat of NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (8.5 million).
“Without question, there are passionate viewers watching this program,” CBS Entertainment boss Nina Tassler said in a statement. “We simply wish there were more.” Six million wasn’t enough.
I think that last one certainly says it. Six million sounds like a lot, but third place, is third place. A finale beat by a REPEAT of Law & Order. There’s no way to put a spin on that.
Actually we DID come. We came as same time viewers – over 6 million – and we Tivo’d and downloaded from Itunes to name a few.
I’ve amended the post to include some facts to back up my statement. 6 million sounds like a lot but when you see that the finale was beat by a Law & Order SVU rerun, that’s not pretty.
We were there but Nielsen wasn’t so nobody will ever be able to know the true numbers of Jericho viewers. It’s sad for Jericho and all the other shows who are cancelled due to the faulty monopoly called Nielsen.
Sorry, but CBS revived the show in a 10PM time slot. Don’t know about you, but I work for a living, that left me watching the show – like most of America – online. 2nd – CBS had Jericho on “life support” with a huge budget cut to complete it’s shortened 2nd Season. 3rd – CBS revived the show and aired it right on the heels of a writers strike and never promoted it like it did on it’s debut. (I saw more promo ad’s for the repeats than the return of Jericho!) 4th – CBS wanted FANS to promote Jericho (that’s unheard of that the burden of promotion goes to non-paid non-professionals) and shortened the 22 episodes of a REAL SEASON to 7. So given all this, it’s a wonder that 6 million of us were even counted. I’m sure as other adjusted figures show, our audience base was much higher when you factor in the online views, etc… We came but no one counted us. Really, Cynthia, why would we “let go?” If Comcast and CBS are talking and in negotiations, would you tell them to let go? That’s exactly what they’re doing right now. Do a search, then perhaps an article to them telling these exec’s to “let go” would fall in line with what you’re perscribing to the Jericho Fan base. Nawwwwww I think as spending consumers that advertisers want to have (we spent a lot of money) we’re in this with the Network Executives of Paramount pictures. Jericho is coming back in one form or another. Thanks for the article, and the opportunity to set the record straight.
Jericho is top 10 in most all DVR/Tivo/Itunes(Amazon)Download/Online views…..
And you realize that in 2008 a Nielsen 5000 sampling excludes 99.999% of all viewers and is so antiquated today.
You are caught in the trap that they (Nielsen) and networks are feeding you. Do some research on that – thanks
Jericho fans didnt show up to its funeral. All CBS asked for was an hour a week for 7 weeks, and the so called fans didnt even provide that.
I won’t go into all the ways that CBS failed Jericho. I won’t go into the fact that the Nielsen rating system is so antiquated. What I will go into is the fact that Jericho was a well loved show that deserved better treatment. I don’t know about you, but I’m extremely tired of reality television and CSI spinoffs. As was said in an earlier post, I work for a living and I’m not always able to sit down in front of my tv to watch my favorite shows. Thank God for online viewing and the ability to download episodes on itunes. I watched Jericho online 75% of the time because of my job. I guess I’m one of the many uncounted viewers.
Here’s the thing Cynthia – No one is asking CBS to revive the show. No one is asking any of the networks to bring the show back. We are asking CBS/Paramount (different from CBS network), the owners of the show, to sell it to, or partner with, a cable network where 6 million watching would NOT be third place.
Just thought you would like to know. Have a nice day.
N2N2
well cynthia… people did come and watch it… millions of people… six million plus actually… and that was during the WORST time slot possible… imagine how many would have watched it during the best time slot? and while 6 million doesnt make CBS happy it would certainly make a cable network such as scifi or hallmark happy… that is why we wont give up… oh and make a note that the commercial was voiced over by none other than BRAD BEYER who played stanley richmond in Jericho…. so the cast and crew is still wanting to revive the show too… yeah i admit us jericho fans are a bit persistant but we’re good people too and we dont just spend all our money to try and revive the show… we have also made numerous donations to greensburg, ks, food banks, and troops… it would be fantastic if you could do an article about the ongoing dvds for our troops campaign… one that will hopefully be including another 20 plus fandoms!!! http://www.jerichorangers4ourtroops.com/dvd/index.htm thanks so much!!
Yep, as a TV show and it’s time for these so called fans to give up. It’s a show. You tried the best you could now move on. If after months & months there has been no change in tha status. It’s time to put a knife in it – IT’S DONE. When Carol & the other producers say there is still talk about it coming back THEY ARE SPEAKING OF THE RABID FANS!!! No one else speaks those words.
Hey cynthia, it’s a shame that what you say has already been said you rip off of a blogger. Your not the first person to say give up Jericho nor will you be the last. I hope that you don’t go retracting your statements when Jericho does return because it could come back to bite you on the butt.
Anyway thanks for the press showing that fans of Jericho are still here. And i hope you have a good day.
Outlaw2448
armywife:
I would be more than happy to cover the fan’s efforts that involve a charity or community support. I simply hate to see so much money and effort spent on a grandstand effort (like the pencils for writers ) when it could be used to feed the homeless, build shelter, improve someone’s life.
Jericho is about survival. If the fans sent blankets to the shelters instead of peanuts to the studio, I’d be behind you all the way.
But I still stand by my original statements.
All that hoopla, and the facts are clear, the ratings dropped off after CBS brought the show back. Doesn’t give them much incentive to do that again — as was the case with Moonlight. CBS pointed to Jericho and said, we brought that back and no one watched, we’re not getting burned again.
Here in England they buried season one on a little watch channel with little/no promotion. Season two is currently airing on Hallmark via Cable/Satellite.
I caught a few episodes by chance mid season one and was hooked on the programme. I purchased the season one DVD before knowing about the fights for season two and three.
I like the well written, well acted series that is Jericho as it is something that makes you think, you can empathise with some of the struggles and the interwoven stories.
It is a huge change to the boring soaps, quiz shows, “I’m a celebrity/wannabee” Un-reality programmes. There is too much reliance on the terestrial/cable/satellite viewing figures and DVD sales to be able to demand commercial finances to boost the network profits rather than produce some quality programmes.
Heres waiting for the Region 1 Season 2 DVDs to ship.
Regards
Diggers
England
You totally have not done the research, hon. We are currently donating to the Kansas Food Bank, and not nuts, dear. We’re currently donating potable food items: peanut butter, cereal, crackers and other items. Last year we donated over 21K to the people of Greensburg, Kansas to rebuild their town after the tornado. We’ve also beat last years donations of DVD’s to the Troops, by doubling what we donated last year to them. So, to say we’ve only donated nuts is obviously last year’s news. Again, no one expects or thinks CBS will take Jericho back; we read what the network said too and understood it. We’re trying to get another network or cable to purchase it from Paramount CBS. I think you’re covering a story that is based on last years news, sorry to tell you. Please interview someone like Shaun OMac, or someone at SaveJerichoAgain about what the Jericho fans are doing THIS YEAR, and then write about it. I think you’d have a different prospective and story than you’ve written here. Thanks for the space, and the opportunity to correct the inaccuracies you’ve posted.
P.S. In this country, no one is told what to spend their money on that they earned with their own work. That would be like me telling you not to donate to this or that cause. That’s just plain wrong. How much one donates to charity is not up to anyone’s scrutiny but the givers conscience and their god. Mention was made of donations and other works done because the writer (you) marginalized the Jericho Fan Base, our efforts, and the success of what we were trying to do. When instead you could have done the research, reported on the “current” information, and then done a commentary based on today’s information.
“someone at SaveJerichoAgain about what the Jericho fans are doing THIS YEAR,”
So the TV commercial is not for this year? There’s no date on the website so it’s very unclear, but it is listed as the front page story. If it’s old news, I’m surprised its still up.
And no, I didn’t “research” any further because my post wasn’t about community outreach, it was about the fact that CBS brought the show back and the ratings tanked and now fans are trying to revive the show a second time. I was reporting because it’s highly unusual for a SOS campaign to work twice – thus it’s news.
As for telling you how to spend you money, you can spend it anywhere you want and I have the equal right to say, it’s a shame that $6,000 didn’t go to charity instead of to a TV commercial.
I know the power of fandom. But when people see $6,000 for a commercial, or thousands of pounds of nuts sent to a studio (last year, yes I know) they don’t notice the thousands that went to charity.
Nightshade10,
If you would like to write a post about all of the work Jericho fans are doing for charity, I’d be happy to publish it here on SFUniverse.
My email address is at the top in the sidebar.
As one of the people heading the food bank drive I thought I would give you our totals to date.
Our campaign just started on June 11th, we currently have 210 16.3oz jars of peanut butter on its way to the Kansas Food Bank. 120 of those jars were collected in 4 days time. Total for those items so far: before discounts $579.60 after discount $445.20 not including taxes.
These numbers and totals do not reflect the added on items such as crackers, cereals and soups as I don’t have an actual account of added on items yet.
I’ve also received word from fans that they will be sending diapers, infant cereal and pet foods in the near future.
Our campaign continues through July and perhaps longer now that Kansas has been hit with more devasting storms. We are doing this for people in need, it may help Jericho, it most likely won’t but that doesn’t matter. Our suffering neighbors do and that was one of the big messages of Jericho and its something that’s missed by most.
Help each other and you help yourself. Please feel free to donate to the Campaign as its all going directly to the food bank from Amazon.
Thanks, Dawn
The entertainment business is all about grandstanding so why should the fans of a TV show not fight fire with fire? This six grand is a pittance in compared to the ridiculous amounts of money that are pumped into Science Fiction Movies and Television on a daily basis which you are expected to cover with impunity. Why are Jericho fans held to a different standard?
I must inform you that I was there live at 10 on Tuesdays and Also was there on Wednesday at 8. I feel for one I WAS NOT COUNTED!!!!. I also believe that CBS DID NOTHING TO PROMOTE Jericho. The loyal viewers have done more to pormote this show!!! I have freinds who were faithful viewers of CBS say they only saw 1 or two commericals before the 2nd season aired. They have even got disgusted with how things have been going on CBS and other Networks. I also am 31. Jericho was the 1st Network program I watched from the Original three. I know most of you find that hard to believe but most of the programming that is on is mediocre at best being offered by the networks. I am not into all of the quote reality shows(exotic game shows) and the formulated and overdone comedies and police shows. Jericho is an intelligent and original show. I work 5 sometimes 6, 12 hour days. You find that most people have to work this hard to make their way in the world. I know many families who watched with younger childeren could not be up at 10:00 so most Tivo or DVR’s Jericho to watch as a family Unit. I know under the current system they were not counted. CBS does not show any commitement to the The world we live in is not a simple place anymore. The 50’s 60’s and 70’s no longer exist. I now know why I have uncles and aunts that have not watched network programming years because they have been alienated time and time again. I know I will not return to CBS. Remember you are not the only game in town anymore. I certainly will go where I am appreciated!! Lastly I am going to continue to fight for Jericho because This show is a quality drama.
hi! Here is the web page we put up for the Peannut Butter campaign:
http://www.radiofreejericho.com/peanutbutter.html
Good evening I truly feel for one I was not counted and porbably under the current antiquated way of measuring viewership I probably have not been since the early 80’s. Number two I believe that we the loyal viewers have done more to promote Jericho than CBS ever did. Number 3 I truly believe since the invention of the remote control at least 60 percent of the viewers flip from station to station during the commercials or get up and leave the room to do something during the break because in an hour show there are at least 15 minutes of commercials being aired and most people get bored with them right away. These days I am more likely to try something new if I have a coupon for it read it in a magazine, see it on the internet or last see it while I am shopping. I also believe that most tv ads fail because they are in a quanity situation not quality one, so they just become back ground noise and fade away.
Hiya Cynthia! Sent you the email you requested about what the Jericho Fans are/did do for charity with their funds. Sorry it took so long to compile, I had to post on our Jericho Board and ask for help! I see they came right to my aid before the “ink was dry”. Well you have it, and I look forward to the post. I appreciate your kudos on what we did with the troops last year. The post for you includes info on this year and last year too. So you have a 12 month report. When the post appears, it will be the first time for many in our fan base to see it all put together – our donations. We’ve been so busy working on it; no one has had time to put it all on one sheet. We’ve worked on one thing at a time and celebrated our victories with each step. Cynthia, if this “thing has gotten way out of hand.” … if we should “just let this go”… if donating over two 3rds of what we raised as a group via fan donations, raffles, auctions, and staff and crew if Jericho…if our spending a small amount of money on a commercial and a billboard and a few ad’s to get another network or cable to adopt the show…well, as I said in my post back to you… You already know the response to that one! I am not aware of any fanbase in history that’s done what we have, not only for our charities, but to get their program picked up by someone. We’ve made history – AGAIN! I thank you for your time, and your kudos on our DVD’s for the troops. And also thank you for the space and time to correct any misconceptions about who we are and what we’re all about.
Someone might have also brought this up, but you do know that we aren’t trying to bring Jericho back to CBS? We have heard from Carol Barbee, Jericho’s producer, that talks with other networks, such as Comcast, are being held.