The Jericho Effect Continues
June 19, 2008 by brian
We’ve seen more comments on Cynthia’s recent Jericho piece than almost anything we have that didn’t involve a giveaway- or Supernatural. That’s another legion of extremely dedicated fans but that’s a different topic.
For me the most damning thing about taking Jericho off the air was CBS’ replacement show - Secret Talents of the Stars. The current network landscape needs another half-baked, low-budget reality show like the Spears’ siblings need fertility treatments. CBS put that thing out of its misery after a single episode, a fate reserved for only the worst shows.
Photo Credit: ©2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved
There’s a lot of blame to go around. CBS could have done more promoting the show. Nielsen’s system needs to adapt and let’s be honest, random samplings are random samplings. TV numbers are no more reliable than political polls as there’s no feasible way to ask every single person’s opinion. That’s how we get Dewey Defeats Truman and Gore Could Still Win the Presidency. And yes, a lot of fans left and never came back. Hard to blame them. There’s nothing that sucks quite like investing 20 hours in a show and then having it yanked away in a rushed series conclusion. Placing the blame won’t bring the show back.
As we’ve discussed, six million is a horribly low number for a network show. In contrast, a show like Battlestar Galactica is considered a runaway hit by pulling slightly over two million on cable. So cable’s the clear way to go. I’d love to see Sci Fi Channel step up to the plate here. They picked up Sliders, for Pete’s sake. That might have worked had they not started casting the entire O’ Connell family.
But kidding aside, they’re losing a major anchor in Galactica. I know the prequel is in the pipeline but even as a BSG fan I’m skeptical. Quick, name me as many good prequels as you can. Star Wars Episodes I-III? Red Dragon? Yeah, you see my point. If Caprica tanks, Sci Fi should have some money burning a hole in its pocket. It if needs more, might I suggest pulling the plug on some of those horrible B-grade movies it makes? TV would be the better for it.
Sadly, I’m almost as certain that won’t happen as I am that Caprica won’t fly. Sci Fi’s going to the regular network model with as much cheaply produced stuff that draws a decent audience as it can find. Who’s ready for that new season of Scare Tactics?
Thanks for this insightful article on Jericho (and TV in general). Like you, I hope that a cable channel–Sci Fi or someone else–picks up the show. I just can’t take another season of awful reality shows and cookie-cutter crime dramas.
I’d really love for the Sci Fi Channel to pick up Jericho and Moonlight! Can you imagine one network picking up two great shows and gaining 12-14 million extra viewers?
This article pretty much tells just how sick the Jericho fans are of lack luster programming. It is not just the Jericho fans that are tired of this type programming many folks jumped ship to the cable networks and they are not returning to the networks….I have been reading many articles that state these facts.
Thanks so much for this informative article.
Thanks for the great, well written article! Here’s to hoping there’s a cable network out there who understands what a gem Jericho and it’s fans are and a deal will be announced soon!
Brian, I agree with everything you said. Thanks for writing everything I feel!
Brian, thank you for an intelligent article. It is so refreshing to read insightful, logical thoughts. Jericho is the only show I have ever felt strongly enough about to actually do something! And I have been an active Ranger, and it’s rewarding to feel that you have a voice, allbeit a small one. The fight for Jericho continues for good reason, it’s simply the best show ever.
Thank you for your intelligent, reasoning article. Now I can only hope that somewhere out there is a cable network with enough intelligence to see things your way who will pick Jericho up and run with it.
Thanks for the nice write up about Jericho. I can’t imagine there isn’t a cable network out there that wouldn’t want this dedicated bunch of Rangers as regular viewers! If one of them is smart enough to pick up Jericho and Moonlight and show them as a 2 hour block they will have 12-14 million viewers locked up for that 2 hours on there channel every week. Why wouldn’t they want that???
Looking forward to Season 3. Which channel will I be watching next year, the one that airs Jericho.
Great story on Jericho……CBS lost a good thing due to outdated ratings systems……..cable would be lucky to get us! Ranger on everyone!
I agree with you that Jericho was mishandled by CBS. It’s totally true that on another cable channel Jericho would be a smash hit! I just dont understand why it hasn’t already been given that chance somewhere else. The fans will follow, I promise you. So many of us are so into the storyline and the characters that we’d watch it wherever, whenever. We’d even pay money to see it….that’s howh strongly we want it back. Thanks for the great story and for covering our efforts. We appreciate it more than you know.
Arwen
SCI-FI has got it’s head up where the sun don’t shine. If there was a working brain cell or 2 outside of the twilight zone they would realize what is shining on them is nothing short of Easy Money. Forrest mom always says.
I think any network would be clamoring about now to get their hands on passionate loyal viewers who are dedicated at keeping their favorite show alive. With viewer erosion across the network boards, this is really a no brainer! Thanks for a fantastic article!!
Thanks Brian for the mention and for standing up for good quality television programing! Having “recycled” programs of the reality, game show, and csi clone-dom is driving people away from the networks on broadcast television. Hopefully, someone will listen and change things, both on the quality level and how viewership is measured. Your line: “The current network landscape needs another half-baked, low-budget reality show like the Spears’ siblings need fertility treatments.” Has garnered a following on our boards being referenced as one of the more funnier things heard this last week. Thanks again, Brian, and keep up the good work!