Teeth on the Dial: "Jericho" returns

Well THAT almost never happens! Fan support has managed to bring a TV show back from cancellation as CBS announced it will bring back Jericho for 7 episodes in the mid-season next year. Producers say the 7 episodes will be extended if the ratings and interest justify it. This is huge for TV fans who have previously been seen as the petulant child, throwing a fit when the networks cancel shows, and generally dismissed. The grassroots campaign to save Jericho was responsible for flooding email boxes and sending approximately 20 tons (!) of nuts to CBS. The nuts were a reference to a line from the last episode.

Jericho is set in a small Kansas town, dealing with the aftermath of a nuclear attack on America. While the early episodes were stuck dominated by "how will he get them out of this one" heroics of Skeet Ulrich's main character "Jake", the later episodes played down that aspect and notably improved by playing down some soapier elements and showing more of the mysterious and kick-ass Hawkins.

CBS has stated they will push the show by re-running the series all summer and the first season DVD will be out in September. But with great progress comes great responsibility as fans will have to keep up their end of the bargain and bring more viewers with them.

I can't recall any campaign like this working. Most attempts to bring back a show were futile: "Everwood", "Arrested Development", "Angel", and "Veronica Mars" all met similar fates. Even 'Family Guy" only came back after strong DVD sales coupled with fan support. This could be a turning point for network-viewer relations, as the networks may pay attention to the publicity and interest these campaigns can garner, and may be willing to give shows a second chance to make a first impression.

And if I can make a recommendation to Jericho's producers? Have an exit strategy. While it would be great that the 7 episodes led to more, could you not have such a "did they live or die" season finale cliffhanger in the works if you don't know whether you're coming back? And CBS asks fans "P.S. Please stop sending us nuts."