If any of you remember the Stealing Cable podcast, the recent news about CBS's impending renewal of Jericho may remind you about a topic of conversation that often popped up in several episodes. Taking a more intelligent perspective on primetime viewership. We often debated how accurate the Nielsen's were when they really weren't factoring in Tivo/DVR usage, network website viewing, and of course Bit Torrent downloads.
Outside of the bit torrent thing, it seems like CBS is the first to embrace alternate viewing strategies when it comes to counting viewership. I gotta applaud them and say it's about damn time. As an avid Tivo user, its nice to know that someone will actually be paying attention to the several million of us out there.
Anyway, I will link to the Ain't It Cool story that has collected multiple sources pretty much confirming that JERICHO WILL BE BACK. Likely with a smaller cast given the awkward renewal time, probably a midseason replacement, probably 8 episodes initially, but most importantly fans of the show will get some answers.
There were a ton of news stories about the crazy fan campaigns to save the show, but I really didn't bother to cover them because I felt that it had no shot at working. Thankfully, I was wrong to not pay more attention to the efforts.
Link to the AICN story explaining this all.
4 comments:
I have mixed feelings about this. While I'm happy (and amazed!) that the campaign to save Jericho actually kind of worked, I don't really know that it will be worth much.
Here's why:
They agreed to seven episodes that CBS is going to shove into the schedule at some point mid season. Several of the actors have probably already moved on and won't be back so it will already be a different show. In order for further episodes to be ordered, CBS is requiring a much larger audience than before...totally not going to happen because by the time people figure out the show is back and give it a try, its run will already be drawing to a close.
I guess I'll take what I can get but the major networks really need to get their heads out of their asses and make some major changes. I'm pretty close to dumping all network shows and exclusively focusing on basic and premium cable series. At least those channels have the sense to complete the series run they initially commit to and they're willing to take some chances.
i really doubt CBS would bring back the show and not try and make money off of it.
I think when they looked at DVR and web views, they realized, there is money to be made here.
Already they are planning on rerunning episodes over summer. The show is one of two CBS shows available on Comcast ON DEMAND service.
I have a good feeling about the show coming back. Sure it may lose some regulars, but Jericho already had a good depth of characters and stories to work with, so I think they can survive if they lose a few.
Actually, the show can't survive if they lose viewers. The Pres. of CBS entertainment said this:
[As a result, CBS has ordered seven episodes of Jericho for mid-season next year. In success, there is the potential for more. But for there to be more Jericho we will need more viewers.
A loyal and passionate community has clearly formed around the show. But that community needs to grow. It needs to grow on the CBS television network, as well as on the many digital platforms where we make the show available.
We will count on you to rally around the show, to recruit new viewers with the same grassroots energy, intensity and volume you have displayed in recent weeks.]
I also read that they're going to have a smaller budget for the upcoming episodes.
Of course CBS wants the show to do well since they're giving it another small chance but I don't think they're holding their breath. Also, I don't know how you can try to apply logic to any network's decision making process. The networks shelve shows that have un-aired episodes all the time. ANd what the fuck is the sense in that? They already paid for the episode, why not show it?
I know you're right. Logic really has no place in network decision making re: DAYBREAK..Fuck you ABC
But I just get the feeling that CBS is being more forward thinking with Jericho. But who knows, it could get cancelled again.
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