‘Jericho’ back, thanks to web fans
Cory Bergman February 12th, 2008
When CBS canceled Jericho in May of last year, angry fans sent the network 40,000 pounds of nuts (after the main character in the show, who uses the term “nuts!” frequently). The nut campaign originated from Shaun Daily of BlogTalkRadio.com. “I meant for people to send the little packets of peanuts that they have on the airlines,” he said, “but then it just blew up.” So tonight, the show is back from the dead. “‘Jericho’ was on the crest of what the Internet has come to show us is that you have an audience, the use of viral campaigns and how effective they are,” says CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler. Wanna catch up on the show before tonight’s return? CBS.com is streaming all of season one’s episodes here.
Related: Did a WetPaint Wiki bring ‘Jericho’ back from the grave?
9 Comments Add your own
1. PHILIP WINSON | February 12th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Please forward this comment to the people responsible for the “What’s On Tonite” column.
The other night there was a blurb on “Prison Break”; a rather exciting and well-done weekly.
Your writer, instead of arousing the interest of faithful viewers like myself, proceded to march directly to the climaxes: (finally escaping and leaving something behind).
This was a good example of poor journalism. Several of my compatriots agreed. There was no reason to watch the development of the chapter. It was a given: Just expect them to escape, and what did they leave behind. Stay with the general flow, next time.
2. coffee | February 12th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
“Nuts” was a fairly specific reference from the season 1 finale - and a now-mythic stance from a decently-sized fan base against some truly bone-headed CBS treatment of the show. I enjoy pointing the finger at Sprague Grayden - just like Joan of Arcadia (kidding).
3. Hussman | February 13th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Now, if only the same efforts will save Journeyman on NBC. Sadly, Zucker probably won’t see the boxes of Rice-A-Roni from his lofty perch.
4. Anon | February 13th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Considering that Jericho’s first outing back lead it to loose in its timeslot to two repeats is sure to spell doom for the show this time around. Enjoy it while it lasts because it won’t be on the air much longer.
5. Rob | February 13th, 2008 at 11:12 am
There are three shows I watched on TV last season (Lost, Jericho, BSG), all went into bone-headed, corporate-approved mid-season breaks and after the breaks all three suffered in the ratings. One was canceled and brought back to live for a short-lived series wrap while the other two set firm dates for the ends of those series, though with the writer’s strike who knows how that it will impact those end dates. Coincidence?
And Philip … the show is called Prison Break. No one’s letting any cat outta the bag by mentioning that at some point the characters would actually follow through with the series title.
Four out of five of my compatriots agree that if they weren’t going to break out of prison, maybe they should’ve named it Oz.
6. discreet_chaos | February 13th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I mostly watched “Jericho” online last season and supposedly I wasn’t alone because CBS sort of admitted that they overlooked that audience. It’d be interesting to see if those numbers hold-up for the re-outing, though I do think they’ll need more “Red Dawn” type stuff and a little less cake-baking to reach the same group.
BTW: The TVGuide said that “Boston Legal” was going to be new and we briefly discussed watching it and saving the “Jericho” for online, but instead, we opted for the season premiere. Though, I kind of doubt that’ll be my usual experience and most likely, I’ll just continue watcching it online.
7. Gorman | February 13th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I liked Jericho a lot. Always watched it from my DVR though. And I held no illusions that these seven episodes were little more than an opportunity to tie up loose ends and conclude the series.
No, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get home to watch last night’s ep.
8. Every Internet Game - Online Games | February 15th, 2008 at 3:45 am
Great Show - glad it is back
9. oakling | February 16th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I love clever campaigns like this. I wish that it had worked for Arrested Development!
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