Jericho Renewed!

In an unprecedented U-turn, US television network CBS has bowed to fan pressure and given Jericho a seven-episode mid-season pickup.

CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler issued the following statement at the Jericho forums:

June 6, 2007

To the Fans of Jericho:

Wow!

Over the past few weeks you have put forth an impressive and probably unprecedented display of passion in support of a prime time television series. You got our attention; your emails and collective voice have been heard.

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 grass-roots energy, intensity and volume you have displayed in recent weeks.

At this time, I cannot tell you the specific date or time period that “Jericho” will return to our schedule. However, in the interim, we are working on several initiatives to help introduce the show to new audiences. This includes re-broadcasting “Jericho” on CBS this summer, streaming episodes and clips from these episodes across the CBS Audience Network (online), releasing the first season DVD on September 25 and continuing the story of Jericho in the digital world until the new episodes return. We will let you know specifics when we have them so you can pass them on.

On behalf of everyone at CBS, thank you for expressing your support of “Jericho” in such an extraordinary manner. Your protest was creative, sustained and very thoughtful and respectful in tone. You made a difference.

Sincerely,

Nina Tassler

President, CBS Entertainment

P.S. Please stop sending us nuts :)

In brief:
– Jericho will return this Winter with 7 new episodes
– The show will be rebroadcast this summer to gain new viewers.
– The DVD set for Season One will be released on September 25th
– The Jericho “story” will “continue in the digital world until the new episodes return”.
– Episodes will be available for streaming online.

I have to say, this is incredible. Never before have I seen a fan-base literally bully a television company into renewing their show.

Imagine if the producer’s hadn’t included the “nuts” line in the finale, the future might have been very different.

Fair play to you, CBS. Fair play.

They’ve made it clear what the want, however; viewers. Sci-Fi Heaven asks all Jericho fans to tune in, and spread the word. Get the show up there. Make sure people know when and where the show is returning, and spread the DVDs as soon as they launch. Jericho needs you!