Jericho Gets Nuked

No amount of fan letters, emails, phone calls or campaigns would make CBS execs listen this time around and give Jericho a full third season, so don’t expect a cliffhanger next week when the series ends its run on the eye network.

The excuse given by the honchos at CBS is the show simply couldn’t generate large enough ratings beyond its ambitious and energetic fanbase. In TV talk that’s no new viewers added to generate ad revenues.

It matters not that “Jericho” was the most downloaded show in the network’s history, or seen by a huge share of the DVR audience, because until networks and advertisers can find a way to find a consistent way to make money off of those formats, their huge numbers mean nothing to them.

Next Tuesday will be the final time anyone will get to see a new episode of “Jericho” on CBS. It will be interesting to see how they wrap it up. Carol Barbee, the show’s main producer, stated earlier at the beginning of this shortened season that two finales were shot, one with a cliffhanger, in case the skein was picked up for a third and one that gives satisfactory closure for its dedicated fans. Looks like those fans will be getting the latter on Tuesday.

“Without question, there are passionate viewers watching this program; we simply wish there were more,” said CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler. “We thank an engaged and spirited fan base for keeping the show alive this long, and an outstanding team of producers, cast and crew that went through creative hoops to deliver a compelling, high-quality second season.

“We have no regrets bringing the show back for a second try. We listened to our viewers, gave the series an opportunity to grow, and the producers put a great story on the screen. We’re proud of everyone’s efforts.”

Of course will this placate fans into not drowning CBS in more peanuts? Probably not!

As fans of SF and related genre, we can expect to see more of this kind of axe-wielding as long as networks and advertisers continue depending on the outmoded, and outdated Nielsen system. If there was ever a time when this has become more apparent it’s now with quality, intelligently written and perfectly delivered shows like this one or “Firefly,” “Drive,” “Dresden Files, “Journeyman” and “Blood Ties” being kicked to the curb because programmers can’t get out of the crusty mid-20th Century with their ratings formula.

“Jericho” may just have one saving grace, its producer Carol Barbee. She has stated on more than one occasion that she will continue to work hard and endeavor to fine a different outlet for new episodes of this show, either on another network, such as the SCI FI Channel or one of the other new media formats.