Some of you have lambasted me for wanting to throw a pie in Les Moonves’ face whenever I get the chance. It’s not really like that. I’m toughest on CBS because up until this year really, they were in a leadership position and slowly that’s slipping away, and CBS is able to attract fewer and fewer 18-49 year olds. CBS says they don’t care about 18-34 and 18-49 demographics, but it’s not really true. Besides, its base of 25-54 year olds is also eroding and CBS does care about it.
But when CBS gets something right, I’ll give them credit. Cancelling Jericho was the right thing to do. It wasn’t personal. It just didn’t make good business sense. Cancelling it after last year was the right thing to do, too. But they did give the fans a shot.
The comments that the various Jericho posts on our site have generated lead me to believe that Jericho fans mirror the rest of the world. The show has some very, very passionate fans – some of them are extremely reasonable and well-reasoned in their thinking, others at the other end of the spectrum and are neither reasonable or well-reasoned in their thinking. And due mostly to the love of the show and disappointment about it being cancelled, a lot of fans are caught in between the two spectrums.
But in the spirit of one of Bill Gorman’s favorite shows, Mythbusters, I’m going to attempt some mythbusting as far as Jericho.
1. Nielsen’s measurement system is: antiquated and/or entirely flawed, they still use paper journals and I know for a fact way, way more people watch Jericho than Nielsen counts. They should just use set-top box data!
Verdict: MYTH
I can’t say Nielsen’s measurment isn’t somewhat antiquated. I can say that almost all of their data at this point comes from “People Meters” and not the paper journals. I do know that during sweeps, when apparently the advertisers want more data they go get more people and do utilize paper journals. But I think they are just doing this to make the advertisers happy. If there was some huge variance when the paper journals during sweeps were turned in that point out some flaw in the overall panel, we’d know about it by now.
What are the chances that Nielsen’s system is horribly, horribly flawed when measuring Jericho, but gets it right with Two and a Half Men, 60 Minutes, Survivor and all the CSIs? The chances aren’t absolutely zero, just so close to absolutely zero you wouldn’t notice the difference.
It’s true I’d love to see iTunes and online viewing included, but advertisers don’t care about the iTunes stuff because there are no ads in the iTunes version. Someday CBS and the other nets will cut some deal where they’ll give the stuff away on iTunes for free with ads. But they’ll have to figure out a way to block fast-fowarding. I’d love to see the online viewing counted too: but unlike Nielsen who, love them or hate them does have good metrics available to measure both engagement (length of time viewed) and demographic data, there are no such good, standardized measurements for web viewing yet.
As for set-top box data – I do love it as a collection mechanism, but the problem is that a huge chunk of the country doesn’t have a set-top box. The FCC estimates that of the 65 million or so cable homes, some 40 million of them don’t have a digital set-top box. 40 million out of 65 million is a fairly big chunk to miss out on. That doesn’t mean that the set-top box data isn’t very useful, just that by itself it isn’t very useful.
The problem with this myth is that while it’s almost certainly at least a teeny, tiny bit true, there is no better measurement in place. Period. Like it or not, for now, we all have to live with it. Someday Google will probably encourage us to get a microchip implanted in our brain (incenting us with free stuff, no doubt) to track all of our TV viewing in real-time, wherever we are. Whatever our eyes are watching on TV will automatically be sent back to Google. They’ll also be able to measure where we got more interested and where we got bored. We’ll get instant results and they’ll be completely accurate. It’s perfect measurement with built in accurate demographics. People might freak out about the big brother aspects but, free stuff is a powerful incentive! In any case, this is quite a few years away.
2. I’ve never met anyone who was an actual Nielsen family, it can’t be accurate!
Verdict: MYTH
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sample_size and, do the math. The USA television audience is made up of 280+ million people aged two and up that any company (Nielsen or anyone else) could have a sample that fairly well measured the whole ball of wax that was so small the odds of you ever meeting one of them were slim. If you can’t do the math, or don’t want to do the math to feel comfortable with that, ok fine, suit yourself.
3. CBS killed this show with a huge hiatus in season one!
Verdict: NO MYTH
This one isn’t entirely true either but it also isn’t a myth. The ratings data overwhelmingly supports that the hiatus hurt Jericho’s ratings. The show lost almost 2 million viewers between the last episode before the hiatus and the first episode after it. But I think a year ago, CBS might have cancelled Jericho even if it had 10 million viewers (I do not believe that to be the case anymore). I’m not sure CBS killed the show by doing this, but it certainly hurt it. There’s no question about that, so I don’t think this one is a myth
Many people recognize that the pace of Jericho in season one was often plodding with some (certainly not all) meandering storylines. Only through the encouragement of people commenting here who said that things got better starting around episode 17, did I continue and finish up season one. It’s been fast-paced and very enjoyable since then. So I appreciate the encouragement. I think the second half of season one showed a loyal fanbase of around 8 million. Viewers held pretty steady from the 12th to 22nd episode. Those same people came back for the season 2 premiere, where with a week’s worth of DVR viewing included some 8.14 million watched. That was actually slightly more than the live plus same day DVR viewing for the season one finale (7.72 million). It’s not quite a fair comparison because one number has seven days of DVR usage and one only has the same night’s DVR viewing but it’s close enough.
But between the first episode and fourth episode of season two, about 1.5 million viewers went away. Why? It could be that 10pm is too late for some Jericho fans without DVRs. It could be they didn’t like that the show had morphed into a post apocalyptic version of 24 (personally, I loved that morphing), or maybe, maybe they kept seeing all the ratings analysis and figured CBS was going to cancel the show and didn’t want to invest any more time in it.
4. Jericho is a CASH COW, it’s always among the top downloads on iTunes!
Verdict: MYTH
A million people aren’t downloading Jericho every week off iTunes. If they were, CBS (and Apple too, for that matter) would be issuing press releases like clockwork. I’d be surprised if it had more than 100K downloads a week. Even if CBS got to keep all of the $1.99 per download (and they don’t) $200,000 a week is scraps on the floor for the dog to eat as far as CBS is concerned. CBS would make that in less than two 30 second commercial spots on CSI.
5. The 10pm Tuesday “Death Slot” Killed Jericho!
Verdict: MYTH
While it certainly didn’t help any, it didn’t kill Jericho. Not enough people watching Jericho killed Jericho. Looking at the numbers for 3/11 things don’t look so good for this argument. l didn’t want to use the 3/18 numbers because Dancing with the Stars was on –although DWTS proves that with the right content, you can get 20 million viewers watching a single TV show at 10pm, even these days. On a live plus same day DVR viewing basis, 9.52 million people watched a repeat of Law & Order: SVU that night – a repeat! But only 5.84 million watched a new episode of Jericho. I’ve never seen a comment on our site about how screwed over Law & Order: SVU was by the Tuesday 10pm slot. Peacocks at NBC, please spam me if I got that wrong.
6. The Big Brother Lead-in Killed Jericho!
Verdict: MYTH
As with above, while it certainly didn’t help any, it didn’t kill Jericho. Not enough people watching Jericho killed Jericho. Remember that 10pm slot mentioned above. In it Primetime: What Would You Do? on ABC netted 7.52 million viewers. Know what its lead-in was? According to Jim, which had only 4.91 million viewers. So ABC was able to build on its lead-in by over 50% and wound up with more than a million and a half viewers more than Jericho even though Jericho’s lead-in of Big Brother had over a million more viewers than According to Jim.
Verdict: MYTH
It needed to be said twice. Get over it already people – and not just with Jericho but any show. People have remote controls (all people – every.single.one.of.us) and they know how to use them. The numbers do not lie. Lead-in is not completely meaningless. Just mostly meaningless. Ask Primetime: What Would You Do?
Still, there may be a lesson to be learned from Big Brother: having the spouse of the head of a network in your show can’t hurt.
Conclusion:
CBS didn’t handle Jericho tremendously well, but I’d hardly say it screwed the show over either, though there is no question the hiatus last season hurt Jericho’s numbers.
Life isn’t fair, but capitalism mostly is. There is definitely a correlation between ratings and the money you can make. As such, CBS has an obligation to find a show for that slot that can do as well in reruns as reruns of Law & Order do. This has nothing at all to do with the quality of the shows. Dexter is a quality show that on CBS does about as well as Jericho. Fortunately for Dexter, if CBS decides to stop airing it, they’ll keep making it for Showtime. HBO’s The Wire may now have catapulted to the best show EVER in my book, and I can say that at least 3 times as many people watched last week’s Jericho as watched the series finale of The Wire the first night it aired on HBO. my favorite show of all time.
Rome on HBO is one of Gorman’s favorites. Not highly rated, but very high quality. I think the truth is, more and more many of us will be looking for, and finding high quality programming in places other than the major broadcast networks. They have scale and they are obligated by the capitalism to maximize that scale. American Idol and Dancing with the Stars may not be your cup of tea or mine, but let’s face it, the broadcast TV business is about quantity (of viewers, that is) and not quality of shows.
Sometimes there is a good correlation (House, LOST and Law & Order, for example). I think people get upset because they want the best quality programs (translation: the shows that they love) to be the highest rated programs. But life’s not fair, and it doesn’t always work out like that. Maybe not even usually with the broadcast networks. But let’s be real. CBS’ job is to make as much money as it possibly can. Sticking with a show that has mediocre ratings is missing out on an opportunity to program a show that could get great ratings. CBS doesn’t hate Jericho or its fans, it just has an obligation to its shareholders.
I’ll be very happy if Jericho wound up somewhere, but here’s my prediction: that’s not going to happen. Not on the SciFi channel and not on the CW. While I was pitching the show myself to the CW and the SciFi channel weeks ago – I don’t see it happening. It’s not just because CBS is airing the series finale version instead of the cliffhanger. And yeah, yeah, tying up the season still leaves a lot of room for blah, blah, blah, but if Jericho winds up on the CW? I won’t just be a little bit surprised. I’ll be a lot surprised. A.) CBS owns half of the CW, if this was going to get done you get it done before you decide to air the series finale. You get it set up to where you say “Jericho is leaving CBS but moving to the CW,” you don’t put out the statement that you’re cancelling Jericho. Plus, the CW just punted on pretty much its highest rated show (Friday Night Smackdown!) and wants to focus on females who are aged 18-34. That’s not the biggest part of the loyal Jericho following as the little bit of data we have for the 18-34 demo was a million or less viewers for the last few shows of last year. And that includes men, which apparently the CW isn’t interested in. Not a big enough chunk to get the C-Dub excited, and again, if that was going to happen, I think we’d already know.
That leaves only the SciFi channel. And at this point, I don’t see Skeet Ulrich wanting to take a pay cut. Presuming he survives the finale. And Lennie James is top-notch, I don’t see him wanting to be on the SciFi channel. I think it’s going to be a lot harder to shop this show to a cable network than anyone thinks. That there are a lot of issues involved that don’t have anything to do with anything except money.
So basically, I’m calling it over, before Carol Barbee says it’s over. If I wind up being wrong, I will happily send her a dozen roses and twelve pounds of her favorite kind of nut, because I will miss both the show, talking about its ratings and its loyal fans. I want to be wrong. But I think it’s over. At least as of tomorrow night at 11pm and whenever we’re able to buy/download/stream the unaired cliffhanger.
I wouldn’t blame CBS or the producers of Jericho. I’d blame the capitalism. The bottom line is not enough people watched the show to justify it being on CBS.
A much appreciated letting of fresh air into the room. I will raise one quibble, though:
“CBS doesn’t hate Jericho or its fans, it just has an obligation to its shareholders.”
This is prima facie true; however, with CBS losing its viewer leadership role to Fox (and cash not being in *all* that short of supply), I would suggest that renewing Jericho could have represented an overt flexing of muscle. In other words, there may have been a branding play: The Tiffany network moves with complete and easy freedom in the perceived world.
The argument makes no sense if they didn’t believe in the second-season product on a creative level, and it would require skillful marketing to pull off (the season 2 broadcast Jericho promotions have struck me as quite clumsy), but I can’t shake the feeling that sheer cussedness might constitute a bankable position in the long run.
A much appreciated letting of fresh air into the room. I will raise one quibble, though:
“CBS doesn’t hate Jericho or its fans, it just has an obligation to its shareholders.”
This is prima facie true; however, with CBS losing its viewer leadership role to Fox (and cash not being in *all* that short of supply), I would suggest that renewing Jericho could have represented an overt flexing of muscle. In other words, there may have been a branding play: The Tiffany network moves with complete and easy freedom in the perceived world.
The argument makes no sense if they didn't believe in the second-season product on a creative level, and it would require skillful marketing to pull off (the season 2 broadcast Jericho promotions have struck me as quite clumsy), but I can't shake the feeling that sheer cussedness might constitute a bankable position in the long run.
You are corect in saying that no one of these things that you mention killed Jericho, However. as you are fond of saying, do the math. When you add up ALL the different things that CBS did with Jericho, i believe they DID kill it. When you combine the poor timeslot, bad leadin, no advertising. (Skeet JUST started doing press tours, where were these tours 7 weeks ago?), The hiatus, the fact that many people didn’t want to get involved in a show that might end, The Combination of all those factors killed Jericho.
Do I Blame CBS for making a business decision to cut a show only getting 5-6 million Neilson rated viewers? No, because thats what the advertisers base their ads on, But i do blame CBS for botching just about everything to do with Jericho.
You are corect in saying that no one of these things that you mention killed Jericho, However. as you are fond of saying, do the math. When you add up ALL the different things that CBS did with Jericho, i believe they DID kill it. When you combine the poor timeslot, bad leadin, no advertising. (Skeet JUST started doing press tours, where were these tours 7 weeks ago?), The hiatus, the fact that many people didn't want to get involved in a show that might end, The Combination of all those factors killed Jericho.
Do I Blame CBS for making a business decision to cut a show only getting 5-6 million Neilson rated viewers? No, because thats what the advertisers base their ads on, But i do blame CBS for botching just about everything to do with Jericho.
I’m sad to see this show go. Tonight it going to be very sad for me.
I just want to say though, that I do think the 10 pm time slot mixed with a bad lead in didn’t help Jericho a whole lot and may have even been the finale KO punch. I know I’m a loyal fan and I only grugingly stay up that late to watch the show. I don’t even have a nielsen box and I still feel the need to try and support it the best I can.
Anyway, people like my parents who probably would have watched season 2, didn’t because it was on too late for them. They’re in the 18-49 market, right there just by having it on so later Jericho lost two viewers. How many more casual fans did they loose?
I think you can’t wholly blame the network, but I will say if Jericho hadn’t been handled so poorly from the start it might have just had a chance to survive.
I don’t see it moving to the Sci Fi network in all honesty. I hope, but I don’t see it. And yeah, it makes no sense for CBS to cancel and then hand off to their sister network the CW.
Oh well I guess. The dollar sign is always the bottom line.
I'm sad to see this show go. Tonight it going to be very sad for me.
I just want to say though, that I do think the 10 pm time slot mixed with a bad lead in didn't help Jericho a whole lot and may have even been the finale KO punch. I know I'm a loyal fan and I only grugingly stay up that late to watch the show. I don't even have a nielsen box and I still feel the need to try and support it the best I can.
Anyway, people like my parents who probably would have watched season 2, didn't because it was on too late for them. They're in the 18-49 market, right there just by having it on so later Jericho lost two viewers. How many more casual fans did they loose?
I think you can't wholly blame the network, but I will say if Jericho hadn't been handled so poorly from the start it might have just had a chance to survive.
I don't see it moving to the Sci Fi network in all honesty. I hope, but I don't see it. And yeah, it makes no sense for CBS to cancel and then hand off to their sister network the CW.
Oh well I guess. The dollar sign is always the bottom line.
It is a shame…I will miss this show.
I guess my TV will be turned off from CBS for a while. There is nothing really worthwile on that channel.
Thanks Skeet and all the others. You did a great job and sorry you got screwed!
We will miss you.
It is a shame…I will miss this show.
I guess my TV will be turned off from CBS for a while. There is nothing really worthwile on that channel.
Thanks Skeet and all the others. You did a great job and sorry you got screwed!
We will miss you.
Regarding Nielsen and “paper jounals” as you call them.
Nielsen’s national sample is entirely electronic, their are no diaries.There havent been any since Seeptember 1987. CBS’s decision to cancel Jericho was based on the paperless National People Meter Sample.
Local market measurement is done during sweep periods and does still use paper diaries in most markets, but these are being slowly phased out by local people meters. CBS decision to cancel Jericho was not based on local market ratings.
Regarding Nielsen and “paper jounals” as you call them.
Nielsen's national sample is entirely electronic, their are no diaries.There havent been any since Seeptember 1987. CBS's decision to cancel Jericho was based on the paperless National People Meter Sample.
Local market measurement is done during sweep periods and does still use paper diaries in most markets, but these are being slowly phased out by local people meters. CBS decision to cancel Jericho was not based on local market ratings.
The stupidity of CBS is what killed “Jericho.”
BB as a lead doesn’t hurt? Airing on “American Idol” night doesn’t hurt? Can’t wait to see how the replacement show does in that graveyard of a time-slot.
The stupidity of CBS is what killed “Jericho.”
BB as a lead doesn't hurt? Airing on “American Idol” night doesn't hurt? Can't wait to see how the replacement show does in that graveyard of a time-slot.
this guy is full of b*** s***, he just dosen’t like Jericho… I bet if The Wire (his favorite show) were in this exact same position, alot of
the answers would change
this guy is full of b*** s***, he just dosen't like Jericho… I bet if The Wire (his favorite show) were in this exact same position, alot of
the answers would change
Yo Mama, The Wire couldn’t have ever been in the same position because it was not on a broadcast network, but a subscription (HBO) cable channel. Shows I like don’t always make it. Sports teams I root for don’t always win (almost never, it seems these days).
I like Jericho, but I understand CBS position. It is possible to do both.
To “Mul” (the first comment above): I sort of like the notion you proposed: “We’ll renew it anyway, just to demonstrate our hubris, and rub it in the oher net’s faces”…not sure it would achieve the results you think it might, but, I’m not sure it wouldn’t either.
Yo Mama, The Wire couldn't have ever been in the same position because it was not on a broadcast network, but a subscription (HBO) cable channel. Shows I like don't always make it. Sports teams I root for don't always win (almost never, it seems these days).
I like Jericho, but I understand CBS position. It is possible to do both.
To “Mul” (the first comment above): I sort of like the notion you proposed: “We'll renew it anyway, just to demonstrate our hubris, and rub it in the oher net's faces”…not sure it would achieve the results you think it might, but, I'm not sure it wouldn't either.
He actually does like the show and I think he’s not happy is gone, but he’s looking at this from a business stand point.
I personally don’t agree one hundred percent with everything is said. (I do think CBS has more of a hand in Jericho’s demise than is stated here, but that’s just personal opinion) but this wasn’t written because the writer hated the show.
He actually does like the show and I think he's not happy is gone, but he's looking at this from a business stand point.
I personally don't agree one hundred percent with everything is said. (I do think CBS has more of a hand in Jericho's demise than is stated here, but that's just personal opinion) but this wasn't written because the writer hated the show.
thanks for having my back Danielle, I appreciate it. The way of the Internet is if you publish your opinions in public, not everyone is going to like them, and some will let you know.
I chalk it up to him just loving the show so much that he doesn’t want to consider any opinion that does not support an outcome that keeps the show on the air. I wish he wasn’t so angry about it, but his anger only comes from his sadness about the show’s demise — something I think we can all understand.
thanks for having my back Danielle, I appreciate it. The way of the Internet is if you publish your opinions in public, not everyone is going to like them, and some will let you know.
I chalk it up to him just loving the show so much that he doesn't want to consider any opinion that does not support an outcome that keeps the show on the air. I wish he wasn't so angry about it, but his anger only comes from his sadness about the show's demise — something I think we can all understand.
Its an…emotional time for Jericho fans. Many of us are very emotionally invested and if you don’t read an article like this in the right frame of mind it can come off like an attack, but that isn’t what it is at all and I hope Jericho fans will see that–even if they don’t one hundred percent agree with your opinion on the issue.
Its an…emotional time for Jericho fans. Many of us are very emotionally invested and if you don't read an article like this in the right frame of mind it can come off like an attack, but that isn't what it is at all and I hope Jericho fans will see that–even if they don't one hundred percent agree with your opinion on the issue.
7. It’s Not Personal, It’s Just Business.
Verdict: MYTH
Les Moonves screws Julie Chen every night and she’s still on the air, and probably will be on the air with Big Brother until it gets stale and she doesn’t want to do it anymore. It’s not personal, my ass!
7. It's Not Personal, It's Just Business.
Verdict: MYTH
Les Moonves screws Julie Chen every night and she's still on the air, and probably will be on the air with Big Brother until it gets stale and she doesn't want to do it anymore. It's not personal, my ass!
I liked Jericho, but I’m completely satisfied. Not enough people liked it, meh, so what, we got a conclusion, which is really what I wanted from the show, and why I fax bombed CBS last time. No need this time, its not gonna happen again.
I liked Jericho, but I'm completely satisfied. Not enough people liked it, meh, so what, we got a conclusion, which is really what I wanted from the show, and why I fax bombed CBS last time. No need this time, its not gonna happen again.
I think you might find this interesting:
http://copywriteink.blogspot.com/2008/03/closing-case-study-jericho-ends.html
You won’t necessarily agree, but I do think it is a fair analysis. CBS is just not blameless here. I don’t think that really matters anymore. I do hope Jericho and Paramount kick your butt regarding a pick up. I know its slim, but I was extremely surprised to see SciFi wire doing such a big write up today. I guess it isn’t over till the fat lady sings. And honestly, having seen Beck come in and fit like a glove in the first 5 minutes of Season two I have a lot of confidence in any reincarnation. I guess we just have to see, but I still believe you are way too enamored with the “beauty of Nielsen”. To each his own.
I think you might find this interesting:
http://copywriteink.blogspot.com/2008/03/closin...
You won't necessarily agree, but I do think it is a fair analysis. CBS is just not blameless here. I don't think that really matters anymore. I do hope Jericho and Paramount kick your butt regarding a pick up. I know its slim, but I was extremely surprised to see SciFi wire doing such a big write up today. I guess it isn't over till the fat lady sings. And honestly, having seen Beck come in and fit like a glove in the first 5 minutes of Season two I have a lot of confidence in any reincarnation. I guess we just have to see, but I still believe you are way too enamored with the “beauty of Nielsen”. To each his own.
You’re totally spinning here and it’s kind of funny, actually. Sad in a sense, that you are so misinformed on many points. Jericho fans don’t need you to try and coddle them, they’re very smart and educated people.
I know you like the increased traffic to your website but this is stretching it a bit.
You're totally spinning here and it's kind of funny, actually. Sad in a sense, that you are so misinformed on many points. Jericho fans don't need you to try and coddle them, they're very smart and educated people.
I know you like the increased traffic to your website but this is stretching it a bit.
I did find it interesting. And mostly agree with it. I’m not enamored with Nielsen, but it’s the only game in town. I’d be happy if there were two or more games as there are with web measurement (Nielsen, ComScore and more). I love the compare and contrast. But we don’t have that.
I don’t think CBS is blameless, but like the author of the link you posted, none of that matters at this point.
I did find it interesting. And mostly agree with it. I'm not enamored with Nielsen, but it's the only game in town. I'd be happy if there were two or more games as there are with web measurement (Nielsen, ComScore and more). I love the compare and contrast. But we don't have that.
I don't think CBS is blameless, but like the author of the link you posted, none of that matters at this point.
Trish — I’m not misinformed. CBS cancelled Jericho. Did you miss the announcement?
And as for the traffic, how would it be in our benefit for the show to be cancelled? If there is no more Jericho, there is no more interest in Jericho ratings. Hardly the ideal outcome for TVbytheNumbers.
I’m not coddling anyone — especially anonymous angry, snipers like you. Some of Jericho’s viewers are very smart and educated, some are idiots. Just like the general population
Trish — I'm not misinformed. CBS cancelled Jericho. Did you miss the announcement?
And as for the traffic, how would it be in our benefit for the show to be cancelled? If there is no more Jericho, there is no more interest in Jericho ratings. Hardly the ideal outcome for TVbytheNumbers.
I'm not coddling anyone — especially anonymous angry, snipers like you. Some of Jericho's viewers are very smart and educated, some are idiots. Just like the general population
Interesting web site KIC. I read an interview with Carol Barbee on TV guide today. She seems to hope a cable network will pick Jericho up. I don’t see it happening but I’m hanging onto hope by a string. Dumb maybe but I’ve seen crazier things happen (i.e. Serenity).
Interesting web site KIC. I read an interview with Carol Barbee on TV guide today. She seems to hope a cable network will pick Jericho up. I don't see it happening but I'm hanging onto hope by a string. Dumb maybe but I've seen crazier things happen (i.e. Serenity).
Thanks for the analysis Robert! It’s really hard to separate emotions from the numbers regarding my favorite TV shows, and this is no exception. While I completely understand CBS’ decision to cancel Jericho, I am just really sad to see the show go away. And I also know this won’t be the last show that dumps me before I’m ready. Deep breath…..I’m just glad I can still find stuff I like, instead of oceans of reality crap with initials like BB and MoT.
Thanks for the analysis Robert! It's really hard to separate emotions from the numbers regarding my favorite TV shows, and this is no exception. While I completely understand CBS' decision to cancel Jericho, I am just really sad to see the show go away. And I also know this won't be the last show that dumps me before I'm ready. Deep breath…..I'm just glad I can still find stuff I like, instead of oceans of reality crap with initials like BB and MoT.
Talk about the nail in the coffin. I found out today that I owe on my Federal taxes, that to get my car fixed will cost me $$$, and finally, that “Jericho” has been canceled. What a rough day. If anyone ever asked what I watched on television my first response was always “Jericho”. Now, I don’t even have that, and CBS has lost a viewer; not out of spite, but they don’t have anything else worthy, IMO, to watch. I’m 34, and until “The UNIT” comes back on CBS just won’t cut it for me. Thank you cast and crew for a 2nd season. I’ll miss you.
Talk about the nail in the coffin. I found out today that I owe on my Federal taxes, that to get my car fixed will cost me $$$, and finally, that “Jericho” has been canceled. What a rough day. If anyone ever asked what I watched on television my first response was always “Jericho”. Now, I don't even have that, and CBS has lost a viewer; not out of spite, but they don't have anything else worthy, IMO, to watch. I'm 34, and until “The UNIT” comes back on CBS just won't cut it for me. Thank you cast and crew for a 2nd season. I'll miss you.
All of these problems CBS did hurt the show and together killed it. I don’t hate CBS for using their right to cancel a show it is buisness, but my posting reactions and telling them I will not watch their channel is also my right. Capitalism in a free society in effect. They make their choice and I make mine. Nothing personal. Just like the show enough that I am willing to take action to support the product I want and discourage this from happeneing again with other networks.
All of these problems CBS did hurt the show and together killed it. I don't hate CBS for using their right to cancel a show it is buisness, but my posting reactions and telling them I will not watch their channel is also my right. Capitalism in a free society in effect. They make their choice and I make mine. Nothing personal. Just like the show enough that I am willing to take action to support the product I want and discourage this from happeneing again with other networks.
The fine folks at the Jericho Wiki aren’t done. They’re going to be brainstorming during the show and probably for weeks afterwards looking for the best network to take the “little show that could” under its wings.
No voice shall go unheard this time!
http://jericho.wetpaint.com/page/Save+Jericho+II
We just have to find a network able to leverage the movement behind this show and the idea of “new media.”
The fine folks at the Jericho Wiki aren’t done. They’re going to be brainstorming during the show and probably for weeks afterwards looking for the best network to take the “little show that could” under its wings.
No voice shall go unheard this time!
http://jericho.wetpaint.com/page/Save+Jericho+II
We just have to find a network able to leverage the movement behind this show and the idea of “new media.”
Google ads on a wiki? Isn’t that sacrilege? Otherwise I’d have added your site to our blog roll.
Google ads on a wiki? Isn't that sacrilege? Otherwise I'd have added your site to our blog roll.
When Congress passes the bill that eliminates bundling cable channels it should kill about 3/4’s of the crappy channels out there, and allow more revenue to quality cable channels that can then purchase more expensive higher quality shows. That $79.99 per month will no longer pay for 96 channels I never watch, but some amount less than that will go directly to TNT, USA, Sci-Fi, and a handful of others.
When Congress passes the bill that eliminates bundling cable channels it should kill about 3/4's of the crappy channels out there, and allow more revenue to quality cable channels that can then purchase more expensive higher quality shows. That $79.99 per month will no longer pay for 96 channels I never watch, but some amount less than that will go directly to TNT, USA, Sci-Fi, and a handful of others.
I’m a slacker, because I probrably haven’t read anything about this since the FCC first suggested the unbundling and that’s been over 2 years ago, but, me too Mike!
then, I think you’ll also see a la carte distribution of those channels available via the Internet as well.
I'm a slacker, because I probrably haven't read anything about this since the FCC first suggested the unbundling and that's been over 2 years ago, but, me too Mike!
then, I think you'll also see a la carte distribution of those channels available via the Internet as well.
Interesting article! ABC is now the most watched network. Maybe CBS should steer away from Big Brother and focus on some quality programming. CSI can only get you so far and eventually people will get tired of techno themed test tubes montages.
The Nielson ratings are a huge joke. With digital cable boxes across the country; you would think they could use them to find an accurate viewer count.
Interesting article! ABC is now the most watched network. Maybe CBS should steer away from Big Brother and focus on some quality programming. CSI can only get you so far and eventually people will get tired of techno themed test tubes montages.
The Nielson ratings are a huge joke. With digital cable boxes across the country; you would think they could use them to find an accurate viewer count.
ABC is not the most watched network, at least not in primetime. FOX is, and for the season, by a fairly wide margin. ABC is third in terms of viewers. Since uh about half the homes in the US have no digital set top box of any kind, I’m not sure how well it would represent the other half.
I favor set-top box measurement, but right now, by itself it’s not a fair representation of USA viewing
ABC is not the most watched network, at least not in primetime. FOX is, and for the season, by a fairly wide margin. ABC is third in terms of viewers. Since uh about half the homes in the US have no digital set top box of any kind, I'm not sure how well it would represent the other half.
I favor set-top box measurement, but right now, by itself it's not a fair representation of USA viewing
I would love to unbundle cable televsions, I think at least half the channels I have would be gone, thats for sure. As it is, I’ve programmed my remote to just skip through several channels I will never watch.
But ah, what would those chanels who no one cares about do?
I don’t think I care.
I would love to unbundle cable televsions, I think at least half the channels I have would be gone, thats for sure. As it is, I've programmed my remote to just skip through several channels I will never watch.
But ah, what would those chanels who no one cares about do?
I don't think I care.
Your myth article is just that myth. Nielson is antiquated and CBS killed Jericho no matter what you say. You hated Jericho so I do not believe a word you say. Your article is full of more holes than swiss cheese. Get a real job!
Your myth article is just that myth. Nielson is antiquated and CBS killed Jericho no matter what you say. You hated Jericho so I do not believe a word you say. Your article is full of more holes than swiss cheese. Get a real job!
Kennith, the LA Times seems to agree with me. And they are people with (presumably) real jobs. Perhaps Jericho would have done better in the Nielson ratings than the Nielsen Ratings, but unfortunately I have no access to the Nielson numbers.
Kennith, the LA Times seems to agree with me. And they are people with (presumably) real jobs. Perhaps Jericho would have done better in the Nielson ratings than the Nielsen Ratings, but unfortunately I have no access to the Nielson numbers.
Here is my comment the nilison ratings are wrong if there is 280 million ppl watching TV i’ll grantee more then 20 million are watching American idol. the system is completely flawed when comes to all TV numbers.
But Jericho is different it’s a serial drama so if the 1 person with the box in your area watches American idol and say everyone else watches jericho then boom you guys don’t count. Let alone canada doesn’t count nor does the rest of the world.
So i say they need to reinvent the wheel with the amount of information that can pass in and out of cable lines. All houses should get a box and it just tracks the channels your TV watches then. The TV station has system auto generates a report sends it off which says (so many ppl watched these channels at these times) This way everyone has a say if not everyone then 80% and no personal information is being leaked. about who watching what channel since we all know America paranoid of ppl looking over there shoulder anyways.
Sad enough to say but the Television industry needs to grow up
So yes it is all flawed… neighborhoods don’t watch TV togather if the one person with the box watches American idol doesn’t mean everyone else there does the number WAS a way to be accurate because there wasn’t AS much on TV and there were in general more viewers. But now there are more channels and a ton more choices. The system doesn’t work i don’t want some douche with a box speaking for me yet if i lived in America he would..
Here is my comment the nilison ratings are wrong if there is 280 million ppl watching TV i'll grantee more then 20 million are watching American idol. the system is completely flawed when comes to all TV numbers.
But Jericho is different it's a serial drama so if the 1 person with the box in your area watches American idol and say everyone else watches jericho then boom you guys don't count. Let alone canada doesn't count nor does the rest of the world.
So i say they need to reinvent the wheel with the amount of information that can pass in and out of cable lines. All houses should get a box and it just tracks the channels your TV watches then. The TV station has system auto generates a report sends it off which says (so many ppl watched these channels at these times) This way everyone has a say if not everyone then 80% and no personal information is being leaked. about who watching what channel since we all know America paranoid of ppl looking over there shoulder anyways.
Sad enough to say but the Television industry needs to grow up
So yes it is all flawed… neighborhoods don't watch TV togather if the one person with the box watches American idol doesn't mean everyone else there does the number WAS a way to be accurate because there wasn't AS much on TV and there were in general more viewers. But now there are more channels and a ton more choices. The system doesn't work i don't want some douche with a box speaking for me yet if i lived in America he would..
It is frustrating to not be counted. I have seen some of my favorite shows get canceled one after another. It just gets tiresome after a while when there is nothing you can really do about it except encourgage your friends and family to watch…even if their votes don’t count either.
It is frustrating to not be counted. I have seen some of my favorite shows get canceled one after another. It just gets tiresome after a while when there is nothing you can really do about it except encourgage your friends and family to watch…even if their votes don't count either.
Nilsson Schmilsson!
“Coconut” is on my ipod! And I just looked…and so is “Without You”. 37 years later and it still holds up for me
Nilsson Schmilsson!
“Coconut” is on my ipod! And I just looked…and so is “Without You”. 37 years later and it still holds up for me
Robert
This was a pretty good article. Although I don’t agree with everything you are saying I do think you are mostly right on the money. I do like that you took the time to offer your thoughts on some of the fan’s talking points.
I am resolved to the notion that there weren’t enough viewers to satisfy CBS to keep Jericho around. However, I just have a couple of thoughts that I wanted to throw out there.
First, I am not convinced that all time slots are equal among the network stations. I just happen to thank there are more layers and more factors involved than just age/gender categories, numbers of viewers, & time slots. The one thing I learned doing research in undergrad and graduate school is that there are far more variables to control than you realize when you start conducting research. Sometimes, often times, there are variables that cannot be controlled in open systems. Thus, just because something is statistically significant doesn’t mean it proves what you are researching. It may, but, it may not! So I think comparing shows, time slots, and age/gender categories is far more complicated than just looking at the numbers. It just so happens that these numbers are accepted at face value. It is what it is.
Secondly, I will say that sampling can be flawed, even when you have a large pool to sample from. This can be done accidentally or intentionally. There is even data that suggests random is often times not as random as one would suggest or like. Additionally, after years of researching Psychological tests experts have concluded that some of the tests are flawed because the sampling is/was flawed. Yet there are some “old school” psychologist who want to hear nothing of the sort. Sampling works, but it isn’t as perfect as some want to believe.
Obviously you know that I am a huge fan of Jericho and I do freely admit that it is highly likely the numbers tell the tale in this case even though I don’t want to believe it. Maybe, just maybe, there wasn’t enough live viewers watching – I get that. I also realize that this show may only be incredible to those who find it to be incredible. Novel concept right. Well maybe the rest of the world isn’t in agreement on the greatness of Jericho. I don’t get it, but maybe they don’t get Jericho.
Robert
This was a pretty good article. Although I don't agree with everything you are saying I do think you are mostly right on the money. I do like that you took the time to offer your thoughts on some of the fan's talking points.
I am resolved to the notion that there weren't enough viewers to satisfy CBS to keep Jericho around. However, I just have a couple of thoughts that I wanted to throw out there.
First, I am not convinced that all time slots are equal among the network stations. I just happen to thank there are more layers and more factors involved than just age/gender categories, numbers of viewers, & time slots. The one thing I learned doing research in undergrad and graduate school is that there are far more variables to control than you realize when you start conducting research. Sometimes, often times, there are variables that cannot be controlled in open systems. Thus, just because something is statistically significant doesn't mean it proves what you are researching. It may, but, it may not! So I think comparing shows, time slots, and age/gender categories is far more complicated than just looking at the numbers. It just so happens that these numbers are accepted at face value. It is what it is.
Secondly, I will say that sampling can be flawed, even when you have a large pool to sample from. This can be done accidentally or intentionally. There is even data that suggests random is often times not as random as one would suggest or like. Additionally, after years of researching Psychological tests experts have concluded that some of the tests are flawed because the sampling is/was flawed. Yet there are some “old school” psychologist who want to hear nothing of the sort. Sampling works, but it isn't as perfect as some want to believe.
Obviously you know that I am a huge fan of Jericho and I do freely admit that it is highly likely the numbers tell the tale in this case even though I don't want to believe it. Maybe, just maybe, there wasn't enough live viewers watching – I get that. I also realize that this show may only be incredible to those who find it to be incredible. Novel concept right. Well maybe the rest of the world isn't in agreement on the greatness of Jericho. I don't get it, but maybe they don't get Jericho.
Lukey — I agree certainly that all time slots aren’t equal. And I’m sure Nielsen’s sample isn’t perfect. But I think the numbers do tell the tale.
When I think about the fact that pretty much most of my favorite shows (outside of the Wire and House) fall into the fantasy/Science Fiction camp, I am not surprised. Whether it be Star Trek, Stargate, BSG, Supernatural or whatever, not as many people watch those shows as the legal/crime dramas.
I think for the most part people (all of us) watch TV to be entertained. BUT, some of us are entertained by “having to think”. My guess is most of us are not. One of my favorite quotes ever is something like “If you make people think they’re thinking, they’ll love you, but if you make them really think, they’ll hate you.”
I think Jericho as most sci-fi/fantasy genre may have made people “really think” too much.
Lukey — I agree certainly that all time slots aren't equal. And I'm sure Nielsen's sample isn't perfect. But I think the numbers do tell the tale.
When I think about the fact that pretty much most of my favorite shows (outside of the Wire and House) fall into the fantasy/Science Fiction camp, I am not surprised. Whether it be Star Trek, Stargate, BSG, Supernatural or whatever, not as many people watch those shows as the legal/crime dramas.
I think for the most part people (all of us) watch TV to be entertained. BUT, some of us are entertained by “having to think”. My guess is most of us are not. One of my favorite quotes ever is something like “If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you, but if you make them really think, they'll hate you.”
I think Jericho as most sci-fi/fantasy genre may have made people “really think” too much.
Nice!
Nice!
Nielsen sucks why is so hard to undersatnd it?? Most of the rabbid fans of jericho doesn’t have a nielsen box… ITS FRUSTRATING!!! NO ONE IN THE FORUM OF MORE OF 3,000 PEOPLE HAS ONE??? IT NOT HAS SENSE!!!
Nielsen sucks why is so hard to undersatnd it?? Most of the rabbid fans of jericho doesn't have a nielsen box… ITS FRUSTRATING!!! NO ONE IN THE FORUM OF MORE OF 3,000 PEOPLE HAS ONE??? IT NOT HAS SENSE!!!
You failed to mention the ultimate knife in Jericho’s heart: POLITICS! Don’t deny it. This hit too close to home.
You failed to mention the ultimate knife in Jericho's heart: POLITICS! Don't deny it. This hit too close to home.
@cc2259: I’m very apolitical and try to avoid anything to do with politics as much as possible. The “shadow government” = Jennings & Rall theme I’ve seen some people talk about didn’t rub me the wrong way. And I’d throw out that similar political themes appear on 24, which when it finally comes back will be its 7th season.
@cc2259: I'm very apolitical and try to avoid anything to do with politics as much as possible. The “shadow government” = Jennings & Rall theme I've seen some people talk about didn't rub me the wrong way. And I'd throw out that similar political themes appear on 24, which when it finally comes back will be its 7th season.
I wouldn’t know about 24 – tried to watch in it’s first season and was not at all impressed. Jericho is the only network production worth watching. As far as The Wire goes, it was probably my least favorite for HBO. Too ghetto for my taste. It’s a shame CBS Paramount won’t put Jericho on Showtime. They are sorely lacking in the drama department.
I wouldn't know about 24 – tried to watch in it's first season and was not at all impressed. Jericho is the only network production worth watching. As far as The Wire goes, it was probably my least favorite for HBO. Too ghetto for my taste. It's a shame CBS Paramount won't put Jericho on Showtime. They are sorely lacking in the drama department.
@cc2259 Jericho is the only network production worth watching for YOU. And this is one of those instances where one opinion (or even 6-8 million opinions) doesn’t matter much.
I don’t watch much Showtime other than Dexter and Weeds. I never caught The Tudors bug, though I might give it a shot. Yes, since the Wire was substantially about inner city crime, if real life in the inner city is too uncomfortable for you, I can see where it would put you off. It was how realistically they actually seemed to capture it that drew me in. Different strokes for different folks!
@cc2259 Jericho is the only network production worth watching for YOU. And this is one of those instances where one opinion (or even 6-8 million opinions) doesn't matter much.
I don't watch much Showtime other than Dexter and Weeds. I never caught The Tudors bug, though I might give it a shot. Yes, since the Wire was substantially about inner city crime, if real life in the inner city is too uncomfortable for you, I can see where it would put you off. It was how realistically they actually seemed to capture it that drew me in. Different strokes for different folks!
Since you brought Dexter up, it really puzzles me that CBS would segway this show to network. Yawn, Yawn. Another crime drama… The best thing it has going is probably Michael C. Hall, but I still prefer his role from Six Feet Under. I did appreciate your honesty in the article and the comment to Lukey about making people think was right on target.
Since you brought Dexter up, it really puzzles me that CBS would segway this show to network. Yawn, Yawn. Another crime drama… The best thing it has going is probably Michael C. Hall, but I still prefer his role from Six Feet Under. I did appreciate your honesty in the article and the comment to Lukey about making people think was right on target.
The concept that CBS didn’t “want” Jericho to fail is a bit hard to believe. Considering the recent writers’ strike (which left most of the networks with little or nothing new to broadcast for months), CBS could have capitalized on the situation by re-running Jericho’s 1st season (along with plenty of promos and teasers for the upcoming new season). Plenty of people hadn’t seen the show — this could have been a great opportunity to build a bigger audience before the new season began. Yes, I know Sci-Fi has been showing the re-runs, but as you have pointed out, more than half the country doesn’t get pay TV (and re-running the 1st season on CBS could have solidified a time slot). I can’t help but conclude CBS (somewhere along the way) gave up on Jericho before the 2nd season ever aired.
The concept that CBS didn't “want” Jericho to fail is a bit hard to believe. Considering the recent writers' strike (which left most of the networks with little or nothing new to broadcast for months), CBS could have capitalized on the situation by re-running Jericho's 1st season (along with plenty of promos and teasers for the upcoming new season). Plenty of people hadn't seen the show — this could have been a great opportunity to build a bigger audience before the new season began. Yes, I know Sci-Fi has been showing the re-runs, but as you have pointed out, more than half the country doesn't get pay TV (and re-running the 1st season on CBS could have solidified a time slot). I can't help but conclude CBS (somewhere along the way) gave up on Jericho before the 2nd season ever aired.
kacunnin, and others,
It’s one thing to think that CBS may have made some bad business decisions with Jericho. They very well might have. Reasonable people can disagree about that.
What is sheer tinfoil hat fantasy is the idea there was some sort of conspiracy at CBS [or elsewhere] to make Jericho fail.
It was in CBS’s financial interest to see it succeed, and they act based on their financial interest as best they can. To suggest otherwise is to give up the tether of rational thought and escape into a conspiratorial morass.
kacunnin, and others,
It's one thing to think that CBS may have made some bad business decisions with Jericho. They very well might have. Reasonable people can disagree about that.
What is sheer tinfoil hat fantasy is the idea there was some sort of conspiracy at CBS [or elsewhere] to make Jericho fail.
It was in CBS's financial interest to see it succeed, and they act based on their financial interest as best they can. To suggest otherwise is to give up the tether of rational thought and escape into a conspiratorial morass.
I totally agree that CBS acted “based on their financial interest as best they can.” The problem is, their “best” wasn’t very good. When I suggest they gave up on Jericho before the 2nd season began, I don’t mean to say there was a “conspiracy” to screw the Jericho fans. I mean they made a decision (wise or otherwise) that the show had no future. And as such, they proceded with that framework in mind — no real promotion for the show, lousy time slot, poor lead-in, rushed season, etc. Fans who are angry at CBS (most of us, at least) are angry because of this — the network’s best was pretty damn bad.
I totally get that CBS cares only about the bottom line (as do ALL tv networks — there are no “bad guys” here), but my point is that they might have had a hit on their hands had they played their cards with more courage and skill. THAT’S what frustrates us. Granted, network tv exists to sell soap and toilet paper, and CBS concluded that Jericho couldn’t do that effectively. I still believe that quality tv CAN succeed on network tv (and it has). But the network needs to have a little more guts and patience and savvy to make it work.
I totally agree that CBS acted “based on their financial interest as best they can.” The problem is, their “best” wasn't very good. When I suggest they gave up on Jericho before the 2nd season began, I don't mean to say there was a “conspiracy” to screw the Jericho fans. I mean they made a decision (wise or otherwise) that the show had no future. And as such, they proceded with that framework in mind — no real promotion for the show, lousy time slot, poor lead-in, rushed season, etc. Fans who are angry at CBS (most of us, at least) are angry because of this — the network's best was pretty damn bad.
I totally get that CBS cares only about the bottom line (as do ALL tv networks — there are no “bad guys” here), but my point is that they might have had a hit on their hands had they played their cards with more courage and skill. THAT'S what frustrates us. Granted, network tv exists to sell soap and toilet paper, and CBS concluded that Jericho couldn't do that effectively. I still believe that quality tv CAN succeed on network tv (and it has). But the network needs to have a little more guts and patience and savvy to make it work.
It has often been said that perception is king regardless of intention or motivation. CBS may very well have been extremely committed to more than a second season of Jericho. While I do believe it is difficult to know CBS’ intentions with any degree of certainty I do believe that most Jericho fan’s seem to think/feel as if CBS was not “all in” with Jericho.
While I was not excited about the time slot or the promotional efforts I do struggle with the seven episode season. I believe that actions say far more about intentions than words and from the very beginning I have thought that seven episodes communicated “we are not committed to the show.” Look, its not like CBS made a last minute decision to bring back Jericho. I think it sends mixed signals to bring back the show for a second season, but only order seven episodes. That isn’t a season, that is a mini-series.
It has often been said that perception is king regardless of intention or motivation. CBS may very well have been extremely committed to more than a second season of Jericho. While I do believe it is difficult to know CBS' intentions with any degree of certainty I do believe that most Jericho fan's seem to think/feel as if CBS was not “all in” with Jericho.
While I was not excited about the time slot or the promotional efforts I do struggle with the seven episode season. I believe that actions say far more about intentions than words and from the very beginning I have thought that seven episodes communicated “we are not committed to the show.” Look, its not like CBS made a last minute decision to bring back Jericho. I think it sends mixed signals to bring back the show for a second season, but only order seven episodes. That isn't a season, that is a mini-series.
@LukeyDukey, I guess if I were at CBS I’d feel OK with thinking, “We’re fully committed to making as much money as we possibly can, but when it comes to ‘Jericho’ we’re taking a ‘we’ll see’ approach.”
All things considered, that seems a very reasonable approach to me.
@LukeyDukey, I guess if I were at CBS I'd feel OK with thinking, “We're fully committed to making as much money as we possibly can, but when it comes to 'Jericho' we're taking a 'we'll see' approach.”
All things considered, that seems a very reasonable approach to me.
Robert I agree with you and I think what you have said only confirms my belief that CBS went into the 2nd Season more hesitant than was communicated. I have no problem with CBS making “business decisions” or approaching Jericho cautiously optimistic as long as they don’t pretend to be “all in” if they weren’t. I just don’t think, ultimately, CBS has earned any good will from a sizeable percentage of the Jericho fan base. This may not prove in the long run to not matter a whole lot anyway,but I don’t think CBS did themselves any favors by handling the situation they way the did. I think all they have done is proivde more ammunition for those who already feel this sense of network/corporate distrust.
It is my opinion that CBS would have seemed much more credible by ordering a full season and premiering the second season in a way that is more in line with other series (not starting on some oddball date). Then when they canceled the series after “x” number of episodes (because of ratings) it at least appears that they were committed to the show. Instead, it appears that CBS was never committed to the success of the show. We all know that in life there is a reasonable second chance and a second chance that is destined to fail by design. Again, it is a perception thing. In truth it may not be reality, but it is certainly the reality for a lot of disenfranchised Jericho fans.
Robert I agree with you and I think what you have said only confirms my belief that CBS went into the 2nd Season more hesitant than was communicated. I have no problem with CBS making “business decisions” or approaching Jericho cautiously optimistic as long as they don't pretend to be “all in” if they weren't. I just don't think, ultimately, CBS has earned any good will from a sizeable percentage of the Jericho fan base. This may not prove in the long run to not matter a whole lot anyway,but I don't think CBS did themselves any favors by handling the situation they way the did. I think all they have done is proivde more ammunition for those who already feel this sense of network/corporate distrust.
It is my opinion that CBS would have seemed much more credible by ordering a full season and premiering the second season in a way that is more in line with other series (not starting on some oddball date). Then when they canceled the series after “x” number of episodes (because of ratings) it at least appears that they were committed to the show. Instead, it appears that CBS was never committed to the success of the show. We all know that in life there is a reasonable second chance and a second chance that is destined to fail by design. Again, it is a perception thing. In truth it may not be reality, but it is certainly the reality for a lot of disenfranchised Jericho fans.
I guess I am more prone to distrusting ALL PR that comes from ANY corporation. I don’t know that I’d recommend that approach to everyone, but it works for me really well. That said, I believe that CBS giving the fans even 7 more episodes was a.) a surprise and b.) a fairly big act of goodwill towards fans
If Jericho would’ve pulled 8 or 9 million viewers with a 3.0 or better in the 18-49 demo, CBS likely would’ve had a different reaction.
I guess I am more prone to distrusting ALL PR that comes from ANY corporation. I don't know that I'd recommend that approach to everyone, but it works for me really well. That said, I believe that CBS giving the fans even 7 more episodes was a.) a surprise and b.) a fairly big act of goodwill towards fans
If Jericho would've pulled 8 or 9 million viewers with a 3.0 or better in the 18-49 demo, CBS likely would've had a different reaction.
I agree and I do think there is a reasonable number of fans that look at the 7 additional episodes as a wonderful gesture on the part of CBS. I actually happen to be in that camp. I am extremely thrilled about the 7 episodes. With that being said however, I was very skeptical that there would ever be more than 7. Incidentally, I stated on the CBS/Jericho site (after 2:2) that I felt like we needed to have closer to 10 million viewers to get a season 3. I do think it that were the case we would be discussing something entirely different.
By the way, I do watch Lost (online only). I am wondering how many seasons are now left???
I agree and I do think there is a reasonable number of fans that look at the 7 additional episodes as a wonderful gesture on the part of CBS. I actually happen to be in that camp. I am extremely thrilled about the 7 episodes. With that being said however, I was very skeptical that there would ever be more than 7. Incidentally, I stated on the CBS/Jericho site (after 2:2) that I felt like we needed to have closer to 10 million viewers to get a season 3. I do think it that were the case we would be discussing something entirely different.
By the way, I do watch Lost (online only). I am wondering how many seasons are now left???
I know that near the end of last season (May ‘07) ABC announced there would be 48 more episodes broken up into 16 episode seasons (3 seasons including the current one). Though the writer’s strike may have messed the counting up a little bit (there will only be 13 episodes this year), I haven’t seen anything come along to refute seasons 5 & 6 so I’m guessing there are still ~32-35 episodes planned after this season.
I know that near the end of last season (May '07) ABC announced there would be 48 more episodes broken up into 16 episode seasons (3 seasons including the current one). Though the writer's strike may have messed the counting up a little bit (there will only be 13 episodes this year), I haven't seen anything come along to refute seasons 5 & 6 so I'm guessing there are still ~32-35 episodes planned after this season.
“It’s not personal, it’s just business”
It’s not a country, it’s just a company
“It's not personal, it's just business”
It's not a country, it's just a company
“You’re not dumb, you’re just crazy”
“You're not dumb, you're just crazy”
I kind of felt the same about Jericho. One of the only myths I supported and believed was the Tuesdays at 10pm one. Have you heard about that odd rumor that CBS may be trying to work out a deal with Comcast much like the Friday Night Lights DirecTV deal?
Also, I noticed how you mentioned that the CW is aiming for women now as its target demographic. Is this why Gossip Girl (which has on average, lower ratings than Reaper, 2.6 versus 2.7) is an early renewal and why Reaper is very much on the bubble despite its higher ratings?
I kind of felt the same about Jericho. One of the only myths I supported and believed was the Tuesdays at 10pm one. Have you heard about that odd rumor that CBS may be trying to work out a deal with Comcast much like the Friday Night Lights DirecTV deal?
Also, I noticed how you mentioned that the CW is aiming for women now as its target demographic. Is this why Gossip Girl (which has on average, lower ratings than Reaper, 2.6 versus 2.7) is an early renewal and why Reaper is very much on the bubble despite its higher ratings?
Don’t get me wrong, but in a way it was in the best interest for Jericho to fail. If what I keep on hearing for production costs was it was really high, even for the huge budget cuts. So that being said, nine million viewers would have done nothing. CBS could not keep Jericho, and thus needed it gone. they gave us what they promised us, and that was all they owed. We are just really loyal, and want more.
Don't get me wrong, but in a way it was in the best interest for Jericho to fail. If what I keep on hearing for production costs was it was really high, even for the huge budget cuts. So that being said, nine million viewers would have done nothing. CBS could not keep Jericho, and thus needed it gone. they gave us what they promised us, and that was all they owed. We are just really loyal, and want more.
Sam, yes the CBS/Comcast discussions are rumored to have happened.
The public numbers between GG & Reaper that we see are very similar in terms of viewers, however there could be all sorts of factors which led GG to be picked up and kept Reaper hanging.
Sam, yes the CBS/Comcast discussions are rumored to have happened.
The public numbers between GG & Reaper that we see are very similar in terms of viewers, however there could be all sorts of factors which led GG to be picked up and kept Reaper hanging.