"Jericho" Might Make Midseason Return

Fans trumpeting the cause of CBS' canceled drama "Jericho" have caught the network's ear.

CBS, deluged with calls, messages and shipments of nuts signifying viewer displeasure, is reconsidering its decision, a source close to the production said Tuesday.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly. A decision on whether to bring the show back, probably for a midseason run, is imminent, the source said.

"We are tired of the networks (not just CBS) tossing aside quality programming," was the message carried by jericholives.com, one of several web sites protesting the cancellation. "Enough! We're going to fight for this one."

Clarke Ingram, a "Jericho" fan from Pittsburgh, Pa., and a spokesman for jericholives, said he was optimistic that CBS would find a way to revive the drama about a Kansas town isolated by a nuclear terrorist attack.

"People would paint this as teenagers in tinfoil hats" rallying behind the show, said Ingram, 50, an operations manager for two radio stations. "That's not what this is. These are educated professionals."

The show's daring premise, its writing and acting make the case for its survival, he said.

Several factors could work in the show's favor: It appeals to the young adult viewers sought by advertisers and was one of CBS' most popular shows streamed online, indicating an audience beyond that measured by traditional ratings.

CBS may also be considering the dent a long hiatus put in the show's viewership, the same scheduling misstep that hurt ABC's "Lost" and NBC's "Heroes."

The network apparently has been impressed by the display of viewer passion, which included the delivery of 50,000 pounds of peanuts to its New York offices. In the season finale, a character replies "Nuts!" to a demand that the beleaguered town of Jericho surrender.

That's the same response that a U.S. general in World War II made to a German demand for surrender at the Battle of the Bulge.

There's already been one positive outcome: CBS is donating the protest peanuts to charities, including one that sends care packages to troops overseas.

[erasmus6]

I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!!

[coosagal-2009]

It is official on the Jericho site. It is back for 7 more episodes and a rerun of the first season this summer. I can't wait and thank you CBS for listening!

[momandfamily]

Please make it official! This WAS the best show we've seen on Network television!!

[judist63]

I am so thankful for any support that we have gotten from the press and that CBS is taking the time to try to do what is right by Jericho and it's fans. We honestly love this show and we would have continued to fight idefinately until they heard us.

[islapi]

CBS not renewing Jericho? Now theres a decision thats nuts ;)

[jennmarie620]

D*mn right, they better bring Jericho back! Honestly, there hasn't been a television show like this in YEARS! Perhaps, over a decade. It's daring, beautifully written and superbly acted - and is the ONLY thing i insist on watching on TV. My daughter even likes watching it with me, and she's 6! It was a wonderful springboard to discuss things with her - like geography, government, what to do if (gods forbid) anything happen!, and other questions she had about things. I LITERALLY cried when Gerald McRaney's character died, and I cried again when they cancelled it. I wrote my fair share of e-mails and letters, too.

This is one of the best television programs out there - so much more than just a TV show. It's a glimpse at the human spirit in all its glory and horror.

[ssg978-2009]

Thank you for reconsidering what was, in hindsight, a poor decision for an excellent show. As hard as we fought to convince you to bring "Jericho" back, know that we will exert the same efforts and energie to support the show upon its return. All we ask is for the same calibre of fine writing, true support from CBS and the return of as many of the cast as might be contractually possible. However, please don't simply discard castmembers in a cost-savings maner and we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with CBS!

[jessielynne7]

Bring back Jericho!!

[judyk1959]

My husband and I are big fans of Jericho. We have been very disappointed about it being canceled. We would be very excited if CBS would bring it back. CBS, show us you are listening. Bring Jericho back!!!

[galaxyflier]

I can seriously respect a network that truly listens to it's viewers. I must say though, looking at the fall lineup, Jericho will be the only show I will watch right now. Hopefully they will begin to clean up their programming and get away from reality TV. I hate reality TV.