Happy news for all fans (myself included) of "Jericho," CBS has rescinded their decision to cancel the show, after "nutty" protests over the drama's cancellation had top brass peppered with peanuts sent in the mail.
Skeet © Chris Hatcher / Photorazzi
It will return next season, the network said Wednesday.
CBS said the show deserved another chance, also mentioning the show needed wider appeal.
"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," CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler said in a posted letter to "Jericho" fans.
The letter was released to The Associated Press.
"You got our attention; your emails and collective voice have been heard," Tassler wrote, and seven episodes have been ordered for midseason 2007-08. "In success, there is the potential for more. But, for there to be more `Jericho,' we will need more viewers."
Fans must do their part to rally interest while the network does its job, she said.
CBS is planning a campaign to reintroduce "Jericho," including rerunning the show on CBS this summer, streaming episodes and clips online and releasing the first season on DVD on Sept. 25. The show's return date and scheduling has yet to be determined.
CBS had to complete new deals with cast members, including star Skeet Ulrich, before announcing its decision.
Since "Jericho" was canceled last month the network has been deluged with calls, messages and shipments of peanuts.
"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."
CBS notes that "fan enthusiasm included the delivery of 50,000 pounds of peanuts to its New York offices."
In the season finale, a character replies "Nuts!" - the very same response that a U.S. general in World War II made to a German demand for surrender at the Battle of the Bulge as a response to a demand that the town of Jericho surrender.
http://www.cbs.com
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