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.

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.

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?

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?

It’s not a country, it’s just a company

It's not a country, it's just a company

By the way, I do watch Lost (online only). I am wondering how many seasons are now left???

By the way, I do watch Lost (online only). I am wondering how many seasons are now left???

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.

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.

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.

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.

All things considered, that seems a very reasonable approach to me.

All things considered, that seems a very reasonable approach to me.

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.

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.

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 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 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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

“Coconut” is on my ipod! And I just looked…and so is “Without You”. 37 years later and it still holds up for me

“Coconut” is on my ipod! And I just looked…and so is “Without You”. 37 years later and it still holds up for me