CBS's Most Outrageous Cancellation Was This 20-Year-Old Sci-Fi Fans Almost Saved
The show made history twice: first, fans brought it back from the brink of extinction. Second, it became an example of how even that kind of support can't guarantee a long life.
In the world of TV sci-fi, some projects leave a deep mark and a fiercely loyal fan base despite their short lifespan.
And no, we're not talking about Firefly, we're talking about the 2006 series Jericho. The behind-the-scenes struggle for survival proved to be no less dramatic than the fictional post-apocalyptic struggle onscreen.
What Is 'Jericho' About?
The story is set in the small town of Jericho, Kansas, after a series of mysterious nuclear explosions devastates the US. The country is plunged into chaos, but the story focuses on the daily struggles of ordinary people rather than the global catastrophe.
The characters must face harsh trials, including the threat of radiation, shortages of food and medicine, raiding parties, and difficult political choices, as they forge a new society from the ruins of the old.
'Jericho' Was a Truly Smart Apocalyptic Sci-Fi With Relatable Characters
The characters of Jericho aren't superheroes, special agents, or scientists – they're farmers, shopkeepers, teachers, and mayors. Like any other person, they're confused and scared, and they have no ready-made solutions.
The writers have masterfully crafted tense moral dilemmas with no easy answers. Should they let in hungry refugees and risk leaving their own people without food? Or should they negotiate with armed bandits and make a dubious compromise?
The psychological authenticity of the characters, whose fates you immediately care about, elevates Jericho beyond an apocalyptic thriller to a thoughtful exploration of the nature of society and personal responsibility.
Fans Saved 'Jericho' After Season 1, but It Was Canceled for Good Soon After
The fate of the series became a textbook example of audiences struggling with network decisions. After the first season was marred by a long winter hiatus and poor scheduling, CBS canceled the show.
However, fans refused to accept this. They launched a campaign that culminated in delivering tens of tons of peanuts to the network's offices – a reference to the season finale's key line, "Nuts!"
Faced with this pressure, CBS ordered a second season of seven episodes to give the story a proper ending.
Despite the second season's dramatic shift in focus – unraveling the mystery of the disaster and taking the story nationally – ratings once again failed to satisfy the network. This time, the decision was final.
All talk of a feature-length sequel remained just talk and the unfinished storylines were explored only in a comic book series.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Jericho'?
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Jericho has 54% from critics and 83% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, Jericho has a score of 7.9/10.
Where to Watch 'Jericho'?
Jericho is available to stream on Paramount+.
