It was an odd, almost heretical thought at first.

I recently realized I was thankful — one might say grateful — Jericho had been canceled (and resurrected, of course!).

See, I read this article in the Canadian press about Jericho’s premiere date in the Great White North, and it turns out on television up that way, Jericho will air on the same station as, and immediately after, American Idol.

Geez, I thought. If only that had happened here, in the States. After all, part of the reason the ratings dropped off after the first half of the season was because it aired against that ratings behemoth. It didn’t help that it had suddenly disappeared off the air sometime in November and came back with pretty much no warning or promotion, either, but let’s get real. Like it or not, American Idol is THE ratings winner and is hard to beat in the ratings war.

If Jericho had been on in the U.S. immediately after AI, rather than programmed against it, Jericho might never have been canceled. It might, even, have easily gotten a second season.

Then I realized I was glad that hadn’t happened.

I’ve made lots of friends in this fan-based effort first to resurrect and then to promote Jericho.

Having folks do guest blogs last summer, for the Season 1 repeats was an absolute blast. I sent out random e-mails to a dozen or so folks who’d responded to posts I’d written about Jericho, expecting to — maybe — get a couple of replies. Then, I scheduled two people per recap, because I didn’t know any of these people; who knew if everyone was going to come through?

Hah.

The recaps took off like gangbusters. I really enjoyed reading everyone’s thoughts and creative approaches. It was like watching the episodes all over again.

I had FUN.

To this day, I get e-mails almost every day from one of my Jericho buddies.

Sometimes it’s to share a Jericho tidbit for a daily fix. Sometimes it’s to ask a question. Sometimes to share a bit of news about … anything.

I realized I was, indeed, thankful Jericho was canceled, though of course that would have never occurred to me way back when in May when we first got the bad news.

So I’ve asked the fans I’ve gotten to know best to share with me their thoughts about why they were thankful Jericho was canceled (and resurrected!). Please share yours in the comments after the post.

After the break, hear what they had to say (with links to their first guest blog recaps, for those who participated last summer).

maybei (Vicki : – ) fan in Texas):

It is odd that the canceling of a TV show could have turned out to be a good thing.

Yes, being involved in the campaign was fun and rewarding – to see how so many could come together to make a difference. But it is the friendships that has made this special.

I have made so many wonderful friends at Radio Free Jericho and Jeritopia. (won’t list but you know who you are)

Above all, that is what is most important to me. Everything else, is just icing on the cake.

***

Kay (penskls)

I’m very grateful for the people I’ve met through “Jericho’s” first season, cancellation and incredible resurrection. All of the efforts, nationwide, have renewed my faith that if people work together, they CAN bring about change. By joining forces, we formed a movement that a national network couldn’t ignore. They listened to us because we were steadfast in our belief, stated our issues and asked that they respect our views.

Granted, we weren’t trying to save the world. But we all felt certain this television show deserved a second chance and our feelings were relevant. And it wasn’t just about “Jericho”. We wanted them to see that the current ratings system was antiquated, too.

Never in my life have I participated in something like this. It was some kind of experience to see the protest not only take shape, but to succeed. They keep saying we made television history. That wasn’t the point, we just wanted them to give “Jericho” a chance to grow. It will soon be back on the air and WE MADE IT HAPPEN! Kudos to everyone who had any part in this amazing “Jericho” saga—may it continue for a long time!

***

Briarpatch
aka Charlene in Mississippi

I have been participating on the Internet since 2000, and in those years, I have found a lot of life long friends through various social networking groups. However, I cannot believe the number of really good, really solid friendships I have formed within the Jericho fan group in such a truly short time. I have a book club group who has actually taken two trips together, and with whom I have been closely associated all those seven years. But that is a handful of people, maybe six total. In the short time since the Nuts campaign, I have bonded with at least 30 people I would invite to my home, and as you have already witnessed, I would gladly help in any way I could. This reason is certainly sufficient, but one other thing I wanted to mention is the sheer magnitude of the feat we have accomplished and the impact this will have on broadcast television in my future. I know this will bring only good things for all of us down the road.

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Jane Sweat/’Margie’

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” – TB

Had Jericho not been cancelled I never would have met all the nice people I call friends. Those friends have changed my life. I wish I could name each one here but that would take all your blog space.

The moment that took my breath away and changed me for the better was when these friends joined together and gave my dog Arabelle (Boo) a foster home. How many online friends would do that? It took almost as much effort as saving Jericho and I am forever in their debt.

I am also thankful for the cancellation because that’s how I met Beth which led us to create Margie and Edna. Life just wouldn’t be the same without them and Remote Access!

***

Yvonne (auntvonna)

I’m glad Jericho was cancelled (and subsequently resurrected) for two reasons. Like Amy, one of the main reasons is that it gave me the opportunity to “meet” some really amazing people who I would not have come in contact with otherwise; talk about some truly talented, passionate and just plain nice people! I haven’t met any of you face to face yet, but I hope to one day because you all are just plain inspiring!

The other reason is that, thanks to Amy allowing me to guest blog here, it gave my self-confidence a boost and started my own creative juices flowing. As a result, when ChaCha.com (a guided search engine I work for part-time from home) asked me to do a blog on one of my other interests, alternative and complimentary medicine, I accepted (and I doubt I would have before this experience).

***

Terocious

Jericho’s resurrection has caused me to re-think boundaries. All through the “Save” campaign I remained skeptical that the show would be brought back. I had simply seen things go the other way so many times that something inside me refused to believe a victory was possible. Still, I refused to give up and when the word came down that Jericho would be returning I felt the doorway of limitations open wide. Ten months later I am still enjoying this fresh perspective on what is possible!

***

Charlene (of Yonkers)

I am glad Jericho was cancelled and brought back because
1) It shows just how much this show was loved and CBS could not take the nuts thing (I do admit I did send some)
2 ) I just love to read the blog but wish I could post more often
3 ) I love Margie and Edna lol; reminds me of Gracie Leigh, just can’t figure out which one LOL
4) Was so upset it was gone then read it came back thanks to your blog Amy
5) All my friends who did not watch are now intrested in watching with all my yack yack about how I love Jericho and how it came back, hopefully we can get more viewers.
I just adore this show and can’t wait for it to return.

***

kricka/Erika

Like most of us, I am thankful for and grateful to all the wonderful people I have met, simply because CBS cancelled this awesome show. They have been an inspiration and are smart, funny and amazingly supportive folk. But along with that, I have gotten a peek into how hard people will work for something they believe in. I had kind of lost my faith in the power of the people, and it was great to know that so many were so willing to work so hard, and for the most part, work together for a mutual goal.

On a very personal note, I spent a good amount of my teenage years thinking I was a huge dork. And I kinda was. It was not unusual for me to crack wise in class, only to have my classmates look at me like there was something wrong with me. But my new Jericho friends not only support my silly outbreaks, they actually encourage them. So, I may still be a dork, but it’s nice to not have the whole ‘room’ look at me like there’s something hanging out of my nose. Thanks, guys.

***

Richard Becker (Copywrite, Ink)

I’m grateful that fans saved Jericho because it demonstrated how television viewers have become media consumers, and how actively many of them want to be engaged with with their entertainment choices on every level. It really demonstrates that television as we know it has evolved, when people watch shows and seek out friends to share conversations with online. Jericho really brought this to the forefront and paved the way for other shows, a review of the rating system, and some of the issues revolving around the Writer’s Strike.

Personally, I have met hundreds of wonderful people throughout the campaign, people who took the time to offer comments, share ideas, and answer questions along the way. I would consider many of them friends today; and honored to be considered a friend by any of them. That’s the real measure of success — when the relationship forged around a show transcend the show. At least, that’s what I think.

***

Shelby (Jericho4Kids)

I am thankful that Jericho was canceled and especially that it was brought back because of all the nice people I have got to meet and make friends with. I am thankful for Shaun O’Mac and Bob Stephenson and all of the nice people that I met at the set. I am thankful to be a part of the Jericho family.

***

Hawksdomain

I am thankful for all of the friends I have made, for the people I have gotten to know, for the people I’ve been able to help (through the Jericho Rangers 4 Our Troops site), and most of all for the new found confidence and strength that I have found within myself by coming out of my shell more since working so hard with so many people to get Jericho resurrected!

I wanted to add that the greatest thing in the whole world to come from Jericho is the wonderful friendship I have made with Kystorms! After many discussions on many topics, she seems to be my cosmic twin. Every once in a while, we will talk about how one of handles a particular situation (one instance was getting out of bed) and discovered we do it the same way!

***

Beth/LisiBee/’Edna’

I’m thankful that Jericho was canceled for many reasons, almost too many to list. I’m thankful that I got to be part of such a large-scale and passionate fan-based effort that supported such a wonderful show. It was hard work, but oh, so much fun. I’m thankful for all the people I’ve met, and the good friends I’ve made — I don’t know that I would have met them otherwise. I’m thankful that the protest worked! It’s made me appreciate the power of the little people more than I ever did before. And I’m thankful that I learned what I had always heard was true: one voice can make a difference. My voice is important and powerful, and I will never think otherwise ever again.