Power to the People?

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT (FOX: 2003 – 2006)


It seems that now, post-cancellation, everyone loves Arrested Development. Unfortunately, at the time it was originally airing about 95% of these people must not have been watching. Arrested Development was never much of a ratings winner but a fan campaign that involved sending crates of bananas and ‘strongly worded letters’ to Fox did result in a third and final series. Now if this film would ever just show up.

JERICHO (CBS: 2006 – 2008)


Despite not being all that good, Jericho overcame cancellation to return for a limited second season run. The lengthy measures of fans included a billboard, an online game and, in reference to a scene from the season one finale, fans sent over 20 tons of peanuts to CBS. The ratings still didn’t cut the mustard though and despite a second campaign Jericho was cancelled for good after season two.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (NBC: 2006- 2010)

Like a lot of cancelled shows, it wasn’t the quality of Friday Night Lights that called its future into question, it just simply wasn’t pulling in the audience figures. When all signs suggested that FNL wouldn’t return after the writer’s strike, the ‘Save FNL Campaign’ raised nearly $16,000 and used the money to send footballs to various charities, via network execs. While the series will still be cancelled, this outpouring from fans ensured it got one last season to wrap things up properly.