ABC Soap Opera Cancellation: How to Save a Canceled TV Show

With the recent ABC soap opera cancellation announcement it seems like no show is safe from the axe. This has struck fear in the hearts of everyone with a favorite TV program. Many people are wondering how to fight back when a beloved show has been canceled.

Online Petitions

Online petitions are easy to sign. Seeing the number of signatures increase gives people a sense of accomplishment. Thinking you did something successful makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, doesn't it? Even if it has a lot of signatures, an online petition does not mean much because everyone (including TV executives) knows that some people will sign multiple times. Almost 100% of online petitions aren't verifiable either because, regardless of the instructions, people don't list their real full names and addresses out of fear of providing personal information online. Regardless, any online petitions that exist do need to be signed. An ignored petition could be interpreted as a lack of interest in the show. Online petitions fall under the expression, if it's too good to be true it probably is.

Social Networking Sites and Online Communities

Facebook has become very popular. However, clicking "like" on all of the Facebook pages associated with the canceled TV show isn't going to save it. It's still good to show support for those pages though. However, fans need to realize that a show's "like" rating on Facebook isn't used by the network to decide anything.

Online communities serve a purpose of bringing everyone together to make their game plan. But the fans have to actually get involved beyond joining the group. Repeatedly posting pleas for the show not to be canceled on the official show's website, fan-created sites, and other online communities isn't going to have the desired effect. Only other fans read those posts! Unless you're looking for someone else to do all the hard work to save the show, which is doubtful, your energy would be better used toward methods that will work.

It's an ego boost to start your own petition or group to rally the troops for the cause, but when one already exists it actually hurts the endeavor because it further splits the fan base. Whether you're the creator, one of the leaders, or just a member of 10 similar groups, it's a bit of a dictator complex not to merge them. In the case of the effort to save the ABC soap operas, even protesting hamsters need an ego stroke.

Writing Letters vs. E-mailing

Having everyone send e-mails is a quick way to demonstrate the immense interest in the show to the network, production company, advertisers, etc. However, e-mailing is similar to online petitions in that it won't be taken as seriously as hand-written letters. If that is all the effort someone is willing to make then it won't reverse the cancellation.

Writing letters is an outdated custom that feels like a chore. However, mailed letters are the only form of communication that will be taken seriously by networks and production companies. The letters should be polite, properly formatted, and error-free. If the battle becomes a long one then switch to sending postcards. Postcards do not require being opened and are more likely to be read.

Phone Calls

Depending on the individual business, phone calls might be preferred. Some advertisers like the instant feedback on what's going on with consumers. But sometimes, overzealous fans will use phone calls like a weapon. Telling numerous people to call a certain company at the same time jams the phone lines and brings normal day-to-day business to a grinding halt. All's fair in love and war, right?

Protests and Boycotting

If there are enough people involved, having an organized protest could make an impact. But realistically most canceled shows won't have enough fans for a large demonstration. Sometimes though, shows are canceled that do have a large following such as the ABC soap operas. Boycotting the network is another idea that takes a lot of participation. For this to be successful, contact the advertisers to make them aware of the boycott. If the advertisers will support the canceled program the chances are better of its return.

Donating Money

Money is collected for newspaper ads and billboards to spread the word about the effort to save the show. Depending on the goal, sometimes fans advertise to request the show be made available on DVD or to ask for a TV movie. It can be hard to know which group to donate money to because people will always seek out vulnerable people to take advantage of just like happens during natural disasters. To avoid this always find out what the money is being used for and how many people are in control of the money. Fully investigate before giving money. With trying to save the canceled ABC soap operas, I'd suggest checking out the websites listed under resources.