Jericho: CBS to Air Encore Episodes

The fans spoke and the network listened. Now, CBS is trying to show what all the fuss was about the show, 'Jericho'.

Beginning July 6, CBS will air encore episodes of the recently resurrected drama in an effort to draw new viewers for the show's midseason return. This would have never come to fruition if not for the unprecedented movement by the fans of the show, which ultimately led to its renewal. Whether it was the letters, emails, phone calls, or even the tons of nuts delivered in protest to the CBS offices, CBS rewarded their dedication out of amazement of their efforts.

For those who are new to the show, 'Jericho' is a drama set in the small farm town of Jericho, Kansas after a series of nuclear terrorist attacks take place around the country, leaving the town searching for answers about the outside world and ways to survive in the meantime. There are also other intriguing storylines such as Jake Green, who returns to town before the bombs drop after a five year absence and is sort of a prodigal son character. There is also Robert Hawkins, an FBI agent whose true identity remains a mystery for much of the first season.

The first encore episode will be the pilot episode followed by the episode, "Return to Jericho," which recaps the first half of the season. The spring season will be shown in its entirety for the rest of the encores.

The popularity of this show was severely underestimated by the network. Nielsen ratings are no longer an accurate reading of viewership in today's television world. Take into account the emergence of on demand programming; digital video recorders, and online content, there are many alternatives to watching a show. The decision to split the show into two separate seasons hurt its viewership as well.

As a viewer of the show, this show earned a second chance with the quality of its content and the show of support by its legions of fans. The show started off with a bang, literally, with its pilot episode. However, the spring season is where the show really showed its true potential. These encore episodes that feature the spring season very well may benefit the show in the long run. To potential new viewers, this show is much like '24' or 'Lost' in that it is of the serial drama variety. To see what all the outrage was about over its potential cancellation, watch 'Jericho', Fridays at 9 on CBS.