Only a select few shows in TV history have been saved by viewers' grassroots campaigns.
Fans of Roswell, a teen sci-fi drama, helped convince UPN executives to pick up the 2-year-old series canceled by WB by mailing them roughly 12,000 bottles of Tabasco sauce, a favorite food of the alien characters.
In 1983, fans reversed network decisions to drop Cagney & Lacey, CBS' Tyne Daly-Sharon Gless police drama, and St. Elsewhere, NBC's low-rated hospital drama.
Recent campaigns for many other series - notably Once and Again, Nothing Sacred and Now and Again - failed to resurrect them. Networks may receive thousands of letters, but that number translates into only a tiny fraction of one ratings point. A ratings point represents more than 1 million TV households.
- John Kiesewetter
TELEVISION
Save Our Shows
Where to write
Letters probably won't work, but why not?
NBC reporter dies in Iraq
CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ON TOUR
Washington wowed by CSO, Jarvi
CSO, Jarvi impress the press
CONCERT REVIEWS
Marsalis makes Oxford show gold
50 Cent better gangsta than rapper
Triple bill rocks Southgate House
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Get to It: A guide to help make your day
'Phone Booth' rings up $15M debut
'Robin Hood' steals audience's affection
FITNESS
Fit Bits: Ways to stay active and healthy
Fitness Calendar
Warm up, cool down to avoid injuries
