How's this for the biggest stunner you've heard all day: Sources close to CBS tell me it is extremely likely the Armageddonish drama Jericho--which did not make the CBS '07-'08 schedule a few weeks ago, meaning it was effectilvely canceled—has been revived from the dead and will return for eight episodes for midseason.
Boo-yah!
Still, that news comes with a big ol' fat warning: Jericho's salvation has not yet officially been announced by any official CBS types, so it is subject to change. However, as I said, from everything I'm hearing, it is very likely that Jericho will be rescued. And I, for one, am tipping my hat to you nut freaks who've been sending in pounds of peanuts not only to CBS but also to a slew of offices here at E!. You and the Family Guy fans seem to be carving out a new era where even deceased TV shows can get a second chance. You go with your badass fanpaign selves.
Meanwhile, a little side note for you wondering about the status of Gerald McRaney: I'm told he actually quit the show before it was canceled (which is why his character was killed in the finale), and he will not be returning to Jericho, regardless of the show's status. Says his personal rep: "Gerald is moving on. He's thrilled that HBO has submitted him for Emmy consideration for Deadwood, in which he appeared as publisher George Hearst. Although he enjoyed working with the people at Jericho, the Deadwood experience was one of the best of his entire professional career." Sounds like he needs to score a gig on David Milch's new HBO show, John from Cincinnati (which I love).
I'll let you know any further news as I hear it, as we all anxiously await the official word that Jericho will survive! In the meantime, cross your fingers, say your prayers and help some little old ladies across the street to rack up some good karma.
—Additional reporting by Jennifer Godwin