Jericho Boss Hopes to Return — But for Good

As first scooped by the Ausiello Report, CBS is pondering new life for Jericho, reportedly at mid-season and for eight episodes. But as many have since asked, for only eight episodes? Or, best case, for lots more? "The idea would not be to bring it for eight and out, but... with the hope that it would keep going," executive producer Carol Barbee tells the Los Angeles Times. Hurdles include rounding up the "surviving" cast, as well as solving some "logistical" puzzles. "[The new CBS drama] Swingtown was supposed to take over the same stages," Barbee explains, "so it's a lot about [finding] a schedule that works for all of us."
Originally, says the Times, CBS proposed a two-hour "wrap-up" movie, but Barbee "felt like that was doing it short-shrift. It's too big of a story."
And the big moral here? "Networks are going to have to look at numbers and who is watching their show and who is downloading their show in a different way from here on out," says Barbee. "They have to understand that the Nielsens are not telling the story anymore and that the 18-49 demographic they're all so keen on is online."
UPDATE: Jericho has officially been picked up. See the Ausiello Report for details - and what the show's fans must do to ensure its longevity.