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NBC gives 'Journeyman' two weeks notice
We're hearing that the next two weeks are crucial for NBC's Journeyman. While nothing official has been decided, the rumor is that if the Nielsen numbers don't rise for the Nov. 19 and 26 episodes, the network will yank the show, without airing all the episodes produced.
The network is only interested in the live Nielsens, not DVR viewers or downloads, says a show staffer. This is a problem for the show, because the majority of emails the show gets is from fans who watch online. Since ads touting the ability to watch Journeyman for free online are common, that's hardly surprising.
The show staff is hoping for the best, according to our source. "I feel like we take the fan community very seriously. [For example], when Langley appeared on the show, he got a huge response as someone who could give answers, not more questions. We went back and added more of him. We've been loyal to our fanbase."
Now it's time to see if the fanbase will be loyal to the show. Want to help? Check out the Fans of Journeyman Facebook group. Of course, the only way to truly save the show is to watch tonight and next week, and make sure everyone else you know tunes in too.
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edgar | Nov 19, 2007 1:24:58 PM | #Actually, this is the largest Journeyman group on Facebook, not the one listed in above ...
http://gmu.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4780514770
I've Dvr'd this show from the start as it doesn't show at a time good for me to watch, but then go back and watch later. This is the way alot of shows are watched by myself and many others. The network should take into consideration the dvr viewers as well. And really what with the strike going on are they going to replace it with?? If the strike goes on for too long it might be a way to recruit new viewers. The networks pull the plug on shows far too early.
Dee | Nov 19, 2007 1:57:19 PM | #I'm really hoping this show will be picked up for a full season and renewal.
Peter Allan Ker | Nov 19, 2007 2:24:18 PM | #It would be a shame for them to can this show so soon. It really has potential and is just getting better and better. Also, to not take into consideration how many people dvr and watch online is a crying shame. It's almost like they don't want it to succeed. Since NBC owns SCIFI...why don't they just move it over there if necessary.
Sharyn | Nov 19, 2007 3:32:53 PM | #This is a good show, but if they wanted to redo Quantum Leap they should've just brought back Sam Beckett. It's too bad they aren't giving this show much of a chance. Then again, with the writers strike, I think most shows are shooting themselves in the foot.
Lisa | Nov 19, 2007 3:51:29 PM | #The Nielsen Ratings really need to consider changing their rating system because in today's world the great majority of people don't have the time to sit down and watch a show, but rather either video tape or DVR their shows to watch later. Networks & Nielsen Ratings should consider just how many loval fans are disappointed season after season with cancellations of their favoritie shows, only to have them replaced by some other new show which also winds up getting cancelled in a few weeks as well? Journeyman is such a great show and shows so much potential. Come on people give Journeyman at least one full season!!
Leti | Nov 19, 2007 3:58:38 PM | #this is pretty scary news, considering "journeyman" has been one of the better written and acted shows of this new season.
and, i agree the rating system MUST be reexamined. how are you going to judge today's viewing/-er by media system created back when there wasn't a remote!
vcrs, dvrs and online...OH, MY!!
barring that...there should be a television graveyard network where cult hits have an afterlife!!
bottomlesswells | Nov 19, 2007 5:03:00 PM | #This show difinitely needs to stay on the air. It is one of the best written shows on t.v. Sci-fi or not it is very character-driven and consistently answers questions. PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL
Shaggysteve | Nov 19, 2007 5:21:13 PM | #With the writers strike in full swing...why in the hell would a network cancel anything? Give this great show a chance.
timetraveler | Nov 19, 2007 5:45:43 PM | #Neilsen's are a joke. I wish that "Journeyman" could get a real chance. I find that no DVR calculations, the writer's strike, as well as bad use of advertising on NBC all contribute to the possible fall of this great series. It doesn't help that NBC is more often then not the fourth place network with the Neilsen's so I would think that all of that would keep the show on the air. This is a much better show than "The Bachelor and CSI:Miami.
Penny | Nov 19, 2007 6:20:12 PM | #This is a shame if it's true. Look, I can understand some folks not liking this show. It's not for everyone, that's for certain. But it is, without a doubt, one of the better shows this year, IMO, and for me, the reason lies not in the stories (not necessarily, that is), but rather with the acting. The acting's been superb. Kevin McKidd's real good in the lead role, and surrounding cast has done a fairly solid job. They've interweaved a serialized story throughout each episode, allowing viewers to not necessarily be too lost, but there's a procedural element to the show for everyone that likes procedurals (not me).
All in all, tis a shame. That said, I think the ratings bumped up a bit last week, so if Heroes stabilizes, that may help Journeyman out a bit.
Here's to hoping.
Tony | Nov 19, 2007 7:28:35 PM | #This is a great show but if you don't have a Nielsen box how is NBC going to realize that this show is popular. They need to get a better rating system than Nielsen!
mary | Nov 19, 2007 8:28:05 PM | #I always watch Journeyman live, but it doesn't matter. If you're not a Nielsen family you don't count.
This is a real shame, because it's a very good show. Other people's choices in TV shows continue to baffle me. Only rarely does the majority watch a show that is worthy of its ratings.
Lorrie | Nov 19, 2007 8:56:56 PM | #Check out journeymanfansite.com for the capaign to try and save the show! Please register at the site and sign the petition!!!!
petitiononline.com/jmf
If the networks keep ignoring their audience then their audience will eventually start ignoring them.
Take note NBC. Trust works both ways.
Take a page out of Jericho's book. Email NBC, email advertisers who buy ad time during the show, and mainly, tell your friends and family to turn on the damn TV and watch it.
This show is more than just a good show. This thing is a gem. It can be saved, people.
Corey | Nov 19, 2007 10:26:34 PM | #They can't kill my favorite show, can they? No, they cannot!!! I am mad as hell and ain't gonna take it anymore. Journeyman just flat out is the best new show period.
TD | Nov 20, 2007 12:25:57 AM | #All you articulate intelligent fans out there: sign the petition at Journeymanfansite.com and email the suits at NBC. Save our show!
Nena | Nov 20, 2007 1:02:41 AM | #Who actually watches scripted shows when they actually air? I guess if you are a Nielson family you do. The networks need to get with the times! JM, although a bit hard to follow at times, is a awesome show!!! The problem with JM's ratings is the timeslot. The ratings for Winterland were actually up from the previous week. There are too many established shows on Monday for any new show to breathe. Move it, don't cancel it!
Billy | Nov 20, 2007 1:06:49 AM | #JM is very well written and well acted. I enjoy watching it every week. But somehow, I do not find it compelling. Put another way, if I happened to forget to tape it one week, I would not be devastated. I do not know why, because each week, when I do watch it, I always come away satisfied, and consider it one of the best shows on TV.
The problem is, JM is not superficial like most shows, and actually requires viewers to think. TV has always been a mindless escape for the vast majority of the American public, and that will never change. A show like JM will attract a core audience, but will never be a ratings winner. You would think that would be enough for #4 NBC, but their desire to sink to the lowest common denominator to creep up the food chain means JM is probably doomed.
You want to know the final slap in the face? After the strike is over, and new episodes of The Office and Scrubs return, NBC will likely move Celebrity Apprentice to JM's timeslot!
Bummed | Nov 20, 2007 8:03:54 AM | #This makes no sense to me. It sounds like a rumor.
There is no end in sight for the writers strike. Why would NBC pull new original programing off the air? If they are going to cancel it (I hope they don't), they should just burn off all the episodes they have during the typically slow Decemeber. That would be the smartest business decision.
Matt | Nov 20, 2007 8:40:34 AM | #Networks don't care that much about DVR viewers--because advertisers don't like them. They know we fast-forward the commercials!
Adam | Nov 20, 2007 9:15:49 AM | #How can they not be into DVR viewers? Is this the stone age? Besides, studies have shown that forwarding through commercials yields the same brand recognition as watching the commercial.
MJ | Nov 20, 2007 10:16:26 AM | #I thought NBC would be willing to give new shows a chance to develop an audience, didn't they do this with Friday Night Lights? Journeyman is an interesting and very well acted program. I really believe it deserves a chance to remain on to gain viewers. The comment by one viewer about the taping of the shows to watch later is also something most of us do, so why isn't that possibility taken into account by the networks? I hate the antiquated (IMO) system of the Nielsen ratings. As if that really proves what America watches on television.
Please rethink Journeyman, NBC? Peace, Kat
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