The Sci-Fi Apocalypse Series That Defied Cancelation

The first 22-episode season follows the residents of the fictional town of Jericho, Kansas, in the aftermath of several nuclear attacks on 23 cities across the United States. The residents must come together to navigate the challenges posed by the collapse of society and the emergence of new power dynamics. Jake Green returns to Jericho and becomes a central figure in the town’s struggle for survival.

Jericho Season 1 primarily focuses on the mystery surrounding the attacks, the struggle for resources, and the tensions within and outside the town. The season finale, “Why We Fight,” left viewers with a cliffhanger that set the stage for the next chapter. But the series was canceled due to lower-than-desired viewership numbers.

The decision sparked a passionate response from fans who rallied to save Jericho. Supporters organized various campaigns, including the iconic “nuts” effort, inspired by a memorable line from the show. Fans sent thousands of pounds of nuts to CBS executives to symbolize their refusal to be dismissed, echoing a line from series protagonist Jake Green.

In response, CBS decided to give Jericho a second season of seven episodes. Season 2 delves deeper into the conspiracy behind the attacks and explores the geopolitical fallout. The characters face new challenges as they strive to rebuild their lives in a world filled with uncertainty. Despite the dedicated fan base, CBS canceled the series again due to poor ratings.

After Jericho’s cancellation, there were attempts to revive the series in different formats. In March 2009, Devil’s Due Publishing announced that they would continue the story in a comic book. The first installment of a six-part series was released in November 2009. IDW Publishing reissued the initial three comics under the title Jericho: Redux in May 2011.

IDW Publishing also released the remaining issues, completing the entire publication. In August 2011, IDW compiled all six comics into a 144-page graphic novel titled Jericho Season 3: Civil War. The story provided closure to some of the remaining plotlines from the television show. It was well-received by fans who appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with the characters in some form.

Jericho Season 1 currently holds a 48 percent critic rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. The critical consensus on the site described the show as “failing to capitalize on the vast potential of its post-apocalyptic concept. Instead, it relies on overused conventions rather than charting a new course, resulting in a recycled narrative rather than an innovative reboot.”

Jericho Season 2 received a slightly higher Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 60 percent from critics. The consensus acknowledges improvement in the story, describing it as a “redeeming chapter” that delves more deeply into the theme of humanity’s fresh start. However, it also critiques the series for maintaining a superficial treatment of weighty subject matter and introducing conspiratorial plots.