Neilsen ratings are less and less relevent these days. Lost is a very well rated show, that’s why the execs didn’t want them to end in season 6.

It definitely is not on the air just because “the end is so close”. Weren’t you just telling everyone that the networks don’t care about pleasing the fans if the ratings are bad? I swear you just said that.

I agree that generally Neilsen viewers are the only facts that matter, but that’s exactly why these campaigns are actually effective. They can prove to the networks that there is a loyal fanbase. And more importantly, they can prove to the advertisers that there is a loyal fanbase. Because a loyal and vocal fanbase is more likely to do anything necessary to keep a show on the air. Including buying products advertised (See Subway and Chuck) on the show, buying the DVDs, purchasing movie tickets, etc.

Jericho almost got renewed a second time, and that’s despite that they didn’t even blink when they canceled it the first time. Friday Night Lights was on the verge of being canceled, and they got 3 more seasons out of it, because Dish Network saw it’s fanbase and realized the potential. Serenity may have “bombed”, but it made back it’s budget from the ticket sales alone, and that’s before you factor in the inevitable DVD purchasing frenzy.

You are absolutely right, they could care less about making us happy. Otherwise TV series would never get canceled mid-season. But it happens. The only thing they care about is the dollar aspect. And that’s exactly why fan campaigns can and do make a difference. It’s put up or shut up, and in many cases, the fans put up enough to save a show. Plus, beyond all that, the publicity that these campaigns raise for the show is often an added bonus, as they often equate in at least an initial boost to ratings.

I’ve said before, the only bad thing about fan campaigns is they often come to late. If the show is already canceled, the task is made infinitely more difficult. But I think the evidence is there that success is definitely possible. Though again, not likely in this case.

Anyway, the Farscape fans did a ton of stuff including (but not limited to) creating several television commercials that aired in several different markets, donated Farscape DVD sets to libraries, donated Farscape DVD sets to the military, sent letters and emails to the studios, placed ads in Variety and Hollywood Reporter, etc. What makes it more impressive to me is that the campaign lasted a rather long time, and it didn’t lose any momentum after only a few weeks. It actually got stronger as time went on, lasting for well over a year. The campaign got mentioned on several news outlets, and some of the people behind the it were even interviewed on air (most notably by CNN Headline News and the BBC).

All that effort was successful in getting a concluding miniseries made, and I think it helped to pave the way for future fan campaigns by showing lots of different avenues that can be successful.

Part of a DVD feature talking about the cancellation and fan reaction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVK3YnTM7g4&feature=related

My favorite fan-made trailer for the show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InBZmWFgeeI

The truth is, the issue of whether or not to renew a show comes down to how much they can make on it between products and advertisements. When fans launch a campaign like that, the number goes up. When it’s all over the news that several thousand pounds of peanuts are being sent from fans, advertisers see the potential in the show. It’s suddenly clear that people are willing to spend money to keep their favorite show on the air.

See also Chuck and Subway. If you guys seriously think that vocal fan support doesn’t have an effect on whether or not a show gets renewed, then that’s pretty short sighted.

Besides 5 hours of additional content is more than a movie would be.

Me suspects behind the scenes shenanigans…