• by Wayne Friedman , May 6, 2008

"Jericho" could rise from the ashes--again. This time it could air on a traditional cable network.

 

 

Cable network programming executives say CBS Paramount Television, the producer of "Jericho," has been casually asking about resurrecting the show--after two on-again, off-again seasons at CBS.

Executives say Paramount has been talking to a number of networks--including Sci-Fi Channel and Hallmark Channel. Paramount could be looking at three partners for a new deal, perhaps including a cable operator such as Comcast in the mix--as well as trimming back production costs for the show.

The New York Times recently reported that CBS Paramount was possibly looking to start up the show with cable system operator Comcast Corp., perhaps running it on one of its VOD channels.

Experts liken a possible Comcast deal to one that NBC recently made for "Friday Night Lights" with DirecTV to air first-run original episodes on a satellite distributor's channel called The101, which airs a variety of series programming, with NBC getting a second run of the show.

A CBS Paramount Television spokeswoman had no comment at press time. Comcast and Sci-Fi Channel executives did not return phone calls by press time. A Hallmark spokeswoman had no comment.

Paramount wants to salvage "Jericho," according to the executive, to sell it as a Monday-to-Friday series in domestic and/or International syndication markets. Historically, off-network shows have had to accumulate four seasons of shows--or around 100 episodes--to enter syndication or other after-TV markets.

After its initial season, the 2006-2007 broadcast year, CBS did not initially put the show on its schedule for the 2007-2008 season. But after a vigorous online-fan campaign that culminated with over 20 tons of peanuts being sent to executives at CBS, the show returned for a second season.

Then after a few new episodes starting this January--and low ratings--CBS pulled the show again.

The problem with re-starting the show is the show's high $2-million-plus-per-episode price tag. But having two or three partners--possibly co-running the series--would make the financial model work.