R.I.P. Jericho, 2006-2008

[Xray]

CBS cancels cult favorite after two seasons; network will air series-finale version of Tuesday's episode.

Gather your nuts, Jericho fans, because here we go again.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, CBS has decided to cancel the apocalyptic drama...again. Citing sources, the trade says that producers have been told the show is ending its run.

One of the feel-good stories of last season, Jericho survived cancellation thanks to a well-publicized fan campaign that changed the minds of CBS executives. The network granted the show a shortened second season of just seven episodes, the last of which airs Tuesday.

Jericho producers prepared for the worse and shot two season finales, one of which would lose any cliffhanger ending and serve as a series finale. That ending will air Tuesday.

"In what we call our original ending... that one simply continues the story and starts the mission for season three," executive producer Carol Barbee told TV.com earlier this year. "The alternate ending just doesn't do that. It brings everybody together and you see where everybody is and it gives a lot more emotional resolution."

It's been a long roller coaster ride for Jericho's crew and fans, but in the end, the "speculative fiction" drama just couldn't bring in the viewers. The show pulled in comparable numbers to its first season, and tailed off dramatically after the season premiere.

The chances of another miracle revival are slim, as CBS already gave the show a chance and cable outlets won't risk footing the bill of the show's production.

CBS has issued a statement regarding the cancellation of Jericho: "The March 25th episode of Jericho will be the series finale. Without question, there are passionate viewers watching this program; we simply wish there were more. We thank an engaged and spirited fan base for keeping the show alive this long, and an outstanding team of producers, cast and crew that went through creative hoops to deliver a compelling, high quality second season. We have no regrets bringing the show back for a second try. We listened to our viewers, gave the series an opportunity to grow, and the producers put a great story on the screen. We're proud of everyone's efforts."

[alwahla]

I feel really bad because of this. That show was one of the best on tv and it was also done very well. RIP Jericho!

[Jedi Tucker]

Jeeze, I thought someone had died