Sci Fi Channel Picks Up Off-Network Rights to Jericho

NBC Universal-Owned Cable Network Acquires Science-Fiction Series from CBS

By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/23/2008 12:11:00 PM

NBC Universal-owned Sci Fi Channel acquired the off-network cable rights to fan favorite CBS drama Jericho.

Jericho will debut on Sci Fi Monday, Feb. 11 with a four-hour marathon from 7 p.m.-11 p.m. The marathon is timed to the release of the second season of the show, which will premiere on CBS Feb. 12 at 10 p.m.

Jericho was effectively canceled after its first season, but grassroots fan support, culminating in fans sending vast shipments of nuts to CBS executives, resulted in CBS picking up a second season.

“Jericho is a gripping science-fiction series that Sci Fi Channel is excited to add to our schedule,” said Thomas Vitale, senior vice president of programming and original movies, in a statement. “Thanks to the passion and persistence of its loyal viewers who saved this program from being canceled, new viewers can now experience this show for the first time on Sci Fi Channel while CBS continues the story in its second-season run starting this February."

Jericho follows the residents of a small Kansas town dealing with the aftermath of an apparent nuclear attack, leaving them to wonder if they may be the only people left alive in the United States. Along the way, the show throws fans curveballs and twists that would make J.J. Abrams proud.

Sci Fi will air episodes of Jericho in its regular time slot, Mondays at 10 p.m., beginning Feb. 18. Sci Fi HD will simulcast an HD version of the show at the same time.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.