Why 'Moonlight' needed killin'

“Very poor judgment call for CBS to have made. You weren't calculating accurately. At the NY Comic Con...it received an enormous crowd screaming for Season 2. You will kick yourself in the rear end with this grievous error! Reconsider your decision, CBS!” 

That’s one of 93 hyperventilating comments on THR.com’s story of the “Moonlight” cancellation last week. Actually, it’s the very top comment -- you don’t need to burrow far down into the list to get the general idea.

“Moonlight” fans have always been scary-intense. They organized a national blood drive to try to save the show. With CBS lowering the axe, they went apocalyptic. They’re angrily emailing complaints to CBS, the media and even its studio, Warner Bros. (and the studio is, of course, the one party that’s actually trying to save the show). 

In a sense, so much passion cannot be wrong. Any program that inspires this much intensity is inherently effective … even if it’s about a shirtless vampire with billowy hair and dreamy abs caught in an impossible forbidden romance with the one human who’s captured his heart.

So “Moonlight” has a devoted fan base and, sure, it deserves an afterlife … somewhere. But it did not deserve a second season on CBS. Some shows need killin’ and “Moonlight” was one of them.

The problem wasn’t the “Moonlight” ratings, precisely.

At first, the word from within CBS was that “Moonlight” would likely return. But then the numbers started going south. In the past few weeks, “Moonlight” won its time period, sure, but against mostly repeats. Even Friday’s season finale -- as if to underscore CBS’ decision -- hit a record-low 1.8 rating among adults 18 to 49.

If the “Moonlight” episodes were entirely self-contained stories, like CBS lead-in “Ghost Whisperer” and lead-out “Numbers,” a pickup could have been tempting. But “Moonlight” is semi-serialized, and ratings for such shows usually only trend one direction. Once viewers step out of an ongoing story line, they rarely step back in. This has been the case with “Lost,” “Heroes,” “Battlestar Galactica” and, yup, that CBS harbinger of cult-TV doom, “Jericho.”

Serialized shows also tend to suffer if there's any major scheduling gap. Based on how its cult-driven, sci-fi predecessors have performed, it was extremely unlikely “Moonlight” would return to higher numbers next fall. The show was going down by the head and CBS rightfully bailed.

Plus, with CBS’ “let’s get back in our box” programming strategy for next fall, “Moonlight” doesn’t fit. “Moonlight” would have stuck out on the schedule as a low-rated hangover from last season’s new experimental shows that didn’t work.

Does “Moonlight” have a chance someplace else? Producer Warner Bros. is still approaching cable nets, such as TNT. They’re scouting states where the show could be shot cheaper. There’s still a chance, albeit a very slim one.

The show’s overall cost makes it a tough sell. A lower-rated net might splurge to try and buy “Moonlight” for some publicity and fresh viewers. But star Alex O’Loughlin probably wouldn’t follow the series to anything less than a major cable net. Thanks to “Moonlight,” O’Loughlin is now in demand and is likely to wind up on another major series -- if he doesn’t stay hitched to the vampire drama.

Comments

[Jennifer]

If Moonlight should be canceled because of ratings 'going south' then by your reasoning so should shows like Ghost Whisperer and CSI. If you compare average viewers (new episodes_ for Moonlight before the writers' strike and after there was a 1.5% decrease. CSI has had a drop of 7% when you compare average viewers pre-strike and post strike. Ghost Whisperer is averaging almost one million less viewers this year than last year. It's season premier was down 16% overall and 25% in the demo. It's demo has decreased since the end of the strike too.

So if ratings were the reason Moonlight 'needed killin' ' then it seems that shows that lost a far larger share of their audience also should share the same fate. Especially shows like Ghost Whisperer who have lost viewers each year.

[Horta]

Lost a LOT more than that in Adults 18-49! That's what counts you know

[Lucy Carriker]

Moonlight was given a mandate that, under the circumstances that media outlets-including your own-have described as a "bust" in terms of May sweeps, they couldn't possibly meet. According to your own article tv audiences for all the networks are down 7 million viewers since last November. Last November CBS claimed that Moonlight helped it win sweeps. Since Moonlight premiered last September it helped CBS either come in first every Friday, or not less than second, and that can probably be counted on one hand. So, the show was expected to build an audience when every other show on tv, even the really successful ones, like American Idol, or CSI, were losing viewers, even if they have such a huge numbers they can, fortunately for them, take the hit. I think that the comment that Moonlight couldn't hack it with CBS' new line up is wrong. Once upon a time, a program on a network that bested the ones on the other networks would still be on the schedule. Although Women's Murder Club did get more viewers than Moonlight, it didnt' get the demo, and Friday Night Lights usually came in third or lower up against Moonlight back before all the shows ran out of episodes because of the strike. The "Club" was cancelled, and Friday Night Lights would be history, too, except that NBC, for some strange but wonderful reason, went that extra mile to try to show the fans of that series that they do consider them, and was able to get a deal with DirecTV and allow the show to hang on at least for another half season.
Moonlight managed to build an audience when critics last fall said it was DOA. The whole show was recast, and lost its showrunner right at the beginnning. According to the star(Alex O'Loughlin, bless him) of the show's MySpace blog, the show had five different showrunners. For some reason they let one of the creators go somewhere along the line. I think it is a testament to the actors who did a great job, I think, of maintaining the integrity of the characters. If they hadn't been professional and disciplined, plus dedicated to their characters, the strong characterization, which was the show's strong point, would have suffered. A show going through that much turmoil can't help but get bloodied, and, yes, there were times it showed. Because the show recast and because of the other things, it ended up filming during the strike last year, with no writers to tweak script problems.
CBS doesn't know when it is well off. There is a legiimate argument that they shouldn't have cancelled Moonlight's predecessor, which did better than Moonlight in viewers and demo, yet it didn't suit CBS. However, I don't know why it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that a generic show about a lawyer, especially a lady lawyer with a cute baby and husband, will probably garner a million or so more viewers than a show about a vampire. However, I think that for a show about a vampire, especially on one of the older "broadcast" networks, Moonlight drew a pretty good audience. That just shows CBS' unrealistic expectations not only for that, and just how they don't, IMO, want to face up to the fact that the old way of measuring audiences, etc. is not working any more.
Anythings possible, but I would be willing to bet that by next October, CBS has pulled the plug on Moonlight's successor. Why can't they accept that Friday night is a marginal night, especially for wanting young people to tune in. They have been waiting for an audience "demo" to show up for at least four years since they did Threshold(and that was stupid, did they think that the fans of Stargate were going to not watch it on Scifi and tune in to CBS?) and its not gonna happen.
I hope that CBS will just quit trying to produce shows like Moonlight. They won't support them, because they aren't mainstream and will have a limited audience. If they don't change their way of thinking, they are going to become more and more irrelevant, even more so than their competitors.

[April_xf]

So a show that won a PCA for Best New Drama (has this ever been done before?) and the last time I checked the #1 download at Amazon's Unbox for CBS series, plus #4 of all TV series and #10 in total downloads deserved to be cancelled? Those with Nielsen boxes aren't the only people who watch. Some of us record in some form so we can watch when we get home from our non-9 to 5 jobs, others have been spending MONEY buying the episodes via the net. CBS has made a mistake good thing the X-Files wasn't on CBS or it wouldn't have made it past a year.

[Suzanne Fasulo]

One question, how do explain CBS renewing "Big Brother". Have you seen the ratings for that horror of a show?

Another thing I find hard to comprehend is the demographics of adults 18-49 being the end all of ratings. First of all, I'm 59, I have three children ages 34, 31, and 23 and three grandchildren. I have more buying power than all three of them put together. I do most of the buying of what they cannot afford, especially for my grandchildren. Most of the time they are penny-pinching just to get along here on Long Island. Why is this demographic the holy grail with advertisers? Okay, that two questions, sorry.

[Robbie]

It is beyond me why this network wants the 18-49 demographic to stay home on a Friday night at 9pm to watch TV (duh). By 9pm, everyone under 30 is going out on Friday night.

Besides, what makes them think that people over 50 are not watching the show? What a crying shame this show got the axe, because it was good. And I don't mean good in that 'Buffy' or 'Angel' way, because I have never watched those shows. Moonlight stood on it's own two feet!

This show would have been great on a Wednesday or Sunday night. The CBS 'powers that be' really messed up with this one. And just for the record, I only came to CBS on Friday for Moonlight, as I don't like Ghost Whisperer (not a 'great' show), or Numbers.

[Lynn M. Rogers]

RE: Why "Moonlightng" Needs to Be Resurrected

I find interesting and always telling that some people think they know more than others. And I am so tired of the writer's strike the fate of Jericho-(we love Jericho too) bu Jericho and Moonlight have a different premise.

Then it get's a People's Choice Award. The show is in good time slot.
The show rearranged things in the beginning and now they have a solid writing team-great producers-great music by the talented Trevor Morrris (The Tudors) and Moonlighting plus many others-Trevor did some of the moving music for Moonlight.
All these we positives so the ratings just to not jive with yours truly. Too many positives and I believe with Jericho happenings Nina Tassler wanted to wash her hands of all Moonlight-it's fans who were caught by surprise as much as the actors and crew. CBS made a another bad judgement-they have a great track record of not supporting shows-not doing enough promos ect.

Of course the Moonlight Fans were mad it is the way in which this whole cancellation-bad PR move-Nina knows it. She told in various articles that "Jericho was one of the factors for the concellation of Moonlight." We know there is more going under the table all Moonlight Fans want is the truth that is what we have always wanted but CBS pulled that rug-in rush of bad feelings and now she has also taken some of the re-runs out of the programming schedule now that is history. We will continue to mobilize and redirect our efforts to charities-RED CROSS-and other areas we can focus on like the Nielsens-do they (CBS) think that 2 back to back episodes of Ghost Whisperer enough to stop the Moonlight Fans-just bring it on...we are ready to handle it-believe me.

Best,
lynn M. Rogers
Devoted Moonlight Fan

[Mimi]

Nina did NOT tell the truth about the cancellation. There was a lot churning under the water that the fans didn't know about with respect to CBS wanting WB to foot more of the bill for MOONLIGHT. Nina made a fool of herself and CBS by stating that Jericho and ratings were the reasons for booting MOONLIGHT. MOONLIGHT consistently helped to win Friday night for CBS, won numerous awards and, regardless of the age of the fans, had a solid fan base. She lied, she got caught and now she has egg on her face. Cancel MOONLIGHT CBS but don't lie to me as though I am stupid and can't find out what really happened.

[Melinda Maddox]

I just read a lot of posts about the ratings for Moonlight, and the age bracket 18-49 is a real kicker!! I'm 59 and my two teenager granddaughters and I love this show. WHY does this rating board not care about our age bracket???

These are the most likley people to be at home on a Friday night!!! Do we not count???

CBS needs to take a longer look at this show, and even a better look at some of these reality shows that are awful!!

Moonlight and ALL the current actors NEED to be back for a full second season. I watch Ghostwhisper and OF COURSE MOONLIGHT but I don't watch Numbers.

There should be a better way of computing ratings since there are SO MANY of us MOONLIGHT fans that are doing so much to keep Moonligh on TV. With all this fuss I would think that the network would realize this is NOT the show to cancel ESPECIALLY with ALEX O'LOUGHLIN, no matter what the price.

IT IS TRULY WORTH ANY PRICE, WAKE UP !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kim Bullock]

Most TV shows are entertaining while you watch them, and completely forgettable afterwards. The difference with Moonlight is that it stays with you all week (or all through a writers' strike. This is the ony show I have ever seen that has moved me to such an emotional level that I would donate money for ads to resurrect the show, and hound networks to pick it up. I've never done such a thing for another show. And it is not just about Alex's beautiful face (or abs - though they're great, too). The writing, the acting, the characters are all wonderful. Bring this show back and the fans will follow.

[Rafferty Rulz]

Rapid? You betcha. 8 million viewers, with disposal income that a network could sell to their advertisers, love their vampire and will follow Moonlight to the network that realizes adding Moonlight to its stable of shows is a golden opportunity. I've read the cancelling Moonlight was purely a business decision. I submit that a network looking to acquire a show that has touched the hearts and imagination of fans world-wide would be a good business decision as well. Just think of the marketing opportunities!

I would also like to point out that "Twilight" will be hitting theaters December 2008 and a network looking to piggy-back on a series that's been hailed as the next "Harry Potter," would do well to consider Moonlight's growth potential. The buzz Moonlight has already generated among fans of that genre can only increase. Again. Just think of the marketing opportunities!

And to prove the disposal-income point, hundred’s of those “rapid” fans will be flying into Los Angeles, from across the country, to spend their money at MoonlightCon 2008 (May 24th & 25th). Because of the recent cancellation of Moonlight, a rally has been scheduled at Warner Bros on Friday, May 23rd at 2:00 pm PST just outside the WB gate at the corner of North Pass and West Olive streets.

This is a support rally for Warner Bros, Silver Pictures and Moonlight; not a protest against CBS.

Also, fans have sponsored an ad to run in The Hollywood Reporter (Wednesday, May 21st) and Variety (Thursday, May 22nd) to not only thank the cast, crew and all those who made Moonlight possible; but to show potential networks the depth of loyalty fans have for Moonlight.

Hopefully these and other efforts will help in bringing Moonlight back on the air.

In vampire solidarity...rah, rah, rah!

Edited to add:

For more information regarding efforts to bring Moonlight back on the air, please click here->

http://www.moonlightline.com
http://moonlight-united.com/

[Maria]

Moonlight deserves another season.

Never before has a show had such a following as this one. It is unbelievable.

There are masses of fans that will follow this show wherever it goes, therefore network ratings will fly through the roof for who ever picks it up. It won peoples choice awards for best new drama and people have been donating blood in it's name. I don't understand why someone hasn't picked it up, maybe because they want a new show in it's place? I think that is a grave mistake. Because that show would have to build a fan base and gain word of mouth for people to watch it (not mention the risk they would be taking, airing a new show that people may not like) while Moonlight already has an incredibly tremendous, extremely loyal, fan base/following, a fan base/following that will easily pull in around 8 million views the least and has had word of mouth and is already so passionately adored. It has all the qualities that a show needs for everyone to enjoy and to carry on for many seasons to come, it has romance, action, comedy, drama, style, beautiful people and much more. What more could you ask for? There is no sane reason way someone should not pick up this show.

There have been far worse and far less deserving shows that have been saved and given another chance. There have also been shows that when they were saved, became some of the best to ever grace our TV's. Moonlight has that potential. If only someone would just pick it up we could see even more of the wonder of it's true amazement unfold before our eyes.

[N2N2]

"Once viewers step out of an ongoing story line, they rarely step back in. This has been the case with “Lost,” “Heroes,” “Battlestar Galactica” and, yup, that CBS harbinger of cult-TV doom, “Jericho.” "

I beg to differ with you. That thinking is as flawed as the Neilsens ratings game! I missed the entire first season of Lost, but got caught up and now watch it. The reason I have continued to watch it is because I don't have to worry about missing an episode because I can watch it on line to get caught up and that's what I do. I don't have to watch when dictated to by a network! I also own a DVD recorder and I know how to use it. Thank you.

Jericho was a show that was SOOOO good that I just made sure I did not miss it and I STILL watched it again online. Moonlight is a show that I did not watch because I could not get passed the "fangs" but friends insisted I try. SO I got caught up online and then watched it on TV.

So you can blame it on time shifting and yet other articles have blamed the low viewership on the writers strike. So it seems there are a lot of theories out there, but whatever you think the reason is, the fact remains TV viewership is eroding. I say there is way too much analyzing going on. Viewership is eroding for one reason - The GAME!

Yes, the whole ratings game. Advertisers are loving this because they are getting there ads shown for less money because the ratings are low - however, who's seeing their advertising? Not me; but I don't count anyway.

Did you know that during 2008, alone, more than 4 million boomers are moving out of the coveted demographic into the horrific ranks of 50 year olds? That's 4 million TV viewers that no longer "count" even if each one had a Neilsen box. The generations coming up behind the Boomers are much smaller in numbers. So there you have less people who have less money to spend, but that is who advertiser want to advertise to. Because of that, networks want to put shows on the air for less eyes to watch and then they all scratch their heads and say Where is everybody? We're here; you just don't like us and/or how we want to watch at our convenience. The time's they are a changing! Sing along . . . .

Too funny really; and hold onto you hats folks because this ball is just starting its decent down the hill. Now that entertainment!

[R. F. Gahan]

'a shirtless vampire with billowy hair and dreamy abs caught in an impossible forbidden romance with the one human who’s captured his heart.'
If this is all you think Moonlight is about, you clearly haven't watched much of it. It successfully blends crime, romance, drama, passion and yes vampire genres into an exciting and original new format!
The semi-serialized nature of the show whould not have led to a drop in ratings were it not for the writers' strike, and by the way, even after the strike Moonlight pulled in more ratings than Ghost Whisperer, so why cancel the one and not the other?
Further, Nina Tassler said Moonlight was being cancelled so CBS could show more shows women wanted to watch. Looking at the demographics of Moonlight fans, most of them are women! CBS clearly doesn't know what viewers want.
I almost agree that CBS is not the right home for Moonlight, and that's why fans are cmpaigning to have it moved to another network. And if passion and zeal for a show that we love makes us 'scary-intense' then so be it, at least we're dedicated, and any network should be able to see that.
As for your comments on the cost of production, it is widely-known that Moonlight is not an expensive show to produce, having as it does few sets and only minor special effects. But I suppose 'reality TV' rubbish is cheaper, and seems to be what is getting pumped out of CBS right now.
Moonlight was, and is, a diamond in the rough. PCA winner, considered for an Emmy, 7-8million viewers, and so much potential for plot and charcter development. Tell me again why it needed 'killing'?
To anyone important who may be reading, save Moonlight!

[Todd Epp]

People! It's just a TV show and not a particularly good one at that. Life will go on without it. You'd think it was the "Citizen Kane" of 21st Century network dramas from all the comments. Geez.

[Linda O]

Moonlight has got to come back. Word is the set of moonlight would be demolished today. Does anyone have a suggestion of what we can do to hault this? and what more can we do to continue to fight to save our moonlight?? Im not going to stop now, no, never. That show brought life back to my dead TV programs; it deserves my time, money and blood.

[Angela in Ohio]

I am 47 years old. I'm an educated woman with 3 teenagers which means I have plenty of spending opportunities. According to the demographics, I won't be an important viewer in 3 years?!

I strongly disagree with the comment that people won't watch a "serialized" drama. I didn't start watching until the 3rd episode. I don't watch GW however my daughter does. I joined her one Friday evening and happened to see the "coming up next" previews for Moonlight. I've been hooked since that night.

The network has only heard from a fraction of the fans because friday's final episode was advertised as the "season finale" NOT "series finale". Was this intentional so CBS wouldn't have to listen to more complaints? I wouldn't have found out if I hadn't checked the CBS website looking for a song on an earlier show. If the fans are considered rabid for supporting Red Cross by organizing blood drives and getting the cast involved in supporting that effort, I guess that's pretty sad!

I would love to see a second season of Moonlight. If not, I probably won't watch CBS since I don't like the CSI or reality shows!

Sincerely,
Angela in Ohio

[MOONLIGHTFANVAMPED]

Moonlight was a brilliantly written show.It has amazingly talented actors and actresses.This is the one show I actually took time away from the world to relax and get into.I drank the kool-aid so to speak and was hooked from episode one.This show won the People's choice award.Three small market awards, and is now nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series.This show is adored by 8million plus fans and growing.The show has literally saved lives!Please help save MOONLIGHT!I encourage everyone to watch MOONLIGHT if you have not already.This is more than a show it is an escape from reality for an hour a week.It literally has something for everyone.MOONLIGHT has drama,comedy,action,romance,passion, and so so much more!So, Please help save MOONLIGHT!!!

[Cindy R]

Never underestimate the passion and power of the fans of Moonlight. We are out there in legions fighting to pull the stake that CBS drove into this jewel. Moonlight would do well anyplace. CBS did go out of the box to put this show on and then put it in the worst time slot of the week, did very little PR work on it. As angry as I am for them pulling the rug out from under over 8 million viewers feet, I am so grateful that they took the chance. To be honest with you, if this series had premiered on a network like CW or SciFi, I probably never taken the time to even look at it. I just happened to be sitting there flicking on a Friday night muttering to myself about nothing being on and then I saw "his" face and decided it was worth an hour of my time to check out. I am so glad that fate was on my side. I haven't been this involved in a TV series in well, forever. Personally I would love to see this series on Showtime or HBO, I think that it would allow the writers and cast to extend their already noticable talent. I have never been obsessed with the vampire genre, and I guess I was missing something. At this point I would watch it even if they put it on the Cartoon Network. The one liners, voice narrations, that stud muffin Alex O, the sets, the panning view of the City of Angels, the stellar cast of actors that play so well off of our above mentioned hunky vampire. With time, this show could have hooked even the most cynical of viewers. Granted, Alex has that rare screen presence that comes along about every twenty years or so (uh - remember that young baby faced actor by the name of Johnny Depp?) but I do believe that the role of Mick St. John is Alex O and that he put his whole heart and soul into this role. It may have started out as a character but I believe the writers soon started writing to include the real Alex. He has that much appeal. So let's face it, Moonlight without Alex no matter how much I adore the other characters, would go into the toilet faster than you could say flush. It would be like making Superman without the lead role.
But I have digressed. We are making every attempt to revive our beloved Moonlight with cast and crew intact. Never under estimate a bunch of hormonal women who happen to have a crush on a vampire. Live on Mick St. John, we are going to pull out that stake one way or another.
A devoted Moonlighter

[Real TV Viewer]

Wah, wah, wah, chronically masturbating pasty-faced fanboi geeks. The majority of the American public does not want to watch SF, as has been proven time and time again. The only successful shows in that genre were either from Fox (before "Idol" made Fox a real network) or the DEFUNCT Singing Frog "Network." And when a show pulls lower numbers in the key demo than the show that got CANCELLED for that show--well, come on!

And the People's Choice Award? Oh, please. How many PCAs did "The Sopranos" win? How about "The Wire?" THAT'S quality television.

"Moonlight"'s dead. Done with. Gone. It's only a stupid TV show. DEAL WITH IT, FANBOIZ, AND GET A LIFE! And while you're at it, move out of your parents' basements and GET A JOB!

[MoonlightBabeInTn (Gloria)]

There are so many fan out here that love this show and the actors of this show. The fans of this show are working as hard as they can to make sure this show has a new home but there are such articles out here that make it seem worse then it was on the matter of CBS letting go of this show. CBS made the biggest mistake of there careers by letting this show go but they cant seem to see this. People seem to think that all the other shows on CBS is great show and by rights some are good but then you have so many shows on CBS that are not even worth turning the tv on for and they have a lot lower ratings then what Moonlight had and they have a lot less fans then what Moonlight dose. If the prudes of this world would take off that high hat they have and actually take a look at the show and the stories that are in this show they will see that it has really good meaning in them. Moonlight dose not have as much blood and stuff as some I have see namely CSI and the stories in them continue each week unlike some out here that are like brand new shows each week.

I know that if the fans of this show keep it together and continue the hard work that has been going on we will succeed in getting our show the home it deserves instead of a home that was against apparently against it from the start.

MoonlightArmy HAS RISEN.

[MoonlightBabeInTn (Gloria)]

There are so many fan out here that love this show and the actors of this show. The fans of this show are working as hard as they can to make sure this show has a new home but there are such articles out here that make it seem worse then it was on the matter of CBS letting go of this show. CBS made the biggest mistake of there careers by letting this show go but they cant seem to see this. People seem to think that all the other shows on CBS is great show and by rights some are good but then you have so many shows on CBS that are not even worth turning the tv on for and they have a lot lower ratings then what Moonlight had and they have a lot less fans then what Moonlight dose. If the prudes of this world would take off that high hat they have and actually take a look at the show and the stories that are in this show they will see that it has really good meaning in them. Moonlight dose not have as much blood and stuff as some I have see namely CSI and the stories in them continue each week unlike some out here that are like brand new shows each week.

I know that if the fans of this show keep it together and continue the hard work that has been going on we will succeed in getting our show the home it deserves instead of a home that was against apparently against it from the start.

MoonlightArmy HAS RISEN.

[vampfan1]

Perhaps one reason for the drop in ratings in the young demo for the finale is because there were college and high school graduations that night.

[C. Torres]

Moonlight Fan!
Its unbelievable the amount of fans US and Abroad this show has! It has won the People's Choice Award for new drama and has won its time slot over and over again. I do not understand why the show was cancelled while other shows not well known and not well watched are still on the air. This is one of the best dramas to enter the season. There are so many fans out there who are fighting for this show's return and we want it to have another season at a location where the writers, actors, dialogue and everything in between will get the respect it deserves. GO MICK/BETH :) Josef ROCKS!

[Susie D.]

There is some seriously rotting fish over the cancellation of Moonlight DESPITE holding their ratings post strike when every show experienced a drop.
I for one rather resent the "scary intense" reference - but only in so much as it makes us seem irrational. We are not irrational - we're mature adults who have seen many TV shows flounder their first year (without strike damage) go on to be hit series that to this day generate revenue from a loyal following. For pete sake MASH didn't do well it's first year and look where that went. I still love MASH and it finaled when I was in Junior High!
It's a waste of energy to put a show on the air for just one season and then declare it dead. Not to mention that for anything to prosper it needs to be promoted - Moonlight wasn't promoted hardly at all until the fans got involved.
This show was never given a chance - and I whole heartedly believe that given the chance it will become a cult classic that will live on for years to come.

[SHARIE DELLA]

MOONLIGHT HAS FANS HERE AND IN OTHER COUNTRIES, 8 TO 10 MILLION FANS. CBS IS JUST BLACK BALLING MOONLIGHT BECAUSE ITS A GREAT NEW SHOW AND WONDERFUL CAST. I WANT MY MOONLIGHT BACK, AND I HOPE SOME NETWORK WILL SAVE IT. AND THE FANS DESERVE THEIR SHOW.

[Pat Douglas]

I'm a UK Moonlight fan and think CBS should have given Moonlight at least a 13 ep season 2. Most established shows lost viewers because of the writers' strike so I think Moonlight did well for a new show. If CBS thinks it's 'getting back into our box' with its replacement for Moonlight then it must be a coffin.

Don't understand the US show ratings system and the value it places on young viewers. I'm 34 with high disposable income and watch far more TV now than I did at 16-25. A Friday night in watching TV was not high on my agenda at that age.

[skyeeblue]

To me its a travesty that Moonlight was canceled when other shows with worse ratings and average talent remained. Moonlight is a gem. It captures you and reals you in. I don't know if its the phenomenal talent or the actors, the intricate story plots by the great writers or the difference of the show itself. There are so many carbon copy shows out on television right now, having something different was a breath of fresh air. Then coupled with the talent and writing it was just the best out there right now. I for one will be fighting to find a new home for this wonderful show. I can do no less being the fan that I am. I will follow this show whatever network it lands on and my time and money will come with it.

[skyeeblue]

To me its a travesty that Moonlight was canceled when other shows with worse ratings and average talent remained. Moonlight is a gem. It captures you and reals you in. I don't know if its the phenomenal talent or the actors, the intricate story plots by the great writers or the difference of the show itself. There are so many carbon copy shows out on television right now, having something different was a breath of fresh air. Then coupled with the talent and writing it was just the best out there right now. I for one will be fighting to find a new home for this wonderful show. I can do no less being the fan that I am. I will follow this show whatever network it lands on and my time and money will come with it.

[Teresa]

First - it is Alex O'Loughlin. The reason this show probably didn't have enought viewers was because 1. During the writer's strike CBS took all episodes off their website and everywhere else (except Amazon) 2. It came on 2 weeks after GW and Numbers came on 3. CBS didn't even mention it coming back on until 1 week before it was to air. How could a show that 10 million people voted Best New Drama not be worth keeping on a network. I'm sorry, CBS just needs to stop hiding behind excuses such as ratings and just call it like it is - they didn't want this show to succeed (see reasons above). And of course the series finale (I wish CBS would have just called it what it was) lost viewers because people knew the series was ending. If people don't like serialized shows then why is CBS putting on another semi-serialized show "The Ex-list" in its place about some woman trying to find her soul mate?

[P.M.Hertzler RN, BSN]

I am a 50 year old professional nurse and my daughter is 17 so both of us fall outside of that "magic" 18 to 49 year old market that advertizers & networks are trying to "sell" to. Both of us love MOONLIGHT, however, while I watch faithfully every Friday night, my daughter watches the show online. I have purchased every episode on iTunes (watching episodes an additional 3-4 times each to pick up on all the subtle and not so subtle pieces of the storyline) and I do NOT consider myself (or my daughter) to be some rabid cult fans. As an RN I deal with plenty of "reality" on the job, so it has been a pure pleasure to relax on Friday nights with a bit of romantic fantasy. Because of MOONLIGHT I ended up watching both Ghost Whisperer and Numb3rs as well. Honestly, I now doubt I'll bother to watch the big eye on Friday nights at all. I am certainly NOT interested in the Ex-List which is apparently MOONLIGHT's replacement in the fall. (rolling eyes and feeling queezy - YUCK!)
I agree with so many earlier posters that any network would be very short-sighted NOT to consider the aging baby-boomer generation and its large amount of disposable income. I have a 22 year old son. He and his wife struggle just to make ends meet, yet he and his wife "fit" into that 18-49 market plan. We baby-boomers are also "bringing back" many of our "old" comic book series and favorite books/novels - many of which were based on super heros or (gasp) vampires! Network TV in general is losing viewership as there are so many more options in todays high tech world. Nielson ratings no longer accurately represent who is watching what at a particular time. The system is (and has been) outdated for several years.
I also take offense at the "needed killin" headline. I am not some backward or ignorant individual who lives in the back woods (or in my basement as another poster implied). I am a professional woman who works very hard, but still enjoys watching a terrific cast of actors portraying a rich and interesting storyline that isn't just another "cookie-cutter" formula show.

[hpe4moonlgt]

how the heck could they get rid of such an awesome show. I can't beleive it. They should have at least given it a real season finale.

[hpe4moonlgt]

Oh and anyone who wants to fight for moonlight im going to try to get a forum on USA

[Jennifer]

Every show lost the demo this year. Ghost Whisperer was down to 2.0. Moonlight at least didn't experience the same drop in overall viewers.

Plus who really expects college and graduate students to be watching TV during finals time?

[Marilouise]

First of all thank you. I havent been considered scary for a few years.
I have over the years been an avid tv viewer. I am someone that the networks dream about getting hooked on one of their programs. 90% loyal to live tv viewing of each show with a need to re-watch the show 50% of the time. I watch the ads. Shows that I have liked have come and gone and I have been able to make the transition to different programming.
If you would have told me a year ago that I would be this involved in saving one particular tv show I would have had you committed.
I watched MOONLIGHT every time it aired rearranging my schedule in order to be available as I could not wait to see each episode. I was in complete denial that there was a possibility of cancellation. (Do networks really cancel PCA winners?) Once the announcement of the shows demise occured a week ago, I have sought out web sites, posted on blogs, sent emails and snail mail, donated money and anything else I could think to do. Not my usual behavior.
True I am not in the demo the networks want at this point in my life. I am however NOT dead. I still purchase hh products, food, clothing, makeup, cars, electronics and whatever else the advertisers want to hawk.(Yes that 24 roll pack of double ply that I purchased on my 50th birthday, just didnt last as long as I thought it would.) As a matter of fact I can now make these purchases with a rather abandon as my income has grown due to investments from all those years of metering out funds when I was in my 30's. (Believe it or not everyone over the age of 50 arent just waiting for their social security checks.)
If networks and the advertisers want to ignore the wants and needs of an evergrowing population(I have not heard of one person that is getting younger) so be it. A market out there must recognize this. I read somewhere that MOONLIGHT devotees were just middle-aged women. I ask what is wrong with that.
MOONLIGHT has captured my emotions. It envelopes me and provides a wonderful escape from the day to day turmoil. It has a loyal fan base, scary intense, maybe. We know what we like and want and Moonlight fits the bill.
So even if the numbers went south (Us old folks like the warm weather) the Nielson numbers are not representative of the shows audience. The system does not work. As a matter of fact if it were to post ratings on its own effectiveness it would be too old to count.

[Michlynh]

Moonlight is the most dynamic and original show to come on in a long, long time and I cant believe CBS axed it. I personally am tired of buisness as usual on televison, how many CSI's and reality shows do we really need? At what point do we let something with quality live instead of more of the same. Bring Moonlight back from the dead!

[Michelle]

If Moonlight was not a good TV show,then why the hell did it have 8 million viewers in it's debut season? That should tell you that it was one of the best show on TV. CBS needs to own up to their stupid mistake for cancelling one the best tv show on TV. Moonlight needs to be picked up by another network -whether it's on USA or CW. I don't care as long as it is back on the air!

Yes, even though it's just a TV show, good quality shows are hard to come by. Moonlight fits into a fantastic quality show.

Mick St. John needs you in the MOONLIGHTARMY to fight what's right to bring back Moonlight!!!!!!!!!!

VAMPIRE SOLIDARITY!!! RAH! RAH! RAH!

[Female 46 with Disposable income]

I'm really disappointed that CBS cancelled Moonlight. I really liked the show. It was a nice escape from the week and I really looked forward to it on Fridays. I even rewatched episodes on cbs.com. And then I find out it was cancelled because it didn't draw the "right" viewers? It must be so inconvenient for CBS and the advertisers when shows don't attract the "right" audience.

CBS schedules a show for Gen X or Y or whatever on a Friday night and wonders why they aren't sitting home patiently waiting to watch it according to Nielson viewer parameters so they can be properly measured? Reading the the various message boards, it sounds like it drew a pretty diverse group of viewers. Lots of female viewers. Of course many of us are boomers with disposable income, but then things like that generally don't matter to advertisers. Come on CBS! You were smart enough to put Moonlight on the air the first time. Wake up and smell the garlic! Bring our show back!

[Monica M.]

Never before have I been so enamored with a TV show that I got involved in fan sites, promotion, and active participation to see it back on the air! MOONLIGHT has that special quality, it draws you in and holds you spellbound. It's romance, action, and intrigue. Its the on-air chemisty of the actors, the incredible writing, the amazing talent of it's lead - Alex O'Loughlin. There are too many 'great' things about this show to list here, so I'm just going to say that it's beyond comprehension why this show was cancelled. No matter what excuse CBS gives, it doesn't ease the betrayal so many of us fans feel. CBS Cares? Not about MOONLIGHT it doesn't.

[pat]

How strange that the only group CBS cares about is between 18-49. When I was in that category, I did not stay home on Friday night to watch TV! However, now that TV is a primary source of entertainmant, since I am in the over 49 group, looking at Alex and Sophia is very entertaining. Moonlight is a keeper. It is different, funny, dramatic and well written. I watched it first because it followed Ghost Whisperer, and stayed tuned for Numbers. Will not be on that network after 9:00 PM when Moonlight is gone. I sure hope another network picks it up.

By the way if CBS is cleaning up the Fall schedule, can it toss all the stupid reality shows? They are phony. The TV crew is right there, no one is in any danger and I have seen enough "reality " in daily life. Moonlight is entertainment.

[Maureen]

I disagree that Moonlight needed killin'. As a member of the coveted demographic, I find it amusing that the networks "claim" to know what we want to watch. The Moonlight fans have been telling them - no SHOWING them all season long that we want this show. It is a fact that Moonlight's live viewer ratings stood somewhere just shy of the 8 million mark. But, when most of the other network shows bled viewers, yes BLED, Moonlight remained consistent. And this is after the 4 month long writer's strike that found the show pulled from the schedule without showing repeats to catch new viewers. Even non-fans of the show admit to not seeing commercial spots or promotional media concerning the show. CBS did little or nothing to promote Moonlight, relying on the "rabid" fanbase to get the word out for them. The show was being sold to international media as well, and was growing rapidly in its global fanbase. Alex O'Loughlin travelled extensively during the strike downtime to promote the show overseas. The positive buzz created was enormous.

During all of this time, Moonlight and its cast were winning such things as PCA for Best New Drama, Best TV Couple, and Alex O'Loughlin's two-page spread in TV Guide as one of TV's Sexiest Stars. The fans made headlines by doing things in support of the show that had a social impact, such as holding community blood drives. CBS has made out very well with all of the positive press for this show, announcing in the media week after week that CBS' Friday lineup was a winner and that it had taken top ratings and demos for the night. This lineup included Moonlight for 16 of those weeks. Not only was it proving to be a cohesive part of the lineup, the actual show was improving with each episode. The cast had great onscreen chemistry and the storylines were interesting and held much potential for future seasons. Add to all of this the fact that 4-5 showrunners were put in place to "fix" the vision/direction of the show, yet, the cast performances were dead on and the writing became tighter with continuity. The behnd the scenes problems were well-known, yet, Moonlight continued to keep viewers and those issues did not adversely affect the enjoyment of the finished product.

On top of all of this, CBS execs gave the fans AND the cast positive signals that the show would receive a second season. Why wouldn't the fans expect a renewal, with all of the positive buzz? Even the media sites were confident that the show would be picked up. This is evident by the reactions in the commentary that followed last week's Upfronts. One of these commentaries has actually gone so far as to admit that "CBS Blew It." in regard to Moonlight.

Many have been quick to point out that networks are in their rights to cancel low rated shows. But, in this strike-addled television industry, what does constitute a LOW rated show? Last night's season finales of The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother both scored comparably in the ratings to Moonlight's finale. And they are both on Monday night, which is historically a big TV viewing night, much larger than Friday. Numerically, their ratings were fairly low. Both of these CBS offerings were renewed, yet Moonlight is cancelled. And I cannot help but believe that the slight dip that Moonlight saw in the 5/16 finale had much to do with people not wanting to tune in to view a show that has been announced as cancelled. Of course, as has already been noted, Ghost Whisperer and Numbers BOTH saw a decrease, as well. How does CBS explain those drops and not include Moonlight in the same vein?

In closing, can ANY network afford to alienate 8 million viewers, plus the internet coummunity in this industry climate? Probably not. Are the viewers not only the customers of the network but by extension, customers of the advertising sponsors, as well? Um, Yeah! It's funny, I was always under the impression that the customer is always right. Eight million + viewers saw something unique and riveting in Moonlight. It was something different for CBS to offer from the usual reality, procedurals, and CSI:Pick Your City Name clone. So, of course it had to be cancelled. Will the possible network exodus of these fans, mostly women in the 18-49 demographic hurt CBS? As one of them, I certainly hope it does and brings home the point. CBS, You Blew It.

[Danielle Dunlap]

I just started watching this last friday. I'll admit, I didn't have much going on and I had dismissed previous ideas of watching the show because it was on after Ghost Whisperer. The writer for The Medium should write for Ghost Whisperer instead. Well, despite this initial "black mark" against the show, I gave Moonlight a chance as the preview for this particular episode was intriguing. Still my expectations were low, but I fell in love with Mick St. John, his inquisitive manner of taking in the scent of a murder scene on the wafting breeze. After that I watched all the episodes to catch up, and with exception of a couple of poorly written shows, it's a good idea with a lot of room for flexibility. With some better marketing, and some better script-writing to replace lines like..."and they say Michael Jordan had air"(someone should tell the frat boy who wrote that episode to stick to coaching, and I'm assuming that he was filling in during the writers' strike), this show could be another "Buffy The Vampire" phenomenon. My suggestion for CBS, put it on a different evening than friday night, far away from Ghost Whisperer. Everyone knows Friday Night is "date night". The friday-night crowd is flakey to say the least.

[Katie]

Moonlight was a brilliant show! I did NOT deserve to get cancelled! The writing was brilliant, the acting was fantastic, and the set was great! Try to keep your opinions to yourself please Mr. Hibberd.

Just because you didn't care for the show or whatever, doesn't mean everyone else did!

As a 53 year old woman, I do not fit the demographics. Yet I have more disposable income the first three months of the year than most 18 to 25 year old will have the first three years of thier adult life, yet I do not count.
But my money and buying power does. I will not cater to CBS and their dribble they call entertainment. Moonlight was by far the best show they had. Advertisers will feel the pain when we, the old farts, don't spend our money on their products.

[Barbara]

Why in God's name would someone axe a show with the most gorgeous man on the planet as the lead? I mean seriously, what is WRONG with you people? Are you all blind? Obviously!
And for those that are saying to "Get over it" We will when we are told to by someone higher up.
Until then we will fight for what we believe was a really bad move on CBS's part.

[Kathi]

Hey Mr Hibberd.....before you start trashing the BEST show on television, maybe you should at least get the actor's names correct....it's Alex O'Loughlin not O'Laughlin......haven't you ever heard of checking your spelling??? So much for your opinion........

[Tracy P.]

I agree that CBS made a huge mistake passing on Moonlight for a second season. The only reason I tuned into CBS on friday night at 9pm. was for Moonlight. I watch Ghost Whisperer sometimes but I've never watched Numbers and it's pretty safe to say I never will. My age does fit in to the targeted viewers set by CBS, and my dispoable income will be spent while viewing Moonlight wherever it goes. It is because of Moonlight that I started taking more of an interest in watching tv.I am sick to death of these crap reality shows they keep throwing at us.TO THE NETWORKS...Pick up our beloved MOONLIGHT,,,you can't lose!!!!

[Amanda Ashley]

Like millions of other fans, I'm devastated that CBS has canceled Moonlight, the best show on TV on any network on any night. Doubly disappointed since everyone seemed so sure it would be renewed. Vampires are IN right now...millions of books with vampire heroes are sold each year. I write some of them myself. The book, Twilight, is being made into a motion picture to be released this winter. Tanya Huff's vampire series is being made into a series for HBO. The heroes in both the movie and the series are vampires. I don't know who's running things at CBS, but they're idiots. Like many others, I'm over 49 and have more money to spend than any of my married kids. I hope another network will see the possibilities in this show and give it another chance. Lots of shows don't start off strong - MASH, X-Files, Cheers, Frasier....all went on to be HUGE successes.

[mjade27]

I don't think I am "scary" because I choose to send an e-mail to a network letting them know I am annoyed that they canceled a good show. If they don't care that I won't watch their network anymore - so be it.

CBS is trying to save face by portraying the supporters of "Moonlight" in a negative manner, which I think is pretty offensive.

I am a college-educated, upper-middle class member of a household that falls into their desired demographics. I enjoy quality television (30 Rock, the Office, BSG, Lost, etc) and recently started watching "Moonlight" on the recommendation of a friend. As we often have plans on Friday nights, we DVR or download it. It is a real shame that the network can't figure out an accurate way to measure the number of viewers and consumer responsiveness to advertisers during an hour of programming.

I think I was like many others who just found this show and that viewer-ship would have gone up next year (not down).

Kudos to those who pointed out the omissions in this article in regard to overall viewer-ship of all network shows sinking in the ratings post-strike.

Hope someone else picks this show up.

[C. Iuliano]

You know, I have to agree with most of the comments here. I'm sick to death of this 18-39 holy grail age bracket that advertisers lust after....my kids are in that age bracket and in this economy they haven't got a pot to p**s in or a window to throw it out of. I could buy and sell all of them three times over. These days MY age bracket represents the people with all the disposable income, and many of us are very particular about who gets that money. Support my shows and social causes and you get my business. Don't and I'm gone.

As far as Moonlight goes -- best darned thing, along with Jericho, on broadcast network TV in a dog's age. Too bad the networks are so enamoured of low budget "reality" shows (despite how unreal they really are) that they aren't willing to spend money on quality programming that operates a little outside the box. CBS has always been one tightly-buttoned, boring network, and their behavior over the last year shows they're bound and determined to stay that way.

So, me and all that disposable income are going elsewhere...hopefully to whatever network picks up Moonlight.

And as far as Alex O goes, I beg to differ. He's been communicating with fans of the show who are in a pitched battle to save it, and he's as heartbroken over the cancellation as they are. I'm betting he'll follow it to any network that picks up the show and they'll be damned lucky to have him.

C. Iuliano

[Kelly (from Australia)]

I'm an Aussie and I'm completely devasted that Moonlight has been cancelled.. but I'm not giving up hope.. Moonlight will rise again!! We fans will see to that!!

CBS will regret letting Moonlight go when another network picks it up and it's a huge success!! Visit Moonlight-United.com to help save Moonlight!

[Amber]

All I have to say is Shame on CBS! Its a good thing shows in the past like Mash, Dallas, and the X-Files got a second chance, they will forever be remembered in cult TV history.

[Linda Miller]

Yeah for the over 50 age group who aren't afraid to stand up and be counted and confess that they love Moonlight. I just turned 58 and I have never, never fought for a TV show. Why is it that we are not considered in a "demographic" group. We are NOT dead! We have imaginations and yes we can go and buy the products that are advertized. This is the only show that I watch. I am sick of reality shows. I am an educated professional married woman who loves this show. Somebody bring it back!!!!
Thanks!

[Seasons S.]

Moonlight is a great show! Vampires are HOT and this show is scorching! I don't watch it only for the hotties-it actually has an amazing story line! The absence of a good story line was what prevented my from watching Buffy and Angel. Moonlight has GREAT ratings for a 'dead spot' and if put on a better time slot, I KNOW the ratings and viewers would soar! Fans have donated thousands of dollars to get ads into top notch magazines and have donated blood to help in the effort to save this show. We are compeletely dedicated to keeping this show on the air-any network, we will follow. I have myself written letters thru snail male, emails, phone calls, and vote continously on over a dozen sites to get this show on another network. I just don't understand how CBS could get rid of Moonlight yet keep other shows on their network with worse ratings. Its completely ridiculous. We are SO SICK of reality shows-let us keep something good!! Everyone just needs to know we will keep fighting-however long it takes.

[Sandy]

I don't understand why that age group is the only ones that count. I happen to be 56 and didn't miss one episode.
I enjoyed this show and all the actors/actresses involved. There is plenty of potential for a second season. I believe the season finale shows the potential for numerous storylines.

[Sally]

Wow, if you couldn't get Alex's name right, how do you think your other 'facts' measure up?

To others who are trying to rip into us Moonlight fans, telling us to 'get a life', perhaps you don't see that there is actually some principle behind our disgust at CBS' decision. 'CBS is known for comedy' - are you kidding me? CSI v.1,2,3, Shark, Ghost Whisperer, NCIS, Criminal Minds, The Unit, Numbers, 60 Minutes, 48 Hours Mystery, Oprah... ok, whatever. And as it's been said many times, Moonlight was hanging in with the ratings, despite the obstacles literally thrown in front of it - the Friday time slot, the poor advertising, the strike, etc. It stood strong among rival programming, and won awards. And if the PCA aren't supposed to mean anything, than quit wasting even more of our time with them! I guess those are there to feed the illusion that the networks care what real viewers think.

Someone up there is telling me to 'get a life', in the same breath as saying Idol made Fox a real network. LMAO!!!! Shows like Idol are exactly why we need shows like Moonlight! With as much respect as I can give to the performers themselves... I'm so sick of reality show crap!

At least Moonlight was/is creative, unique, different, with a great blend of romance, action, drama, and even a bit of humor now and then. It was a treat among all the same-old-same-old, and reality TV BS. Yeah yeah, reality TV is cheap to produce... it shows!!!

If there's another network that sees the opportunity Moonlight brings, there are many devoted fans, including myself, that will be watching. As for CBS, you've destroyed my faith in network TV - well, your network anyway. What's the point in getting into any of your shows? Even if you could get another show as great as Moonlight, you'll just yank it anyway.

[Lorri Sierra]

I am a 42 year old wife, mother, business owner and consumer.It is hard getting your whole family together to watch something that the entire family enjoys. Moonlight is such a program. We love that program and would really like to see it continue.
This is one show that; has a huge, loyal fan base of all ages...and, not only survived the writers strike but came out of it with a Peoples Choice Award. We the People...want our Moonlight back! My kids aren't interested in a bunch of ex's, or more shows that perpetuate more peer pressure to become invloved in things that they do not need to be invloved with...I pay my taxes...I vote...I work hard...I play hard...but on Friday nights, I want to dream...escape...be awestruck by romance, action and an over all intelligently written story line...You call us dark, scary...but we are average AMERICANS. We pay too much for everything and what do we get in return? Networks who take away great avenues of entertainment that offer us some form of bliss out of our normal everyday worries! This isn't right..We should have some say in this! Try Moonlight for one more season and see how we the fans reward your efforts...Please.

[Jo]

I fall into the 18-49 age group, I am the major product buyer in my home, I am a professional with a six figure income, and I am totally addicted to MOOONLIGHT. I really believe that it should live on wherever it can. I know that I will follow it anywhere it goes. This show and the wonderful cast and writers have created something so entertaining and compelling. Fast paced and different than most of the procedural shows on the air. I am ALWAYS left wanting more when I watch it. I tape the show every week, even when I'm watching it so that I can go back and watch it again. It consistantly brought in over 7 million viewers, and millions voted it the Peoples Choice. Most of the storylines were stand alone, with only the character historys and relationships being more serial. This is just like all the other stand alone shows. We are not fighting for a show that was a nonentity. This show actually had it all going for it.

[catlady60]

i happen to be 60 years old and love my moonlight, just like the women above who wrote that we have more money to spend on advertisers than most of your younger audience. i too would like to know why we are not counted. moonlight and its actors, writers producers and directors have proved their talents. i feel that cbs has made a very bad business move.
i have faith in warner bros. silver productions and the fans to bring this show back on another network.
to who ever picks up moonlight there are many older wiser and more powerful educated women 50+ who are anxious to see moonlight season 2 and beyond. perhaps those demographics will be considered. the best revenge is success, here's to the success of moonlight and its 8 million fans worldwide
IT IS SOOOO....ON!!!!!!

[laera]

Ratings? Ratings? Ratings? From where? Those fictional Nielsen families. If Nielsen families do exist then the data is BIAS since Nielsen families are chosen by networks. If CBS also considered number of iTune downloads, number of times the Moonlight episodes were viewed on their website, and adopting a phone voting system like that of American Idol THEN they'll be floored with the numbers the show gets. Also, CBS never really wanted this show.

No effort was made to seriously promote this show like Ghost Whisperer and Numbers. Despite that fans managed to advertise the show through word of mouth. Now if CBS gave Moonlight equal advertising, those ratings will be a different story.

No...

Moonlight was maybe CBS's "experiment" but they did nothing to keep it in a viable environment. Yet regardless of the obstacles the show faced, it still increased its fan-based. A fan-base that is willing to go to whatever network picks up the show for a 2nd season and willing to bring their money too for the advertisers.

[Kathryn]

Everyone has pretty much said it all quite emphatically. As a former marketing prof, I would just add that it's not wise to extrapolate from past trends in viewing for serialized dramas. First, as others point out, it's really only semi-serialized. You can miss episodes without being lost. More importantly, with so many platform options being used by more and more viewers, drop-off rates will be evolving rapidly for the next few years. It is very premature to pronounce that this would have no chance of building audience. Just because Jericho (about a topic most people are avoiding in films too) failed, doesn't mean a much more escapist drama woudn't fare much better. Seriously, media people need to focus on the right things when trying to make judgments about audience zeitgeist.

[lynn]

CBS got it all wrong by cancelling moonlight, I know they said it was a financial and ratings decision but what they forgot was they asked us to believe the characters and stories (which we did hook line and sinker)become emotionally involved(which we did)giving indications that the show will be given at least a second season,then by cancelling all but saying your feelings dont count,sorry CBS but the ratings are not always a true indication of what makes a great show.

[Yo Joe!]

Its very true that once viewers of serialized dramas leave they rarely come back. LOST and HEROES does fall into that category but their 18-49 demographics are very very strong - so even if they drop under 10 million viewers they will stay on the air. LOST has a planned exit in 2010.

Jericho and Moonlights 18-49 demo was always marginal at best and the overall rating mediocre. That was the stake in the heart - pun intended. Of course Jericho and Moonlight fans will be outraged! There are 1000 or so hard core types running around the internet trying to save those shows. Jericho has a rare 2nd chance - why they expected a 3rd chance after dropping from 8.5 million viewers to 6.5 million average, is beyond me. Some people cant deal with reality I guess. Jericho was very good in Season 1 but started losing female viewers and those who like character development from episode 8 onward - basically the Greys Anatomy/Desperate Housewives crowd. Season 2 really killed the show as it became more about the political views of Hollywood regarding the US military, Iraq and the Bush administration. People may not agree with Bush on Iraq but they dont want it thrown in their faces. Moonlight was basically a retread of an old CBS series Forever Knight. FN was far superior.

People have trouble letting go. In time Jericho/Moonlight fans will be like most INVASION fans - pining for their show but resigned to the fact it aint coming back.

[Toni Thompson]

Moonlight had drama, romance, action and Alex!!!
I hope Moonlight is picked up by a cable network for next season.

[Another Moonlight Fan]

I'm another in the long list of Moonlight fans who cannot be counted in the "ideal" age group CBS seems to think will make their seasons a success.

CBS is so fond of their "reality" shows due to the low cost of producing them. The 'numbers' may be good with "reality tv" due to the 18-49 group but they also have the lowest disposable income as well.

Those of us who don't seem to matter to CBS will gladly sponsor any network and advertisers that CBS has so clearly made it be known they do not need or want !!!

Perfect example...the ads running in both trade magazines this week praising and supporting Moonlight were bought for and placed with donations collected on-line and through the mail from fans in a matter of two (2) days !!! I've never seen anything like that in my life. It's one thing to email, mail and picket, but the fans of Moonlight are so dedicated they gladly donated money without a second thought.

Every network out there, and the sponsors as well, need to take note of how determined, devoted and willing to back it up when it matters, the fans are to save this show.

Another voice from one of the MILLIONS of Moonlight fans...

[sandyp]

I have to agree - we- the over 50 are the forgotten generation for tv viewing. I am 56 and have to say I think the fact that saying you are comparing this show to Jericho is like comparing apples to oranges. How many storylines can you have about the country that was destroyed by bombs to one that has so many different possible plot lines? After all, with the number of players and in the season 1 finale you have the list,mysterious phone call, and last but not least the speach and door closing it could go anywhere.

[ScribbledPink]

"First of all, I'm 59, I have three children ages 34, 31, and 23 and three grandchildren. I have more buying power than all three of them put together."

Advertisers desire younger demographics because they can be brainwashed to buy their products.

After a certain age, older viewers are already deemed brand loyal and not worth the advertisers time. They have decided that their advertising has already bought and paid for you.

It does suck that Moonlight was cancelled. Sadly, I believe the networks will become obsolete.

[Joliebat]

We'll go anywhere to follow Moonlight. Once I heard CBS had betrayed us and canceled it, I took the week off and have spent every waking moment calling, emailing, writing anyone who could help us get the show picked up by another entity. I contributed money for the ads in Hollywood Reporter and Variety. You've done your job as an objective writer saying why you think CBS dropped the show. Now PLEASE be a great television reporter and use your insider status to give us some ideas on what else we can do to keep it on the air. The whole Jericho thing was TOTALLY different. This show is literate, sophisticated and amazingly well acted and well written. We've even talked about offering personal funds to keep it on the air. At $1 or $2 a viewer, we should at least make some network take notice! Help us, please!

[Stacey]

I just found out about the cancellation of one of my favorite shows and I am shocked, I had no clue at all that there was the chance it would be cancelled and it really makes me mad!!!
The only shows that I watch on CBS are Ghost Whisperer, Moonlight, Numbers and NCIS, thats it because everything else on this network sucks! I am sick of sitcoms and pointless reality shows and that seems to be all CBS has to offer me the all important 18-49 age group, if they keep this up they will loose all age groups.
What do we have to do to convice these people that they are making a huge mistake in letting go of a great show?

[Cara]

I am another person who will vote with my feet aand make Friday my "no TV night". I cannot believe the way CBS left us hanging with the all but promise of renewing Moonlight and then cutting us off at the knees. I didn't think I would like it at first and just kept it on after Ghost Whisperer the first time but I was hooked and I now pass up GW for Moonlight. That is the one show I wait all week to see from beginning to end. So maybe we will have only 16 episodes to cherish but I am already waiting for the DVD of the season to come out and hope there will be a lot of behind the scenes and out takes.
I notice already that CBS is backing off on showing reruns of Moonlight. Maybe it is a bit paranoid but is it to "punish" fans for being so out spoken? Then there is the "Jericho" issue as the blame for canceling Moonlight. Please, Jericho was one of the most depressing premises in the mind of writers. It could not be more depressing anyway you looked at it. Moonlight is totally different with romance, great eye candy as well as a compelling story. In a better time slot and a second season, it could have been a major hit for CBS.
I guess the PCA counts for nothing. Alex making the sexy Sci-Fi list counts for nothing so why bother with any other shows CBS has to offer?

[Surry]

I believe that the 18-49 bracket was important in the 1950's when the younger folks got HOME on Friday nights earlier. In addition, people in their 50's at the time were probably watching TV at the time, so it was assumed. (no offense to you older folks, I'm just trying to outline how times have changed since the 18-49 age bracket was introduced as a ratings 'guru') It's the 21st Century and CBS needs to realize this!! 18-35 year old people are NOT home on Friday nights. (Heck ... my folks are 62 and 63 and THEY'RE not home on Friday nights, they're out EVERY Friday night.) I wonder what Nina Tassler does on Friday nights? I bet she's not home watching TV.

[Anna]

I am a 30 year old female. I don't go out on Fri nights because of Moonlight. I can't stand that new show replacing Moonlight called The Ex List. I saw the previews for it and believe me there's no point! It's boring and really stupid. Who cares about love life? I want my Mick and Beth back! My grandmother is in her 80s and she too likes Moonlight. So CBS Moonlight IS not just for the young people, its for ANYONE. People of all ages love Moonlight! Alex O Loughlin is so talented!!!

[CJ]

As I posted earlier, I’ve never boycotted a network before, but I feel as if I’ve been “staked” in the heart. As a 40-something Professional Female, my consumer dollars must not mean much to CBS, nor does the passionate LOYALTY of millions of fans for this show, who came back after the writers' strike, stuck w/the show and “grew” the fanbase exponentially. Whatever lame excuse CBS gives for canceling, the fans of Moonlight will not just go quietly into the night. As I write this, there is actually a Moonlight CONVENTION (!) happening in LA, w/Blood Drive & Bone Marrow Screenings, all for a good cause, in the name of “Vampire Solidarity” & loyalty to the show. (The MEDIA SHOULD BE COVERING THIS EVENT if they aren't already!!)Sending letters, emails & calls to other networks lets them know 7.5+ Million viewers plus Advertisers will follow this show to their network. In the meantime, add me to the list of fans boycotting that silly CBS.

[sharonwalsh]

ahhh moonlight --- i cannot believe that this show has been cancelled. considering it is one of the best put out in quiet awhile . the demographics on this one shouldnt count ---- i am a educated 52 year old and i wouldnt miss moonlight for anything . doesnt seem fair to me to cancell moonlight because of so called ratings and not cancell ghost wisperer which is losing more viewers every show -----BRING MOONLIGHT BACK

[sandyp]

I find it hard to believe that CBS pulled the 2 reruns of Moonlight - tonight and next Friday. Is it that they want to see if GW and Numbers can hold their own without their knot/anchor show? I know this, I'll be watching another channel - any channel. Or maybe I'll just watch an episode I have on my DVR

[Teddi Moon]

I am so angry with CBS, I may never watch them again!!! Are they idiots? Yes! I am SICK TO DEATH OF REALITY SHOWS!!! Where is the creativity? I don't think I can say anything about Moonlight that hasn't already been said, I just want to add my support for the show. I work alot of hours, so I DVR the show. I actually found it late in the season, but I was hooked from the first episode. Moonlight is a fantastic show and I was so anxious for the season DVD's to come out and all the future seasons I could look forward to. It seems like lately the minority seems to win over the majority. We want our Moonlight back!!!!

[Joliebat]

Moonlight is different. Intense fans, yes. Scary? No. Simply people who respect a literate, sophisticated show that maintained its integrity against administrative turmoil that would have shattered a lesser product. Viewers who never have considered writing a network or posting on a forum or blog are discovering newfound technical talents just to weigh in with opinions of their love for this show. We will follow Moonlight anywhere it happens to land. And that lucky network will get heartfelt support from more than 8 million dedicated viewers willing to give blood -- lierally and figuratively --and support sponsors who back this show.

[Diane Fernandez]

I want to add my voice and objections to the killing of Moonlight by CBS. I am over 50 and enjoyed the show as it was not a reality show and actually had good actors who developed the characters. Most young people do not watch tv on Friday nights, I do. I will not be watching whatever CBS decides to throw in that slot or any others.

[alfrida vella]

it`s really a shame i loved it. They are stupid ditching moonlight. hope that another network will pick it up for more seasons. anyway i had friday night booked i`m not that old 29 but i have kids so mostly my nights are in relax and watching tv now i`m sad and angry. thanks alot CBS

[Amber]

well first of all thats all a lie or a cover up moonlight had very high ratings way more than ghost Whisperer and I think that it should go for a second season the problem is not the ratings there has been about 8 million watcher that seems like a lot to me

[Kathryn]

Former marketing prof commenting again. Just thought I'd explain to all those who feel dissed about the emphasis on the 18-49 age demo. The reason networks focus on it is that most of the advertisers that really spend big on mass TV audience are most interested in reaching that group. The reason? They're old enough to spend but young enough to be still developing tastes for various brands and are therefore believed to be more succeptible to advertising messages. In fact, it's only been recently that marketers are starting to believe that buying habits may shift to any degree after age 35. That used to be the cut-off on the upper end as far as those of interest to most advertisers. There's obvious exceptions--pharmaceutical companies spend huge on TV and actually want to reach older people. Ditto for financial services. But most beverage and food companies want to influence you early and often.

[Beth Leidich]

Just like all the rest of these viewers of Moonlight, I am sad that CBS is cancelling the show. Cbs has given it very little promotion, it's a wonder that it lasted 6 episodes. I found it by accident and I've been hooked on it ever since. It's a fantastic show and I just love it. The story lines are new and fresh, but it's the chemistry of the actors that makes this show great. If they recast the show, it just won't be the same. If they leave it alone and allow it to develop on it's own, I will follow the show where ever it goes.

[Susan]

I am very upset about the cancelation of Moonlight.....and for the record, I am 58, female. Yes, MANY of us watched Moonlight, as opposed to Ghost Whisperer. I am at a loss as to why it was so unceremoniously dumped, when CBS has such gems a serial killer as a star in one show & is about to air a show for swingers. Perhaps it was too NICE a show for them.

[Anna Van Z]

Your line of thinking typifies the simplistic "thought" processes that have brought us the current array of utter dreck and pablum that network television in general tries to shove down our throats. I hate almost everything on network t.v., but I LOVE Moonlight. Now that CBS has dropped it, I won't be watching anything they have. Their programming is so played; ML was THE breath of fresh air on CBS. So, buh-bye! By the way, YOU should apply at CBS - you'd make a GREAT corporate toady...

[veronica]

MOONLIGHT IS SO SO SO MUCH BETTER THAN GHOST WHISPERER...IT HAS GOOD LOOKING ACTORS(AND THAT COUNTS A LOT, WATCHING ALEX O'LOUGHLIN IS A GIFT!), EXCELLENT TALENTS, INTERESTING PLOTS, ETC,ETC.ETC NOTHING JUSTIFIES CANCELLATION.

[Patty]

MOOLIGHT FANS CALL 323-651-0255 THIS IS CBS.A GUY WILL ANSWER AND SAY CBS AND JUST ASK HIM TO PUT MOONLIGHT BACK ON HE WILL EITHER HANG UP OR TELL YOU OTHER INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO SAVE THIS GREAT SHOW!MOONLIGHT NEEDED TO BE MOVED TO ANOTHER NIGHT FOR BETTER RATINGS.

[Debra]

I am a 51 yr old female,have plenty of disposable income,and I am not the least bit scary. AND I have never enjoyed a show as much as I have MOONLIGHT. The story and characters are outstanding! I am drawn to them and can't wait to see what happens next. Then CBS pulls it! Don't they know something special when they see it??? I just don't get it. They obviously don't want my viewership or my dollars. I will continue to support the fight to save our MOONLIGHT.

[Kathy Smith]

I have watched Moonlight from the beginning...never felt as drawn to a show in my life! the acting..the writing...and, yes, Alex is beyond gorgeous, but this 55 yr.old woman drools mostly over 'Josef'! at over 400 yrs. old, I am then a younger woman! lol! I have written and posted and e-mailed and am hoping someone uses their brains and gets all of our show and cast back for a 2nd (and then 3rd, 4th, etc.!) season! I will note that I have watched Ghost Whisperer and Numbers since their beginning, but I will not be watching CBS at all on Fri. nights when the new season comes back. GW became more of a show to have on just to get to Moonlight! I would watch 3 hrs. of Moonlight (repeats and new eps!) in a row on a Fri. night if CBS had renewed it! The actors all created characters that touched our hearts....they did what true actors do...made us believe! I hope Tassler and any other idiots at CBS get fired for stupidity over this move. And I read that they lost a lot of viewership when they ran a repeat ep of GW last Fri. instead of running the Moonlight repeat they yanked. I would bet that if they'd run the repeat of Moonlight, it would have taken its spot with no problems!

"perpetual coolness is the vampire's curse"! and we love it!

[terri]

everyone - give up on CBS - they were wrong to cancel Moonlight but they're not gonna change their minds -
Lets concentrate on the cable channels - SciFi - TNT - FX - the CW - Please - someone pick up this show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Shamsiel]

Yes, thrive in the folly of CBS, laughingstock of the open minded, and give this treasure to the people, we want it. Look around you, ask the people!

[winky]

The reason MOONLIGHT got canceled are the ratings, really I don't believe it for one second. CBS, is very shortsighted and all the ratings are down for all the shows, PLEASE explain something what about the STRIKE? THIS SEASON IS UNLIKE ANY SEASON IN YEARS, WE HAD A STRIKE!!!! CBS NEVER REALLY PROMOTED THIS SHOW OR REALLY GAVE IT A CHANCE. The one important point is Moonlight won its time slot every week and still did in May, this isn't the ratings, otherwise lots of shows on cbs should have been canceled. The real irony is CBS wants to increase Woman Viewers and they cancel Moonlight, have you seen Alex O'Lochlan really, are you kidding me, if given a chance this show would have grown becasue its not just vampires its a real love story that has chemistry we haven't seen in years if ever. P.S. IF CBS WANTS TO CANCEL A SHOW HOW ABOUT "PEOPLES CHOICE AWARDS" BECAUSE THATS A FRAUD!!!

[Cheri]

How and why would CBS cancel the best show on their network.

It doesn't make any sense!

It won the people's choice award, among many other awards.People love it!

It's so sad! How could they do this to my favorite show.

I don't think I will be watching the CBS network unless they decide to bring Moonlight back.

[sara]

I can not believe that cbs is getting rid of this show. I loved moonlight. All the horrible shows they have, they are getting rid of the wrong one. You should be getting rid of CSI this show really stinks. But no you pick the best show. Well this sucks, I guess i am going to protest, and never watch channel two again. Great Job CBS, you really know how to win over the viewers. Why dont you listen to what the viewers have to say.