A Sci-Fi Fodder reader sent me a press release regarding a rally that will be held May 23rd in Los Angeles in support of my favorite current vampire show - "Moonlight".
MoonlightCon 2008 is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. According to the release, "...due to the show’s cancellation, an impromptu decision was made to hold a rally outside the Warner Bros gate at the corner of North Pass and West Olive streets on Friday, May 23rd at 2:00 pm PST".
In addition, an advertisement has been purchased to run in both "The Hollywood Reporter" (on May 21st) and in "Variety" (on May 22nd). "The purpose of the ad is to thank the cast, crew and all those who made Moonlight possible and to demonstrate to potential networks the depth of the fans loyalty to Moonlight". That would be about 8 million folks, according to last count.
I'm impressed with the "Moonlight" community and their efforts to mobilize support for the show. Blood drives, rallies, advertisements - it shows a level of committment to a show that I thought had a lot of potential for growth. I know it is still a long shot for this show to find another home, but a show of force from 8 million viewers ought to have some power.
For more information, check out: http://www.moonlightline.com/
The thought of no more Moonlight breaks my heart. I just can't let it go. There is no way I'm going to watch another show about singles trying to find someone. Been there, done that and I'm so over it. I want my Friday night fantasy. Right now I'm over at Moonlightline waiting for news that another network has picked up Moonlight for a season 2. It may be another fantasy but I have to try.
-- Posted by: Elia at May 22, 2008 8:35 PMThank you for support of Moonlight. I too am a big fan of the show and know it has great potential.
Many people have dismissed the fan base of moonlight as rabid fans, they don't realize that the fanbase of moonlight is different from what is considered the typical fan.
Many of us never blogged, emailed, or called to support a show until Moonlight. This show has given us entertainment to look forward to. A romance that is electrifying, dialogue that is witty, a lead female character whose beautiful and intelligent, supporting characters like Josef and Logan that just make you laugh, and a charismatic lead character Mick St. John.
Moonlight won its demographic and time slot every week for CBS. It was tauted by media outlets as helping CBS when Death Fridays. This was just counting the Nielsen ratings. There are many more Moonlight fans both national and international which are not counted by the current rating system. These viewers watched online, bought the show and from Amazon.com. Moonlight viewers deserve to be counted our show deserves to be saved. Thanks Again.
-- Posted by: Tami Graham at May 22, 2008 9:05 PMThank you for your article on the MoonlightCon and our show. We are in contact with many members of our websites who are already in L.A. and enjoying themselves at the pre-Con activities. Though Moonlight fans are spread across the globe, we feel a closeness in our love and respect for our show--we are bound to this show, and will continue to voice our support for it in the hope that the "never-ending thrill ride" of Moonlight finds a new life in a new home. Thank you for helping to get the word out--our voices ARE being heard!
-- Posted by: Fern_Hill at May 22, 2008 9:39 PMThank you for posting the information on our efforts!
We are strong, we are loyal, and we are dedicated. There are 8 Million people out here looking for a new home and new advertisers to give our money to!
The Nielson ratings are so antiquated they fail to give a true reading of the numbers of people who are watching and giving eyeball time to the sponsors - we will gladly take our non-Neilson, out of the "perfect" demographic money to any network that will give us a home.
Thanks so much for your support of Moonlight. I have to echo previous comments - we are not rabid nor are we a cult. We are a lot of faithful viewers of the best vampire show I've ever seen. I think viewers range in age from teens to one lady I know who is in her 70's and drags an oxygen tank around with her so she can breathe. I know that a lot of men watch this show, too. There is something for everyone and the actors, writers, producers and crew have not disappointed the fans. The network has not only disappointed us, but in addition to ditching us, they had sorta led us to believe the show would be renewed. We still hold out hope that another more savy network will pick this show up and we appreciate your support. Thanks again! And, keep spreading the word - 8 million viewers are looking for a home for their favorite vamps.
-- Posted by: Carol at May 22, 2008 10:24 PMThank you for your Moonlight update. I, too, am one of the at least 8 million fans that never wrote a fan letter, looked for a fan website, posted on a message board or blog before this show. Moonlight is so different from all other shows I've seen. It draws you into the characters and their lives with outstanding acting, writing, planning of the costumes, sets, locations. I think a new way to figure viewership is needed. Again today I spoke with another Moonlight fan who doesn't go online and wants a second season too. With todays technology, I think it can't be much more to figure out the true amount of viewers. After all, if they can deliver cable and satellite it can't be too much more to figure out.
-- Posted by: Karen at May 22, 2008 10:33 PMThank you for your support of Moonlight. We don't want to "scare" anyone, but we are just passionate fans, trying to get someone to recognize the earning potential and the increased fan potential this show has. I know TV is a business, but look at how willing we are to spend money for an ad in the Hollywood Reporter and in Variety. Imagine those same dollars going toward sponsors advertising during Moonlight? That's one of our main goals -- don't look us only for the age brackets of viewers (which ranges from 10 to 90, by the way) -- look at the money to be earned by granting 8 million+ viewers an opportunity to watch a show we love and spend the money we have on the products advertised. Believe me, we will put our money where our mouths are, if someone will just give us a chance!
-- Posted by: Moonlighter at May 22, 2008 10:56 PMThanks for the great mention of our beloved Moonlight. I have never been this attached to a television show in my life until now. I was devasted that CBS dropped a People Choice Winner before it got a real chance. This was the worst year for it because of the writers strike but once Moonlight survived the strike, we were all pretty confident that we would get that second season and really develop a larger audience. Many people are afraid to start watching a show unless it has survived a second season. Far too many have gotten attached to a show only to have it cancelled after only one season. CBS really blew it with this one and will lose a lot of viewers over this. Don't be surprised to see CBS's numbers drop next season. Of all the freshman series of 2008, only one survived. We will fight to get Moonlight back on the air someplace. Our Moonlight ralliers are representing the rest of us that are all over the world. Moonlight will rise again.
-- Posted by: pinkiepie230 at May 22, 2008 11:11 PMI too am one of the many Moonlight fans that never went online to track a show or chat. This show captured my interest from the very first episode. I found myself watching them over and over until the next weeks episode was on. I have gotten more than 10 people watching the show most of which had never heard of it. And they all love it.It's not your usual vampire show with alot of supernatural things happening. These vampires have more humanity than most human characters on other shows. I love watching these characters deal with the difficulties of living in a human world. Alex is such an amazing actor and brings such emotion and vulnerablity to his character. And the onscreen chemistry between him and Sophia is electric! This show has action, drama,romance and so much room for growth. I just pray that some smart network will pick it up.We need more Moonlight!!
-- Posted by: pattynpa at May 22, 2008 11:25 PMI too am one of the many Moonlight fans that never went online to track a show or chat. This show captured my interest from the very first episode. I found myself watching them over and over until the next weeks episode was on. I have gotten more than 10 people watching the show most of which had never heard of it. And they all love it.It's not your usual vampire show with alot of supernatural things happening. These vampires have more humanity than most human characters on other shows. I love watching these characters deal with the difficulties of living in a human world. Alex is such an amazing actor and brings such emotion and vulnerablity to his character. And the onscreen chemistry between him and Sophia is electric! This show has action, drama,romance and so much room for growth. I just pray that some smart network will pick it up.We need more Moonlight!!
-- Posted by: pattynpa at May 22, 2008 11:25 PMThanks so much for your support of Moonlight and its millions of fans. We are a very devoted group of people who love this extraordinary story and the characters Mick, Beth, and Josef who have stolen our hearts and our minds. Yes, MINDS! Moonlight actually makes us think, it is enormously entertaining but it is not the mindless entertainment that has become so prevalent on network television. That is why we are so passionate about finding a new home for this amazing show! Thanks again for your support in helping us fight the good fight to save Moonlight!
-- Posted by: oncebitten at May 22, 2008 11:29 PMI am another devoted MOONLIGHT fan. Thank you for your support. The networks put too much faith in the current antiquated rating system. I think if they were able to get a true count of viewers the numbers would be very different. Even with the current system MOONLIGHT has consistently won its time slot and kept its fan base through all types of turmoil. The cast, crew, and writers have created a magical series and it deserves to continue.
-- Posted by: MARILOUISE K at May 22, 2008 11:33 PMI am one of the 8 million+ plus viewers who Never...Never even thought about blogging, searching fan sites or contributing my hard earned money to help save a show, Yet that is exactly what I've been doing...For an ENTIRE WEEK. I have only left my computer to shower, go to work (NO choice) and to sleep (maybe 4-5 hrs. a night). Others before me have posted, quite eloquently, the merits of MOONLIGHT. If a show can muster this much visual support to save it...Just think what we can do when we it is returned to us!!! PLEASE...PLEASE...PLEASE...GIVE US BACK OUR MOONLIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!
-- Posted by: Debbie at May 22, 2008 11:35 PMThanks so much for posting this! The fans really appreciate your support for our efforts, and for Moonlight. Thank you also for your comment that the opinions of 8 million fans ought to count - that's part of what we're fighting for. We're tired of the network-that-shall-remain-nameless thinking it can ignore 8 million viewers and not suffer any consequences. It's time they learned that we have a voice and aren't afraid to use it - and it's time they started paying attention.
-- Posted by: Lirian at May 23, 2008 12:03 AMThanks for the post about Moonlight. So many people are deeply involved in saving this incredible show. Nothing on television combines a true super-hero, a love story, the sci-fi vampire theme, action, wonderful special effects, humor - all in a package that makes it the most unique show I have ever seen. The casting and writing of this show was perfect. Also never had a TV show take over my life and make my whole family want more like this one.
-- Posted by: Terry at May 23, 2008 12:27 AMDon't let the email addy fool you I just haven't bothered to change it since my days in the UK. I live and work in Texas and I'm a Moonlight fan.
Thanks for the kind words for our cause. You've summed up our mission very nicely. We're trying to get another network to see the advantages of having a devoted and grateful fan base of millions of people devoted to Moonlight who, are ready to support the network's other programs as well as Moonlight's sponsors.
-- Posted by: LunaD at May 23, 2008 12:29 AMI'd like to add my thanks for this article supporting Moonlight. It is worth supporting for all the reasons that my fellow fans have stated.This show has a global fanbase as well as in the U.S.It has brought people together to laugh cry,share life experience, drool(yep a lot of drooling!) and generally get together to talk about a show that has completely captured our hearts. lots of people LOVE this show. Why does'nt that count for anything?
-- Posted by: AussieJo at May 23, 2008 3:08 AMThanks for posting this and supporting Moonlight. I'm one of those "global" fans and it really is connecting people from all around the globe! Maybe now more than ever.
-- Posted by: Foxy at May 23, 2008 4:18 AMThats a great piece, thanks for the support. Moonlight fans are doing phenomenal work to ensure Moonlight gets that second season pickup. Moonlight is an outstanding show that has a devoted rapidly growing fanbase that spans the globe.
-- Posted by: misskathy at May 23, 2008 5:57 AMI am a moonlighter from the UK and echo everything that has been said here. We have to support an outstanding show like this, alone, in a sea of reality nonsense. Long live Moonlight.
-- Posted by: Silverroxy at May 23, 2008 6:57 AMMoonlight has become my number 1 viewing each week. I love the show so much that I can't wait for the next episode immediately upon the current one finishing. I am 40 years old and have two teenage daughters all completed spellbound by this show. We will definitely follow the show to whichever network is clever and gracious enough to pick it up. The fact that it one the Peoples Choice Award, its lead actor, Alex O'Loughlin is now officially recognised as one of TV's sexiest actors and that Warner Brothers are putting Moonlight forward for possible Emmy nomination says it all surely. My loyalty to watch the show and buy all merchanise for it is pledged to whichever network takes it on. MOONLIGHT IS SO HOT IT TAKES MY BREATH AWAY.
-- Posted by: Maria_E at May 23, 2008 7:23 AMI am yet another Moonlight fan who has never gotten this involved in a show. I am a 53 year old homemaker who makes most of the day to day buying decisions in our home, yet my opinion doesn't count with the current antiquated Neilson system. CBS is missing MORE than 8 million prospective consumers by canceling Moonlight. We're working hard to get it picked up by another network, and I know that if we fail it will not be for lack of effort on our part.
-- Posted by: bunches at May 23, 2008 7:43 AMI am yet another Moonlight fan who has never gotten this involved in a show. I am a 53 year old homemaker who makes most of the day to day buying decisions in our home, yet my opinion doesn't count with the current antiquated Neilson system. CBS is missing MORE than 8 million prospective consumers by canceling Moonlight. We're working hard to get it picked up by another network, and I know that if we fail it will not be for lack of effort on our part.
-- Posted by: bunches at May 23, 2008 7:44 AMThank you for your support!! Moonlight is an amazing show that has earned a spot in my heart forever. I have never been this emotionally involved in a show and it's characters and I will be devestated if WB cannot find a new home for our Moonlight family.
-- Posted by: Melissa at May 23, 2008 9:29 AMI have never gotten involved or tried to figure out how to save a show. It is one of the few shows the entire family watches. We are 19/44/49. We each watch for different reasons. I cannot believe advertisers would not want to attract the kind of passionate audience that Moonlight has. We will buy the itunes, dvds, merchandise and watch the show where ever it goes. A show that evokes so much passion in so many deserves a second season.
-- Posted by: Dickens at May 23, 2008 9:30 AMCBS got this one TOTALLY wrong! Moonlight is the best show in the history of tv shows. My Friday nights will not be complete without Moonlight. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE find a new home for our show!!!!
-- Posted by: BostonVamp at May 23, 2008 9:32 AMI am yet another one of the 8 million fans of Moonlight. I am a 35 year old married, professional woman who has never participated in such a campaign. Moonlight fans have been touted as "rabid, and cult-like", which can't be further from the truth. Moonlight fans are loyal, wonderful people. What makes Moonlight' fan base so special is the variety of people from different walks of life coming together to enjoy an hour of drama, action, love, and friendship. It is a shame that the Execs at CBS do not have the ability to see this. Moonlight is a wonderful concept, the actors are brilliant, the writers are talented; what more did CBS want??? Moonlight has 8 million,yes 8 million, loyal fans that have poured their blood, sweat and tears into the ultimate fight.... SAVE MOONLIGHT!! I hope that someone sees the magnitude of this situation, and decides that Moonlight's Fan Base is truly worth picking the show up.
"Vampire Solidarity, RAH RAH"
-- Posted by: Jennifer at May 23, 2008 9:35 AMThank you so much for your support of our beloved show Moonlight. I have become very involved in this show, it's characters and the many new friends I have found on-line in the Moonlight community. We are truly a varied bunch of folks....pre-teens thru 90+ years old! We are a HUGE demographic that any network & advertizers would & should covet. The DVD sales will really show the fanbase that exist NOW. We will continue our efforts to bring Moonlight back and continue the story of MickBeth. This show has everything: drama, mystery, romance, comedy, action, special effects. It was a fantasy based in real life....filled with hope for the future....something we all need these days. We will NOT go gently into the night! We want MORE MOONLIGHT!
-- Posted by: Caro at May 23, 2008 9:51 AMThanks so much for the support. As so many mentioned before me, I have NEVER been as passionate about a show as I am about Moonlight. Even after spending the past week doing my part in the Save Moonlight campaign I'm still having a hard time believing that CBS really canceled the show!! I truly hope that some network out there picks this show up and insures themselves a wonderfully loyal fanbase.
"Vampire Solidarity, RAH RAH RAH"
Thank you so much for your support of Moonlight. As many before me have mentioned, I have NEVER been this passionate about a show. I've never posted on message boards or joined in campaigns such as this one. I'm truly saddened by the prospect of not being able to see the development of the stories and characters that have had me glued to my television every Friday night. I sit here hoping and praying that some network somewhere picks up the show and it's wonderfully loyal fanbase.
"Vampire Solidarity, RAH, RAH RAH"
I'm a fan from CZ and I just want to say: "Thank you so much for support!" I belive that we will succeed and Moonlight will have a new home...
Vampire Solidarity, rah, rah, rah!!
I want to thank you for your post on Moonlight. i am a 33 year old mother of two young boys. Friday night at 9pm was what I looked forward to all week. I have been disappointed by cancellations before. I just started to just lie down and take it. i am not a rabid fan, or in a cult. I share a passion with 8 million plus new friends for a show and I have stopped lying down and taking it. I want to be heard. Bring back Moonlight for A second season.
Vampire Solidarity,rah,rah,rah!!!
We first started watching Moonlight because my 5 year old son got excited about vampires & blood on the commercials. Then my whole family got interested in it. Now we can't wait till Friday night. This is the one show we can all sit down & enjoy together. I hope another more savvy network will pick this show up (along with Jericho)
-- Posted by: xanadude at May 23, 2008 12:58 PMThanks for posting this! It just feels so good... we need some positive news. The more than better!
-- Posted by: Lynne at May 23, 2008 3:43 PMThanks for posting this! It just feels so good... we need some positive news. The more the better!
-- Posted by: Lynne at May 23, 2008 3:43 PMThanks for posting this! It just feels so good... we need some positive news. The more, the better!
-- Posted by: Lynne at May 23, 2008 3:43 PMWish I was there. From what people are blogging from the Moonlight Con going on in LA this weekend, it sounds like they're having a lot of fun. They're planning to march over to WB this afternoon. Rah Rah Rah.
-- Posted by: Jessie at May 23, 2008 3:47 PMII sincerely want to thatn kyou for your support of our show and our cause. I just like many of the others NEVER partook in anything like this before. Yet for Moonlight I feel it is worth it. This show meant a lot to me, my friend and family who all became so addicted to these characters and their story. It also seems unjust that a show with such a fan base, winner of the Peoples Choice award, sexiest actor, Potential emmy nomminee and with so many saying that it had so much more potential would be cancelled. I love the show and I feel we shouldn't go down without a fight. Vampire Solidarity.........
-- Posted by: Jo-Ann at May 23, 2008 6:51 PMYour support of Moonlight is duly noted and we certainly thank you for that. The troops have rallied and rallied huge - the fight is on, with incredible strength in numbers, to save what was obviously to CBS just another dispensible show. But Moonlight is so much more than that to its loyal viewership. What CBS appears to have underestimated in all of this is just how deeply Moonlight has touched the hearts and souls of that viewership, how very special it is, and how far-reaching its appeal is across the demographics. It isn't just something we tuned in to watch - it's something we love, deeply. Hopefully the efforts to save our beloved Moonlight will be noticed and rewarded, another network will recognize the level to which this fanbase is dedicated and realize the value of adding Moonlight to their line-up. To that new network, we will be immortally grateful!
-- Posted by: NicksMom at May 24, 2008 7:55 AMThank you so much for your support of our effort to save this show. Please know that I could go on for hours about the show, but it would just be repeating everything everyone else has stated above. The show is fresh, exciting, and just a joy to watch. When you think about the time slot it was assigned to 900 Friday's (date, social night) and yet it still drew 8 millions viewers that has to say something. That doesn't even take into account the number of viewers who had to record it or tivo it for later viewing...Something about it had to attract a large numbers to stay home and watch it. I for one never missed it...Thanks again for your support
-- Posted by: Jill Farrell at May 24, 2008 5:28 PMI'm a loyal Moonlight fan and I live in Australia, therefore I do not contribute to the US ratings.. but why shouldn't I be counted?? I watched every episode when it aired on Australian TV (only the first 8 eps were aired in Australia) and downloaded the rest online. Come into the 21st Century CBS and get a new rating system! I WANT MY MOONLIGHT BACK!
CBS and other networks need to get with the times! Viewer numbers shouldn't just be calculated by who is watching in real time, people may record a show to view later or download it from the internet!
-- Posted by: Kelly at May 26, 2008 1:30 AM
I was watching American Idol last night and I saw a movie trailer that I thought was produced by Ford, did anyone see that trailer? Do you know the movie website?
-- Posted by: ride it at May 22, 2008 8:08 PM