4400 fans plant seeds of renewal at USA

By Tim Surette - TV.com

February 1, 2008 at 05:04:00 PM | more stories by this author

Jericho-like campaign to save sci-fi show sees fans sending in sunflower seeds to network.

Note to television studios: If you want an almost endless supply of nuts and grains, simply cancel one of your shows that enjoys a cult status.

<em>The 4400</em> hopes you love sunflower seeds, USA.

The 4400 hopes you love sunflower seeds, USA.

The near-death experience of CBS's Jericho provided the networks' employees with more peanuts than they could handle, as irate fans sent in truckloads of the legume to protest the show's cancellation. The decision to send nuts was a play on one of the more spirited parts of dialogue from the Jericho season finale.

And in a world where corporations generally look at their customers with contempt, CBS did something rather strange: It listened, and gave the show a second chance at life (season two premieres February 12).

With precedent sent, it seems that every fan of every canceled show thinks that a few tons of foodstuffs can change studio executives' minds.

The latest fans to rally support through the inundation of snacks are doing so in support of The 4400, which was unceremoniously canceled by the USA Network in December, alongside The Dead Zone.

This time, sunflower seeds are the "gift" of choice, as they were the favorite snack of the character Dr. Kevin Burkhoff (played by Jeffery Combs), according to the Associated Press.

A Minnesota-based company named Giant Seeds has been the beneficiary of the campaign, and had sent off more than 1,700 bags of sunflower seeds as of Thursday.

After Jericho was successfully revived, fans of other recently canceled shows have attempted similar campaigns, with no success. Veronica Mars fans shipped off Mars Bars to the CW, and Journeyman fans are currently trying to convince NBC to change their minds with boxes of Rice-A-Roni.

The 4400 debuted in 2004 and follows a group of abductees who have mysteriously returned to the Pacific Northwest with unexplained new abilities. For more on The 4400, check out TV.com's previous coverage.

88 Comments

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Jay09886

I agree another great show cancelled! Dont these big corporations ever stand back for a minute and listen to what the fans want. I don't see the concept in cancelling something halfway through! I have watched all four series, and bought series 4 the other day on DVD and only then did I read for it to be cancelled. Yet another contribution which highlights how much greed and money is apparent in our society, with them fat cats upstairs at CBS and other networks inconsiderate to what the people, the viewers (the wage payers to their needs), us want!

Posted 08/04/2008 2:58pm

mhm81

Another great show cancelled.. grrr. They'll keep the crap shows going though.

I purchased the 4th season of 4400 on DVD this morning. I found out that the show was cancelled this afternoon. I'm annoyed..

Posted 08/01/2008 4:02am

bearsbananas

I have read the messages this morning and found out that the 4400 show has been cancelled, so i’ve been doing some digging but am unable to find a personal email address for Bonnie Hammer at USA Network. If you go to there website and feedback the station could be inundated with emails from the 4400 fans and that may persuade them to make another series or 2, even if they just bring the story to a conclusion not just leave it hanging in midair. The show has many fans all over the world; I am in the UK and have been waiting in anticipation for its return just to be disappointed. All the best shows seem to be cancelled after a few short years the ratings shouldn’t be an issue as the series is sold worldwide and those countries don’t show on the USA ratings. The web address to go straight to the feedback page is WWW.usanetwork.com/feedback or the switchboard phone number is 212-664-4444.

Posted 07/28/2008 5:07am

gerrard008

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/savethe4400/sign/

Posted 07/17/2008 8:48pm

leabrfg

I am new to this posting and like some others I just found out the 4400 was cancelled. I had it tivo'd and from time to time would check the menu guide to see if there were any signs of it coming back and nothing. I was hoping that they decided to air it in September rather than during the summer when people are out doing things and vacationing, but then after searching the web learned it's been cancelled. I was reading another post where one person mentioned the marked ones hit too close to home possibly with Bill Gates and that could have struck a nerve. Others said it was only a ratings game and financial assessment. I think the first individual may have been more accurate because there is a New World Order under way and those that have the money and power will be able to change the world to benefit them, I'm sure it's already been going on. I'm not a conspiracy nut, but I know that those with money pretty much make most of the decisions in the world and those without are nothing more than their puppets. If it were just a ratings / money issue then why aren't they airing 4400 repeats all summer? You can't tell me that Law and Order repeats get more viewers than 4400 repeats. Law and Order is on pratically non-stop and it's just another cop show like tons of others. The 4400 has real imagination and excitement.
I plan on writing the President of USA to urge her to bring back the 4400. Her address is:
USA Network
Bonnie Hammer, President
30 Rockefeller Plaza, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10112

Does anyone have an email address for her. Also does anyone have a telephone no. of someone we can call to complain to about it? Thanks

Posted 07/12/2008 5:21pm

lulubear75

What do they think happens to the people who watch? We get mad, and find was to retaliate. I hope they come to their sences and put 4400 and the dead zone back on air. until then e need to keep them busy and light up their phones and computer screens.

Posted 07/11/2008 9:09pm

aingael2

I can't stand networks that just cancel a show without any regard for its fans. My family and I have put in 4 seasons faithfully to the 4400 and we deserve to see where it was all going, and how it was intended to end. It just goes to show that networks insult our intelligence and insist on force-feeding us mindless television and/or reality tv. The 4400 was one of the most well-written and intelligent shows on the air today. Maybe one needs to question why ratings are so low on television? Because if you get hooked on a show, you've wasted your time because it will be just like reading a novel with the last chapter removed - so why bother.

Posted 07/03/2008 5:55pm

Kaylila

i hate you usa network.

Posted 06/25/2008 8:29am

Xaviersx

Unfortunately, networks don't want nuts, candy, or cards, they want cash and a guarantee that viewers will not only look at the program, but the ads that support the shows. Now, if you could get some wealthy investors to bypass the full need for ad revenue to keep a show alive, like back in the good ole days when 1 or 2 companies were the sponsors for a show instead of a revolving door of squirming-for-nielsen confirmation corporations, some of these cult favorites could enjoy longer life on their parent networks or better yet, an independent network. Networks as they are, nuts to them, the last strike has shown a lot of viewers the door and not many to return . .

Posted 06/23/2008 9:59am

ramiepie

Why is a popular show like the 4400 dropped when a show like Heroes which is nothing more than a copy cat of 4400 kept on by the bigger network? 4400 is one of the better shows on TV. I will truly miss it and would ask USA to reconsider especially when we have to watch repeated episodes of Law and Order all the time.

Posted 06/21/2008 8:13pm

tv_mandy

the 4400 rocked and I am mad that its cancelled. They should do a movie or something to end it like they did for the pretender.

Posted 05/26/2008 10:33pm

MissJGoins

I AM PISSED! I can not believe (and I do apologize about the language) but I was really looking forward to seeing this show on the air. These network now-a-days dont know sugar from shyt. Dag this was a reason for me to stay home and just chill on the weekends.

Posted 05/22/2008 3:32pm

Digitalzig

Why are these network people sostupid. everytime they have something good they end it. Just like "Dead like me" Great show and it ended for no reason

Posted 05/09/2008 5:42pm

CellBlocknutter

Bring it back!

Posted 04/29/2008 5:28pm

dzsharon

I, too, was looking for info on the new season, only to learn my favorite show has been canceled! I am shocked. It didn't have an ending. It left us hanging, and now we will never know where it was all going. I am SO sick of reality TV. This was a great, well written show. So sad.

Posted 04/24/2008 8:06pm

E-play

BRING IT BACK!!!

Posted 04/19/2008 3:26pm

scooby_doobs

I think it we get the 4400 up the TV Vote nominations chart that can't hurt, so go there and vote "The 4400" !
Yuo can vote once an hour, we're currently losing to The Unit

(
http://www.richlabonte.net/tvvote/nominations.html

Posted 04/15/2008 8:14am

davescanman1929

Im still upset. Canceling the 4400 for shows like In plain site. from the previews i can tell its going to be garbage. I wish USA would give The 4400 another chance.

Some people think that USA cancelled The 4400 cause of the writers strike. USA might have. But I think The 4400 is one of those show that would have survived. The 4400 fans are very loyal to the show, and would have come back no matter how long the strike would have lasted.

Posted 04/05/2008 5:20pm

fishguyzeroone

USA (NBC) is really ticking me off. 4400 and Dead Zone cancelled?!?! For what?!? Endless repeats of Law and Order?!?on USA...And now they are moving Monk and Pych to prime time on NBC...Sunday..hello Simpsons/Family Guy are on Sunday!! IDIOTS!!!

Posted 03/31/2008 12:31pm

vodreaux

They should at least do a partial Season with some time of closure to the Series. Develop 8 more episode leading to a series true finale.

Posted 03/29/2008 7:25am

asimetron

its unbelivable ,usa cancel the better show i ever see ,we must make somethink for the show!!!!

is any active community to support the show ,come on ppl lets do it ,for that great show

Posted 03/27/2008 4:44pm

faramirza

I'm so dissapointed that this has been done to 4400

Posted 03/27/2008 12:59am

kaynwil

I can't believe it! I'm so late! I had NO idea! I just searched for this show to see when it was returning only to find it's been CANCELLED!!! OMG!!!! Where do I send the sunflower seeds??!!

Posted 03/11/2008 11:42am

davescanman1929

Its such a shame. There are so few good shows on TV these days. The 4400 was one of the best. Bring it back. Give us closure.

Posted 03/09/2008 3:25pm

issi995

They should at least give us one more season to tie everything together. WE NEED CLOSURE!!!!!

Posted 03/04/2008 6:53pm

LAntichristo

Puck! Are you kidding me? Bring back!

Posted 03/04/2008 5:26am

gloray124

Yes I agree with all my other pals,,,bring back the 4400...It would not be right to really end it this is to be the case without a really BIG bang...I love the show and never missed an episode...Please re consider and bring them back...

GRS Houston, TX

Posted 02/29/2008 7:33pm

2003sush

I watched this show from the start and wish it could come back. It was at a point that kept me guessing what would happen next. It's a shame that shows are cancelled without any regard to their fans. At least tie up some of the loose ends before pulling the carpet out from under us.

Posted 02/29/2008 6:51pm

xmale

It's a shame it's been cancelled, for me a waste of 4 years. At least end it properly.

I had just started to watch the first few episodes of Journeyman, but now I've seen that it's been cancelled, I won't bother.

What's the point of making a story arch over several seasons with cliff-hangers to entice you back next season if the Execs can't be bothered.

I think the writers strike has highlighted what a bad state the US TV medium in in. At least here in the UK they shoot ALL the episodes of a season before they start airing and plan the story arc within the season.

Where do they get their viewing figures from anyway? Does it really reflect the fanbase or the advertising base?

Posted 02/19/2008 3:12pm

I-am-new-one

BRING IT BACK!!!

Posted 02/19/2008 8:32am

starfire2_2

Bring back the 4400. I hate when good shows like Dark Angel, firefly, and Buffy go off the air. Most shows that get canceled or pulled off the air without an proper ending. And this one needs one. After 5 seasons, the fans deserve it. I mean that fire fly has shown with the movie Serenity that if u make it then they will watch it. And some of us, we just want a ending for the shows we all love. When u write a book, u need a start middle and end. So why do shows get the axe somewhere in the middle. Instead of at the end. All we want is an end. So please give us one.

Posted 02/13/2008 8:01pm

rffp

Oh dear
I am a big fan from Brazil of the 4400 (and also of Jericho) and I am very sad to hear about the cancellation of the show. Is there anyway I can help to make the show came back for Season 5?
[]s

Posted 02/12/2008 5:58am

fbicrimefanatic

Nice article! I think the campaign will work in some way or another. The 4400 is an exceptional show because it's intelligent, and it's what we need instead of wrestling, and other senseless programming.

I think fans now just want a good conclusion of the series, instead of the back-handed cancellation they received. If you're a fan who lives out of the country who wishes to participate in the campaign, giantseeds has 2 4400 Specials, whereby you can have them send the seeds to USA Network for you with a nice message.

Posted 02/08/2008 6:59am

fatdjd

Personally I'd rather see The Dead Zone brought back. At least long enough to wrap up the loose ends and bring it to it's inevitable conclusion. Also, why is there nary a mention in this article of Roswell fans who saved the show by sending the network bottles of Tabasco sauce?

Posted 02/07/2008 8:32pm

steph3099

nice news story, not really interested in any of the shows mentioned above

Posted 02/07/2008 2:05am

daddimac

John Doe, Dark Angel, Serenity, Journeyman and now The 4400. I'm seriously bummed.

Posted 02/06/2008 7:13pm

Pinkmyst

Sounds good to me I loved that show! Wish they showed it more in Australia though

Posted 02/05/2008 8:09pm

killcoyle

4400 the return, tba 2008???

Posted 02/05/2008 2:37pm

BWayne825

Isn't that the point Skevast wrote "The studios have to play hardball because if they give in this would happen all the time". The studios should pay attention to what we want to see and not try to force us to watch what the think we want to see.

Posted 02/05/2008 10:36am

adiv07

Bring the 4400 back pleaseeeee....That is the best show ever...

Posted 02/04/2008 9:06pm

pgsuperfan

cancel the wrestling lol

Posted 02/04/2008 2:20pm

MacCybex

They should have cancelled some crappy reality show instead.

Posted 02/04/2008 1:06pm

sponge_bob14

i hope it works! this is the only show me and my parents can watch together!

Posted 02/04/2008 9:52am

Skevast

This will never happen because the artists have other contrakts now just like Summer Glau. To mutch time has gone by mainly because of the writers strike. Many shows with just one season left had to free up their artist fron their contracts, it was the cheapest thing to do. I believe that we would get another season of 4400 and even the Dead Zone if the writers strike wouldn't happen. However it happend and the studios losses are enormous. The studios have to play hardball because if they give in this woulld happen all the time. Just like with kidnappers if you pay one then nobody can ever feel safe because then everyone becomes a kidnapper. It's the hard truth, the studios are running out of money and they will end every show that isn't a sure thing. And it is cheapest to end a contract when the actor can get another gig right away. If not they still have to pay the actors even if they aren't filming because it is not their fault the writers are on strike. They can ofcourse lay of all the people that have a ordinary work around shows. It is only the actors and maybee some other important people behind the shows like producers etc that have this contracts that waranty them money no matter if they work or not. So it the actors finds something else the studios are more than happy to free them from their contracts.....

Posted 02/04/2008 9:29am

dark_angel_arg1

I really want to watch season 5, so keep sending as many seeds as you can, please... I'd help but I'm in Argentina and I really can't...

Posted 02/04/2008 8:09am

Megan3375

I have watched every single episode and I have to TOTALLY DISAGREE with the opinions of those who say the show became boring and/or disapointing!! I say that those people just plain weren't as invested in the story as the rest of us are! Maybe if you had stuck with the plotlines you wouldn't have found it dull!! I think the 4th season, besides the unfair ending, was one of the best seasons! Kept me on the edge of my seat every week. Intead of sitting there and saying, "I used to watch the show and I think the attempts to get it back are useless" Why don't you naysayers be helpful and send some seeds! I THINK OUR EFFORTS ARE EXTREMELY WORTHWHILE and even if the Jericho resurrection was a anomaly, I can at least say that I stayed true to an amazing series!!!!

Posted 02/03/2008 9:01pm

sk_razor

Keeping in mind all the wisdom and moral broad casted by the show i doubt the people that hold the plug would care any more than to pull when the show began to stink. Tell ya the truth i'd rather watch utterly boring filler episodes of shows towards a sloppy closure instead of all that crap logic and total anti-practical/logical/moral/reverential/humane preaching out of the 4400.

Posted 02/03/2008 5:03pm

viprock2002

This was a gr8 show for the first few seasons but its quality went from bad to worst in the last 2 seasons. I dont think thrs any point in bringing it back

Posted 02/03/2008 4:25pm

_drkness_

Hey I enjoyed this show too but at least it ended on a high point. Most shows sometimes end up dragging on at the very end but not The 4400. To give a example look at Stargate SG-1. Sorry to say that the last two seasons really was not on par with the years previous.

Maybe the same can be done where The 4400 could continue as a few TV movies or even a full film. This has been done to close off unresolved story lines like Firefly and Stargate SG-1.

I would not despair just yet because The 4400 has a cult following and once something hit that point nothing will kill it off.

Take inspiration from what has been done and make a fan movie.

Posted 02/03/2008 3:52pm

TIGRBOAR25

I think they should wrap up all the loose end in a tv movie or a mini. I would love to see how it was supposed to end it's run.

Posted 02/03/2008 3:41pm

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