MovieChat Forums > Numb3rs (2005) Discussion > A message from Rob Morrow about the show

A message from Rob Morrow about the show

posted 15 years ago by kes-cross
52 replies | jump to latest

OK, this is for everyone who has invested time in Numb3rs, is a fan and doesn't want to see this show's demise. As you all know by now, season six of Numb3rs has just had its run cut from 22 to 16 episodes. Obviously, that is not a good sign for the future of Numb3rs and for those of us who love this show, pretty gutting news. And it seems that the cast feel the same way. This is the message from Rob Morrow on his Facebook page...

Hi All, CBS has pulled us back to 16 eps from an original order of 22. not a good sign. but, we're not over yet. we need a big write-in campaign. ya'll have to get everyone u know to blitz the network with unrelenting letters. keep numbers alive....

here is the address:
Nina Tassler
President, CBS Entertainment
4024 Radford Ave., Room 3118
Studio City, CA 91604

thanks all, rob m

If you are a Numb3rs fan and want to feel that you are at least doing something to help, then support the campaign and the cast and crew by voicing your opinion to the management. It would be a dreadful shame to see this great programme go into the sunset before its time, and the way that CBS have done this mid-season is a pretty shoddy way to do things.

If you're not a fan of Numb3rs, then fine, I respect everyone's opinion and the right to voice them. But if you are a fan, then help support the campaign. For the price of a stamp, it could help us keep our show going. I live in hope.

Peace,

Kes

Krav Maga. It ain't pretty, but my GOD it works, buddy...

[–] VideoNitekatt 15 years ago

From someone who's been involved in letter-writing campaigns in the past, I can tell you well writen letter and postcards make the best impact.

NOT Gimicks like the whole JERICHO "nuts" thing - CBS won't fall for that again!

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

Absolutely agree, VideoNitekatt. PLEASE don't send stuff like chalk or chalkboard erasers (as was suggested on another forum) - this causes panic in the postroom (and having spent many years in the courier business at the height of the IRA bombings in London, trust me, unsolicited items sent through the post are taken very seriously) and can only harm any letter-writing campaign. A well thought out, rational and reasonable letter is going to have more impact than a torrent of abuse, literary hissy fits or any other negative style of letter writing.

Kes

Krav Maga. It ain't pretty, but my GOD it works, buddy...

[–] fireyrose 15 years ago

"Gimmicks" as you call them, have revived QUITE a few shows. If CBS is dumb enough to replace the MOST POPULAR character on CSI, you sort of have to ask how stupid they really are. If they would put a crap show like Jericho back on after "gimmicks," then why shouldn't other shows' fans try that? Letter-writing campaigns don't always work either unless they have something creative behind them, like a GIMMICK to show how passionate the fans are and that they pay attention to what goes on in the show. Roswell got renewed the same way, using a gimmick (sending 6,000 bottles of tabasco to The WB, and then after the WB cancelled it the fans sent 12,000 bottles of it to the competing UPN - it worked both times.) and inundating the network with letters and phone calls. The fans have to go at it from as many sides as they can think of because a letter-writing campaign alone is simply not going to work.

If they needed a fecal 'transplant,' just feed 'em one of the "Grey's Anatomy" scripts.

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

My point (from personal experience of being around postrooms during a major terrorist alert in London) is that some substances that are completely harmless can spark a threat alert very easily, chalk being a case in point (as was said elsewhere, 'dust-free chalk' is a myth - chalk by its very nature produces dust, which could easily be mistaken for something more sinister.) However, there have been a couple of very good suggestions elsewhere on the Net. One which I particularly like and will not set off post room alarm bells is cutting out numbers from a sheet (you could either print them off or cut them out of newspapers/magazines etc) so that when the letter is opened the numbers fall out like confetti all over the desk. It'll probably annoy the hell out of them, but they'll be finding little cut-out numbers for weeks afterwards and every time they do they'll associate them with the campaign.

Another suggestion was sending in foam numbers (like the ones used for early learning), small plastic rulers and old collage math books.

Short update on the petition - we are now up to 1310 signatures, including several from math professors. The latest we have on the academic angle is that the American Math Society has been contacted by a member and will be discussing the situation next week and may become involved in the campaign as well. This is fantastic news, as it gives the campaign a great deal of gravitas. In the meantime, the letter writing is continuing and gaining in popularity. That address again:

Nina Tassler
President, CBS Entertainment
4024 Radford Ave., Room 3118
Studio City, CA 91604
USA

Thanks,

Kes

Join the 'Save Numb3rs' campaign - http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

[–] FerretsNStuff 15 years ago

Don't forget the flash cards suggestion! Flat, easy to add to a letter or card, and you can write messages like 'Save Numb3rs' or 'Everything is numb3rs' on them

BethB

[–] VideoNitekatt 15 years ago

"gimics" no longer work - CBS responded to the 20,000 pounds of NUTS the JERICHO fans sent by renewing the show - then they put it in the worst slot on the network at the time - Tuesdays at 10pm! The MOONLIGHT fans tryed different things and it didn't save their show - becuase CBS alreay went down that road with JERICHO!

The most effective effort is to bury the network in letters and postcards! Especially postcards- they are simple,to the point,easily read,and can be counted :)

[–] carol-anne-1 15 years ago

oh noooooooo not another show i like...

very disappointing news this morning *sighs*
well, i've participated in some of these letter-writing-campaigns and i can tell you that the outcome is mostly not the best.

Numb3rs was on the chopping block by the end of the last season and they made it for another one (although it might have been only for the reason that they already started producing the new season, that was a clever decision...) Never thought that they could survive one more year. And now my nightmares come true. Maybe we should just beg TPTB for a nice and clean ending of the show? There isn't much time left for producing the rest of the 16 episodes, the creatives, first, the writers, need to know that they have to go for the Series Final! I don't want a 7.5 minutes end of a show AGAIN!!!!

I fell in love with Numb3rs the first time i watched it. It got me interested in math again and i'm very thankful for that. I could live with some more seasons but i bet it's all about $$$ and we are losing the battle against TPTB.

Nevertheless i'm going to send a very beautiful postcard of my hometown, Potsdam/Germany.

biiig huugs to every numb3rs fan out there :)

Annette

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

Online petition (Stage 2 of the campaign) available at...
http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

If you're a fan of the show, please sign so we can show CBS what we really think.

Many thanks,

Kes

Krav Maga. It ain't pretty, but my GOD it works, buddy...

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

Bumping for Numb3ry goodness and to keep the petition at the top of the 'to do' list...

Kes

Krav Maga. It ain't pretty, but my GOD it works, buddy...

[–] mbkgo-1 15 years ago

Thanks for providing the link for the petition, kes-cross. It boggles my mind to think that the network would cancel such an (IMO) intelligent, entertaining show. Crossing my fingers that they reconsider!

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

Bumping once again.

The online petition has busted through the 1000 mark in three days flat. There is also a write-in campaign (PLEASE don't be tempted to send stuff like chalk with your letter, it'll only freak the postroom people out and probably spark a major security alert, although someone has suggested sending cut-out numbers so that it spills onto their desks like confetti, which isn't a bad way to put a point across!) The address to write to is:

Nina Tassler
President, CBS Entertainment
4024 Radford Ave., Room 3118
Studio City, CA 91604
USA

Some people have commmented that the online petition won't do any good, but bugger it, I put it up there because we have to move fast on this and I'm a 'glass half full' kinda gal anyway so in my reckoning it can't do any actual harm to the campaign. But hard copy letters will make the biggest impact so please, for the sake of the price of a stamp, write in (keep it civil), tell CBS how you feel about this and let's not go down without one HELL of a fight!

Thanks all,

Kes

Join the 'Save Numb3rs' campaign - http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

[–] VideoNitekatt 15 years ago

If everyone who has signed the petition sends in just one letter or postcard, it'll be great!

[–] movie80 15 years ago

Thank you kes-cross.
So I did: sign the petition, vote, and mail the letter to CBS.

[–] keroppakerokero 15 years ago

let's write to CBS! Don't reduce or close numb3rs!!!!

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

*Crickets*

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaanyhoo, moving on...

Bump

That address:

Nina Tassler
President, CBS Entertainment
4024 Radford Ave., Room 3118
Studio City, CA 91604

That petition site:

http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

On Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/NUMB3RS#/pages/Save-Numb3rs/170416592038?ref=m f
and:
http://www.facebook.com/NUMB3RS#/group.php?gid=178516725982&ref=mf

On LJ:

http://community.livejournal.com/saven3central/profile

EDIT: This just in *Insert rolling news flash here*.........................

(From Rob M's assistant, and straight from the horse's mouth as it were...)

I know Rob recently suggested on his FB doing a search on IMDB to get the "interest rating" up (Dylan actually was the one to suggest that to us). This is along the lines of what needs to be done. Writing letters is important, because it is obviously going to get CBS's attention. But when it comes down to it, the decision will be about revenue. In the next few months everyone should do what they can as far as: 1)watch episodes on CBS.com 2)rent DVD's from Netflix 3)buy episodes on iTunes 4)buy DVDs. (Since watching on CBS.com is free, set your computer to watch one everyday!) These things were suggested by a friend of mine who just did her graduate thesis on Networks/Neilsen/Fan campaigns. So, hope you all can spread the word!

Have at it, kiddos!

Kes

Join the 'Save Numb3rs' campaign - http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

Bump (See posting above for details).

Kes

Join the 'Save Numb3rs' campaign - http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

[–] squarepeg72 15 years ago

I was just posting that we need to do something to keep this show alive. Thanks for this.

[–] bxbombshell27 15 years ago

Yeah,we can't let CBS ax Numb3rs. We already lost Shark,we can't lose Numb3rs.

[–] VideoNitekatt 15 years ago

*Bump*

[–] tia9900-1 15 years ago

I swear any show I find or any new show that I start to watch usally get the axe. I just started to watch this show an dnow it is in trouble. I think they should keep it on it will pick up. I just happen to catch a rerun on TNT and I was hooked.

[–] VideoNitekatt 15 years ago

*bump*

[–] DavidCrow 15 years ago

As you all know by now, season six of Numb3rs has just had its run cut from 22 to 16 episodes.

And the latest episode was only 40 minutes.

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] VideoNitekatt 15 years ago

*bump*

[–] VideoNitekatt 15 years ago

*bump*

[–] VideoNitekatt 15 years ago

*Bump*

[–] jallucine 15 years ago

Bump.

I wonder if letters from outside of USA count too? Since the network doesn't get any increased rating and ad revenue for overseas views who mostly watch via downloaded videos or video sites.. But I do love Numb3rs so much! Shame that they are even considering cancelling such an intellectual AND family-centric show.

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

Absolutely. It doesn't matter where the letters come from - it's the show of support that counts. For the price of a stamp, it could help to make the difference so yep, if you're outside the USA, just adapt your letter to tell Nina just what kind of a following the show has around the world.

Kes
Join the 'Save Numb3rs' campaign - http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

Bumpity bump bump bump!

Kes
*Points to sig - get signing, folks!*

Join the 'Save Numb3rs' campaign - http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

[–] Magrathea82 15 years ago

Wow, deleverage, hate women much? Math more important than women? I freaking HATE math, but I liked this show. Mostly due to Charlie. If you have just crime solving and math, it gets boring. Relationships are a part of life, but from your attitude, I'm guessing not part of yours. If you don't like it, don't watch it.

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

Bump.

Those details again (to save you searching through the thread)

That address:

Nina Tassler
President, CBS Entertainment
4024 Radford Ave., Room 3118
Studio City, CA 91604

That petition site:

http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

On Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/NUMB3RS#/pages/Save-Numb3rs/170416592038?ref=m f
and:
http://www.facebook.com/NUMB3RS#/group.php?gid=178516725982&ref=mf

On LJ:

http://community.livejournal.com/saven3central/profile

Please also make sure you add your user vote to the IMDb Numb3rs home-page (just click on the link at the top of this thread and it should take you straight to the home-page. Follow the link at the end of 'User Rating' to vote)

Ta.

Kes

Join the 'Save Numb3rs' campaign - http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

[–] simonchinnock 15 years ago

I reckon it will get canned, odd considering its ratings are ok - but I guess they might deem the show too expensive to warrant the ratings. CBS killed 'The Unit' which pulled in about 9 million viewers at the time of cancellation citing this reason.

[–] VideoNitekatt 15 years ago

I hate to see CBS cancel the show without first trying it on another night - maybe Sundays at 10pm.

With 6 episodes left,it's a total of 118 shows - which isn't too bad syndication wise.

I found it interesting that the cuting back of episodes happened a month after the Season 5 DVDs came out - i wonder if sales wise they didn't do well. Also TNT seems to run the reruns in 'off-peak' time-slots.

Another factor is they are preping a CRIMINAL MINDS spin-off, so perhaps the network wants to limit FBI based series.

The only advantage the show has is that it's produced by CBS Television Studios - owned by CBS - and that it's still on - if the batch of new mid-season shows don't do well,and the 'development slate' for CBS isn't as strong as they;d like, it could get a mid-season pick-up for Season 7 - Which is the best to hope for. A "Back-up" show for the network. "Rules of Engagement" has been the "Back-up" comedy show for a couple-three seasons now. It's easier to renew or revamp a current show.

Friday Night has taken a hit across the board.

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

Bumpity bump.

Get used to it, folks. I'm not giving up until CBS give us a final decision on season seven...

Kes

Join the 'Save Numb3rs' campaign - http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] loveistheonlyway 15 years ago

If you have Twitter, add a Twibbon to your profile pic: http://twibbon.com/join/Save-NUMB3RS. Most of my tweeps hadn't even realized the show was in danger!

Spread the word; let's bury CBS in letters people!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Choose happiness"
~Anne Hathaway

[–] NewBeginnings16 15 years ago

Pardon my ignorance but what is "Tweeps"

Gibbs: "Book 'im DannOzzo" - Power Down

[–] VideoNitekatt 15 years ago

bump

[–] lcowper 15 years ago

I believe it's twitter slang for the people who follow you on twitter, i.e. your twitter people = twitter peeps = tweeps.

Not a fan of twitter slang myself.

[–] NewBeginnings16 15 years ago

Thanks lcowper. Makes sense now. I occasionally check in on a "Tweet" (art director on NCIS) but not a fan of that particular form of communication in general ("Hey, I just got done taking a shower" or "Can you believe it, I had jellybeans for dinner").

Jimmy: "He wouldn't let me drive. I begged and begged" - Ignition

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

Bumping because, while everyone is basking in the warm, reassuring glow of a new season, the axe still hovers (Points to hovering axe - see?) and we can't just all sit back and then act surprised come May. Sooo... here we go again...

That address for your letters/postcards is:

Nina Tassler
President, CBS Entertainment
4024 Radford Ave., Room 3118
Studio City, CA 91604

Online petition (Stage 2 of the campaign) available at...
http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

On Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/NUMB3RS#/pages/Save-Numb3rs/170416592038?ref=m f
and:
http://www.facebook.com/NUMB3RS#/group.php?gid=178516725982&ref=mf

On LJ:

http://community.livejournal.com/saven3central/profile

Also remember that we're Twittering (aimlessly, usually, but hey, it's all part of the wonder that is the digital age...) and to make sure you cast your vote on the user rating section of the IMDb Numb3rs page.

Right then, I'm off to stare lovingly at some Colby!Goodness and to write my next letter.

Peace,

Kes

Join the 'Save Numb3rs' campaign - http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

[–] VideoNitekatt 15 years ago

bump

[–] kes-cross 15 years ago

Bumping, because it's now time to move up a gear. Filming has wrapped on S6, and over the next few weeks we're going to really have to hit CBS hard if we want to convince them just how much of a ROYAL (Insert expletive here) UP it would be not to give us a season 7. So I'm asking you all to do your bit to support the show and the campaign.

That address for your letters/postcards is:

Nina Tassler
President, CBS Entertainment
4024 Radford Ave., Room 3118
Studio City, CA 91604

Online petition (Stage 2 of the campaign) available at...
http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html Currently standing at over 3,500 signatures.

On Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/NUMB3RS#/pages/Save-Numb3rs/170416592038?ref=m f
and:
http://www.facebook.com/NUMB3RS#/group.php?gid=178516725982&ref=mf

On LJ:

http://community.livejournal.com/saven3central/profile

Also remember that we're Twittering and to make sure you cast your vote on the user rating section of the IMDb Numb3rs page.

Peace,
Kes

Join the 'Save Numb3rs' campaign - http://www.petitiononline.com/numb3rs/petition.html

[–] movieman82us 15 years ago

Is this show officially canceled? Because I just read that David Krumholtz has signed on to a pilot. That has to be the seal of doom. You can't have the show without either of the Epps brothers.

[–] tinkerbelle4983 15 years ago

The show isn't officially canceled yet. If it does get renewed, David Krumholtz will still be in it. From what I understand, his first obligation is to Numb3rs and the new pilot is just a fallback in case Numb3rs does get canceled.

[–] NewBeginnings16 15 years ago

And remember not all pilots get picked up. Shane West (Ray on ER) did a pilot about young lawyers who clerk for the US Supreme Court but it never made it past the pilot stage (too bad on that one because it sounded interesting).

Jimmy: "He wouldn't let me drive. I begged and begged" - Ignition

[–] brent2448 15 years ago

Let me ask a question. How is this show not going to be picked up? It puts up the best ratings for CBS shows on a Friday night. Better than Ghost Whisperer and Medium. What happened?

[–] tinkerbelle4983 15 years ago

It's the demo rating they have been getting. It's usually the lowest of the three shows. From what I understand, the actual number of people tuning in isn't important, it's the demo that matters the most. Doesn't make much sense to me though. You would think that having the highest number of people tuning in nearly every Friday night would be worth something... On top of that, CBS almost NEVER advertises this show, which is ridiculous.

[–] NewBeginnings16 15 years ago

Hard to know the answer to that, Brent2448. Per Nina Tassler, the show is not as much a long-shot as Ausiello makes it sound. I haven't heard of anything "In Development" so I think it still stands a decent chance for one more season.

Jimmy: "He wouldn't let me drive. I begged and begged" - Ignition

[–] multiplepov-1 15 years ago

It's the demo rating they have been getting.

I'm not one to lie about my age, but I guess it's a necessity. TPTB don't care for people above 49. Next time I'm asked for an opinion on anything, I'll say I'm 33.

-----------------
"I've always resisted the notion that knowledge ruined paradise." Prof. Xavier