my nice letter to the fox network

Dear Fox,

I'm writing in regards to the cancellation of "Wonderfalls" after airing for only four weeks on your network. I realize that there is currently a "reality tv" craze sweeping the nation, and that it must seem that everyone and their pets are watching these shows. However, I'd like to bring it to your attention that regardless what the Nielsen ratings may be telling you, not everyone in America likes these "reality" shows.

It's my fear that the shows that are witty, original and intelligent (such as "Wonderfalls") are being overlooked, not receiving the proper amount of support they deserve because they can easily be replaced by another new "reality" shows ("The Swan?"). Shows like this need time to grow, (surely more than four episodes) in order to form large fanbases.

I'm shocked that this show was cancelled, not only because of how unique and uplifting it was, but also because of it's potential marketability (I would definately buy "Welcome to Wonderfalls" postcards, deformed wax lions and "Surrender to Destiny" shirts!--Eh, if you haven't seen the show you probably don't understand all that, but trust me, it'd sell! In fact, their selling shirts on EBay already.)

What upsets me is not that the show was cancelled (well, that does too) but that the show wasn't given a fair chance in my opinion (and if you browse the internet you'll find there are many who hold this same belief, for a modest fanbase has already developed). It received hardly any promotion, was given the Friday "death slot," then mysteriously switched to Thursday nights were it aired once before being yanked from the airwaves, and was pulled just as the actors were gearing up for the talk-show circuit to promote the show. Even more upsetting is that there are unaired episodes sitting on a shelf somewhere collecting dust while *repeat* episodes of "The Swan" fill its' time slot. (At least sell the season on DVD!)

I sometimes wonder if network executives ever become attached to what I will term "unreality" shows, and if they know what it feels like to emotionally invest themselves into a show and it's characters, grow attached to them, only to have them ripped away. Now, this may seem somewhat over-dramatic to you, but I assure you it's not just the cancellation of "Wonderfalls." "Wonderfalls" stands as a symbol for inventive, *scripted* (The dialogue on this show was amazing!) television programs all together, and serves as an antithesis to "reality" tv--for it really is everything reality is not (hence the talking inanimate objects).

This show has received praise from critics nationwide, it was said to be one of the most original and view-worthy shows of the season, and yet it's been cancelled after four episodes (have I mentioned that enough?). As a network, you have done this show and it's viewers a great injustice. The ratings may have been modest, and no doubt plummeted when switched to Thursday nights (I've heard many people say they didn't know the time slot was changed), but isn't that reminiscent of a little show called "X-Files"? Oh, and let's not forget "Seinfeld." These shows had meager beginnings, but eventually found their place and ratings sky-rocketed. "Wonderfalls" could do the same, becoming more profitable in the long run than "reality tv."

I urge you to reconsider the cancellation of "Wonderfalls," and ask that you find the heart to support this show, even if it may not be an instant hit.

Sincerely,
Stefanie
Wisconsin