Moonlight: DirecTV Looking for Numbers
Thursday June 19, 2008
DirecTV, approached by fans about the possibility of sponsoring Moonlight, wants to know what kind of numbers might be involved, according to Leeser, one of the organizers of the campaign to save the canceled vampire detective show.
Leeser has therefore set up a poll on the campaign site MoonlightLine and has sent out an appeal for Moonlight fans to register status as present or, given a sponsorship, future DirecTV customers.
DirecTV, one of nation's leading digital television service providers, has previously partnered with NBC in a deal to sponsor another foundering cult hit, Friday Night Lights. Thirteen episodes of that show will be produced for its upcoming third season, airing first on DirecTV, then on NBC, in a first-of-its-kind deal. The FNL deal attracted a great deal of attention to DirecTV's efforts at original programming on its Channel 101.
According to Leeser, the company responded to her inquiry with a request to find out from fans how many existing or potential DirecTV fans might be involved. Whether this indicates actual interest is unclear, as is the question of whether DirecTV would partner with a network as in the FNL deal or simply show the program to its subscribers as original content. But fans of the show have another opportunity to demonstrate their numbers and passion.
Over a thousand fans responded to the poll in the first 24 hours.
Leeser has therefore set up a poll on the campaign site MoonlightLine and has sent out an appeal for Moonlight fans to register status as present or, given a sponsorship, future DirecTV customers.
DirecTV, one of nation's leading digital television service providers, has previously partnered with NBC in a deal to sponsor another foundering cult hit, Friday Night Lights. Thirteen episodes of that show will be produced for its upcoming third season, airing first on DirecTV, then on NBC, in a first-of-its-kind deal. The FNL deal attracted a great deal of attention to DirecTV's efforts at original programming on its Channel 101.
According to Leeser, the company responded to her inquiry with a request to find out from fans how many existing or potential DirecTV fans might be involved. Whether this indicates actual interest is unclear, as is the question of whether DirecTV would partner with a network as in the FNL deal or simply show the program to its subscribers as original content. But fans of the show have another opportunity to demonstrate their numbers and passion.
Over a thousand fans responded to the poll in the first 24 hours.
Comments
I think it’s a great idea, and a wise move on Direct TV’s part. The show has a strong fanbase and they can capitalize on that pretty easily. The fans have shown that they are willing to go above and beyond for this show, and that kind of tenacity and loyalty makes it a sound bet.
DirecTV has an opportunity here to break new ground…partnering with an enthusiastic, committed fanbase. The Moonlight fans are some of the most doggedly determined people on the Internet. As you will undoubtedly be seeing from comments in the immediate future.
I really hope this works out. Moonlight is a superior show, and worthy of more seasons.
LMAO. This is hysterical. DirecTV should and hopefully will say “NO!”
The advertising DirecTV has already had with the 500 posts left in 20 hours has to be far more than television ads for the company. 20% of those responding already have DirecTV and are spreading positive first hand experiences (I have had it for over 15 years). Sometimes a company will step outside the box and hopefully this will be one of those cases and it will pay off big time for DirecTV – and the fans. It would show that one big company does listen!
Moonlight fans are the most passionate bunch of people around!! DirecTV should definately sponsor the show.. they won’t regret it!! Once you are a Moonlight fan there is no way back, your a fan for life… therefore the fans will follow Moonlight to any network that picks it up!!
I don’t believe that the poll numbers will accuratly reflect the number of Moonlight fans out there.. as not all fans are online, but it’s really positive that DirecTV are looking into the numbers!
DirecTV would be wise to join in with Moonlight fans. There are fans all over the world. We are VERY loyal and will be to DirecTV and the network that chooses to pick up Moonlight.
This is a win win situation. DirecTV gets publicity and subscribers and the fans get Moonlight back. We will do anything to get our show a 2nd season.
The network that partners with DirecTV will find a huge, adoring fanbase all waiting to give their allegiance. CBS was crazy!!
Thank you for the latest news on Moonlight. It is very encouraging that DirecTV wants to see some numbers. It sounds like DirecTV is a company that actually cares about the viewer/customer. It would be a very good move on DirecTV’s part to sponsor Moonlight. Over 1200 folks have voted in less than 24hrs. This is a very passionate and devoted fan base.
Direct Tv atleast is taking an interest in what the fans/ viewers want, that’s more than I can say for a certain Eye network. It
can see that people are serious about the
show and are willing to switch to see their
favorite show return for another season. I
for one will gladly join Direct Tv, if they
care about the people’s opinions, than I do
want to be a part of that company !!!!
DirecTV gets kudos from me for actually asking what its current and potential new customers want. The great reports from people that already subscribe to DirecTV makes it almost a no brainer to switch from cable if they also sponsor my favorite show. Thank you for reporting this positive news.
The days of complete control by the major networks is over. The fact that they make decision based on an antiquated system (Nielsen)and fail to take into account the many electronic forms of program transfer shows that they truly have lost touch with the people they are supposed to entertain.
Until the networks factor in ITunes, Unbox, and other electronic methods including DVRs, etc, they’ll fail to truly grasp the actual size of their audiences.
As a long time and very satisfied DirecTV subscriber, I am utterly thrilled to see DirecTV taking an interest in Moonlight. It would be a savvy move on their part to get involved. Moonlight’s potential is off-the-chart, with a large and very loyal fanbase who will follow Moonlight wherever it may be picked up. Us and our money.
I would switch to Direct TV in a hearbeat if they bring Moonlight back. This is an encouraging new for the Moonlight Fans.
Ignoring the nay sayers because I’ve learned there are many people who find joy in discouraging others, I want to thank you for the mention of the Moonlight campaign. I think in world where we are connected to each other as closely as we are today through the internet and our global economies that companies including Networks need to realize that their customer/viewer base is no longer limited and should not be calculated by an out of date rating system. Even using that system, Moonlight had respectable numbers for a show that was never advertised by its network. This is a great show with a great cast. Its touched a cord in so many people, most who have never joined a campaign to save a show. Its brought us together to fight for Moonlight, to encourage each other, and help those in our communities. Mick, Beth, and Josef have captured our hearts and imagination. It would be a reaffirmation of what the USA stands for if the voices of the people can be heard and make a difference for show and our communities.
Thanks once again for reporting on what’s going on in our campaign to save Moonlight. I think it is great that DirecTV is at least listening to people and looking into this. Most of my frustrations from the Moonlight experience have been the feelings of not being listened to by the networks. It is nice to see that some companies still abide by the idea of good customer service. If DirecTV helps get Moonlight back on the air I will be a very loyal customer. If they at least put forth a good faith effort that doesn’t work it will still increase the likelihood of my becoming a subscriber.
I don’t have much I liked to watch on TV but NEVER missed an episode of Moonlight I loved it from the first one I watched and would love nothing more than to have it back! There are fans throughout the world on this show. Austrialia seems to really like it and with similar movie likes (who didn’t like Road Warrior common) I think it would be a very wise move by Direct TV to pick this one up!
thank you for taking the time to post about our beloved MOONLIGHT!I am a direct tv subscriber.my contract is up in Dec and while I was going to cancel I will gladly resign if they help the show get back on the air!!!
Thank you for reporting on this. Moonlight
is a great show and was unjustly cancelled by an uncaring corporation. I voted and will
also vote with my wallet by switching to
DirecTV if they sponsor Moonlight for a Season 2 (and beyond-I hope)!
Thanks for your article on Direc TV poll. There are still a lot of people that are unaware of the efforts to save Moonlight. I also commend Direct TV for at least taking the time to listen to what the viewers are interested in seeing as quality TV. Maybe there is still someone in the entertainment business that cares about the fans. Thank you Mark and thank you Direct TV!!
Thank you so much for helping spread the word about this vote. We are just one of several fan sites for Moonlight, and our challenge is trying to reach those fans out there that have never joined a forum before. I run into people every day who say they love the show and had not known it was cancelled. I think people assumed thay because it won the People’s Choice Award that it would be safe.
DirecTV will hopefully see this pole and all the supporters as a strong reason to help bring Moonlight back for a Season 2. Moonlight isn’t just a Sci-Fi show it’s an experience, an experience that has brought thousands together on websites and millions of views with strong viewer loyalty.
I personally hope to see it back for a Season 2 and would switch to DirecTV for that opportunity.
For the simple fact that DirecTV is taking us seriously and taking into acount that our opinions DO INDEED COUNT, I switched from Dish Network yesterday. DTV…PLEASE DO NOT MAKE ME REGRET THE DECISION!!!
Smart move on DirecTV’s part to reach out to the enthusiastic fans of Moonlight! Network television ignores the fans, especially those outside the “golden demographic.” Those fans who feel disenfranchised by the “alphabet networks” will be voting for Moonlight (and other quality shows) with their wallets by switching to venues that truly listen to them.
I would switch to DirecTV in a New York Minute….Moonlight is a great show and the fans will follow….give us a chance DirecTV.
Finally someone actually cares what the viewers are saying and watching! Good for them! If nothing else it has made me aware that DTV certainly seems to be a better deal/option than cable. After reading all the positive responses about those really pleased with DTV service, I would consider switching no matter what. Never underestimate the power of determined *mostly* women in getting what they want LOL
Oh sure! Why wouldn’t DirecTV or any company in their right mind want to take on a bunch of LUNATICS!
I have been considering switching to DirectTV…and this would definitely cause me to make the jump. Moonlight is a force to be reckoned with…..the fans are ready, willing and able to follow where it leads. Alex, Jason & Sophia have inspired all of us to go to new lengths to have our voices heard and our needs answered. Once Bitten, Always Bitten!
DirecTV has demonstrated an interest in trying new ways of attracting customers, including this innovative partnering with networks to invest in shows. They have a reputation for excellent customer service, too. If they sponsor Moonlight, my family will happily switch from our cable provider to DirecTV, and I know quite a few people (some of whom are not Internet-savvy) who will do the same. Thank you for spreading the word about this encouraging development.
Thanks for the coverage on DirecTV’s interest in the numbers of ML viewers. Here’s to hoping they make Moonlight the second series they “rescue” (like they did with Friday Night Lights). The TV landscape is definitely changing for the better and I hope for great things to come for Moonlight.
Yay DirecTV!! Come to Moonlight’s rescue! I’m an Aussie Moonlight fan, any other Aussies out there please come visit our website “Australia Loves Moonlight”:
http://aussieslovemoonlight.yuku.com/
C’mon Aussies join the fight!
Also please check out this promo vid I made for our Aussie site:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg-clk705cA
Kel
Thank you once again for plugging our Moonlight. DirecTV’s mining into Moonlight ore will be their best business decision yet! Moonlight recalls an era when there is such a strong and active cult following that would communicate online and even planned rally picnics and talk about the show weeks on end a month after the show went off the air. With tons of fans who still follow the fate of Moonlight, on top of an exceedingly large INTERNATIONAL fan base for this show who so strongly believe in it we have literally given of ourselves by donating blood to the Red Cross; stood in the rain for hours outside the Warner Bros. studio in a peaceful rally; raised money to benefit Toys for Tots, the American Red Cross and the LA Food Bank (among other initiatives) etc… Wherever Moonlight goes, so will the fans. We will rock the house at DirecTV, you can bet on it.
I will switch to DirecTV in a New York hearbeat! Can you hear the sucking sound coming out of Comcast? And you put a capital P on passionate. That’s what we Moonlight fans are. Some of us may be addicted or borderline obsessed about Moonlight. The fans have raised some $13000 in 72 hours for the full page ads in both the Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety. We have numerous other endeavors in the works to keep Moonlight in the public eye and on the radar of any forthright-thinking network and DirecTV that would be willing to think outside the box and take chances. Can we say that the deep passion shared by Moonlight fans will be infectuous and spread to the network and DirecTV should they decide to pick up the show? Please DirecTV, Moonlight fans work for cheap!!
Thank you for the article. Once DirecTV or a network picks up the show, the fans could dedicate our energy to promoting the show FOR the NETWORK rather than trying to GET a network!
Thanks Mark for getting the word out, we are trying really hard to find Moonlight a new home, and any press we get is a great help.
Thank you for bringing the poll to peoples’ attention who might otherwise miss it because they don’t visit forums. It’s good to know that fans can make a difference when it comes to their favorite show.
Thanks so much for the article. It’s nice that someone is listening to the fans.
Thank you Mark for writing this article. It’s helping to get the word about about the fight for ML.
Thank you DTV for showing interest in our little show. I’m sure that you’ve discovered that we are a Passionate bunch, passionate about quality television. So again, thank you for taking the time to show interest about the buzz of a great show!
I get a kick out of the “nay” sayers who come against the fans of Moonlight as “lunatics” — yes that strengthens your position so well to resort to name calling.
The reality is that the Moonlight fans as a general rule are educated, professional, and family oriented. We are not a fangirl contingent. If it can be done – it will be done, because we posess the resources and the intelligence to do it.
Lunatics, huh? You’ve never met us – you really have no idea who we are.
Mark, thank you so much for posting this article about our little show Moonlight. It is wonderful that DirectTV is doing this poll – it shows that there are some corporations out there that actually care about their viewers. Moonlight has captured my heart because of the romance in the story. It is in my heart forever.
“Lunatics?”…Give me a break. I’m a 44 year-old English teacher with a masters degree who happens to love “Moonlight”. This is the first time in my life that I have actively campaigned to save a cancelled series. The writing is fresh and literate, and the acting is compelling. Those two qualities alone are enough to make me fight for this show.
Thanks so much Mark for this great article. Hopefully DirecTV will show that they are much smarter than CBS. Moonlight deserves another season!
As long as we pay our bills I would think DirecTV would be happy for an influx of new customers. I think the naysayers must have never found a show they thought worth saving so can’t understand why we are fighting so hard for Moonlight. For most shows I wouldn’t make the effort either, but when you find a gem like Moonlight you fight for it.
Yeah!!! I’m one of the lunatics that would rather switch than fight”…(from cable to direct t.v. that is) to SAVE MOONLIGHT….of course.
“Thanks” for this article.
LMAO. This is hysterical. DirecTV should and hopefully will say “NO!”
Comment by J — June 19, 2008 @ 9:46 pm
Hello histerycal. You have a funny name. Well, it suits you very well.
I applaud DirecTV for thinking outside the box on this issue! Yet I can’t help wondering how this all came about…
Did someone say “Let’s try working with the viewers, that hasn’t been done before…what about those folks trying to save that vampire show? You know, the one that won the PCA for best new drama. Those people seem really determined to make changes for the better, and I’ve heard the fan base is growing worldwide, in spite of CBS cancelling the show. Don’t we have someone’s phone number around here someplace? leeser? Yeah, that’s her, let’s call, enlist her help and see if people respond…”
Thank you [ again!] for the buzz!
Thanks So much and AGAIN, Mark, for helping us in our effort to get this wonderfully special TV show back. As an international Moonlight fan with the possibility to change cable service to DTV, I am delighted to see this company pay attention to us.
We have been learning a lot from seeing our American fellow fans really doing things to get their (our!) voices heard. We, from abroad, are also trying to help in any way we can. I am in Colombia, and the fan base in LAtinamerica, I know, is huge, although not very internet-oriented, at least not for saving a TV show. Having our voices heard by a large corporation is something we do not imagine possible. This is teaching us a lot, as has knowing that there can really be a TV show that is engaging enough and positive to an incredibly inter-culturally, diverse fan base.
Help from the media is greatly appreciated, so THANKS warmly, from a very non-lunatic crowd.
Thank you for continuing to continuing to mention Moonlight and Moonlight fans in your article. It sure would be something to see a grass roots fan base turn into something more. Network tv ain’t what it used to be and it takes a unique (and often new) perspective to see the possibilities! Go DirecTV!
DirectTV makes the others seem pretty dumb. They are actually looking at numbers instead of just guessing! Now that’s a company that knows how to get things done!GLAD I’M SWITHCING TO DirectTV!
DirecTV: The answer to your question is that you will have LOTS and LOTS of new customers!
yay!
Direct Tv should pick up Moonlight, so many fans would change just to see it early!
Thanks Mark for helping get the word out. If DirecTV picks up Moonlight I’ll definately switch from my cable company. Moonlight is absolutly worth it! CBS didn’t even give this show a chance, it would be a huge show for whoever picks it up. Come on DirecTV!
My thanks to you as well, Mark, for writing about this poll. I have been one of those “quiet” supporters of the show who have been emailing all the networks who might be interested in picking up “Moonlight.” The news that DirecTV wanted a poll done was very encouraging, and I registered just so I could cast my vote.
I switched to DirecTV in January and one of my favorite channels on there is 101. I enjoy the wide variety of programming on there. So here’s hoping with the other 7-8 million fans that DirecTV picks up “Moonlight”!
Thanks for the information on DirecTV and Moonlight. As one of those many fans, I have to say that our push to save Moonlight feels like nothing short of a revolution. Besides trying to save a beloved show, we’re pushing for quality programming that’s thoughtful, action packed and beautifully delivered because of a cast and crew with high production values.
The Nielsen system is dead; it died 30 years ago. It would behoove network television (hello CBS) that the magical “demographic” numbers they are chasing after have no meaning in the context of todays’ technology.
Kudos to DirecTV for having the sense to reach out to the viewers themselves through this poll. We appreciate the gesture and because we are fiercly loyal, we will repay that gesture with gratitude, loyalty and in the way that matters most to networks and advertisers alike-with a healthy bottom line.
Thanks for the publicity!
If CBS had bothered to promote this show at all, it could have been the highest rated of the night. By the end of the season, I had most of my office watching and NONE of them knew it existed until I started talking about it.
Give us a chance Direct TV and we will put just as much energy into gaining you new subscribers as we have into trying to find this show a home.
Thank you so much for the great blog!
DirecTvV would make so many new customers with a Moonlight pick up!
STAY MOONLIGHT STAY!
Seems like a smart idea to find out who’ll walk as well as talk. Of course, while this may only be a crude estimate of how many birds are in the hand, how many are in the bush (i.e., will become fans of the alternative shows that CBS or other networks will offer) is a complete …. shoot.
that would be amazing! please sponsor the show!
Well, if Moonlight ended up on DirectTV, that would leave me out, since I don’t have a satellite dish nor do I plan to get one.
Sure, it would get the show on the air, but a move like this could alienate fans who are perfectly happy with their cable companies and would rather not have a dish that gets all flaky every time it storms.
I love Moonlight, but I’d rather be able to actually WATCH it if there’s more than a gentle breeze going on outside.
Like so many have said before me, this is a opportunity for DirectTV to earn some big money and get a lot of other fans, I don’t think the poll on moonlightline will do anything for the decision, but it’s nice that they look at the numbers!
) I really hope this go trough! Moonlight is the best TV show i have ever seen after prison break. I cant believe that the show was cancelled by CBS, they must be crazy!
I have really good feelings about all this and am very much looking forward to watching season two of Moonlight on Directv!!!
MOONLIGHT was the first show that I enjoyed and looked forward to in a long time. I can never understand how a network can just throw away a show, and just move on. SOme shows need time to build an audience. Was MASH a hit the first year? No, neither was Seinfeld, a show like this has a loyal audience, and we are trying our best to get someone to take it. Maybe DIRECTTV will help us out!
here’s hoping Swingtown and the pathetic Ex list tank. HOw many exes can a woman have? How long can that show last before anyone gets bored of it….
Lets bring on season 2 of moonlight. I cant believe CBS cancelled another show I abs loved the other one was Cane. Please bring back moonlight. come on DTV do the right thing support us the fans.
This is a great idea I am with all of you we need our Moonlight show back on
thanks
everyone
if you ears then listen to what peaple say!if you have a brain then you use it!thank you DRD for using both which the other networks DO NOT! please bring back MOONLIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we cant get enough!the show left so many questions and we need answers and just more MOONLIGHT SHOWS !!!!!!!!!!! PERIOD!!!!!!!!! just bring it back we fans need this please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!