Join the We Heart Chuck effort by donating to The American Heart Association.

Re-watch the finale and tell your friends about it! Keep the effort going on Twitter, Facebook, and wherever else you can.

Please Save Chuck

Post Renewal HighlightsMay 191 comment

Let’s catch y’all up on today’s official announcement from NBC (hooray!). First up, highlights from Jennifer Godwin’s liveblog of NBC’s scheduling conference call:

  • From Ben Silverman’s introduction: “We are thrilled to be bringing back Chuck in partnership with Subway.”

  • According to Silverman, the online campaign really saved Chuck, and lack of online demand for shows like Medium and My Name Is Earl contributed to their demise.

  • Silverman says he was sent more Nerds than anybody could consume in a lifetime. They will promote Chuck heavily during the Olympics.

  • Silverman, in response to concerns about trimming castmembers: “We’re not looking to lower the cost in any way. We want Josh Schwartz, Zach and McG to perform at the highest levels. The show you love will be the show you get.”

  • Silverman, on internal support of the show: “There were a lot of people within this company who love that show.”

Next up, Alan Sepinwall’s take on the conference call plus an excellent interview with Chris Fedak:

  • “We are so confident in the Olympic platform,” Silverman promised. “The Olympics obviously delivered a halo effect for everyone involved with it.” He also said they have “an incredible online plan” to keep the show in people’s minds between now and March.

  • Later, another reporter asked if there was a chance season three could extend longer than the initial 13-episode order, given that the episodes won’t start airing until March. “Right now that’s the plan,” Silverman said, “but we could extend it out and run it through the summer. We think it would pair very well with ‘Friday Night Lights.’ We love how young the show is and love where the show can grow.” (Editor’s note: Two of my favorite shows on television paired together!)

  • Chris Fedak on the sponsorship deal with Subway: “We’re still hashing out the details of how that’s going to work. But we’re excited. Looking at the last two seasons, we’ve always had fun with the idea of product integration.”

  • Fedak, on whether or not we might see Sarah or Morgan in a Subway uniform: “That’s a possibility.”

  • Fedak, on making room for standalone episodes: “Yes, we will have room to do standalone episodes. I think that it doesn’t change the overall story, but it does change how we structure the story, but we still will do standalone episodes.”

  • A hint from Fedak on where things are headed in the next season: “I will say this: Season three will not be lacking in romance.”

Also, don’t forget to check out the official press release from NBC.

On a final note: way to go, everyone! Take the joy you’re feeling right now, bottle it up, and crack it open the next time the cynics tells you fan campaigns don’t make a difference.

We’ve got plenty of time to campaign for Chuck before it returns next winter. Continue spreading the word and let’s keep the momentum going!

Chuck Renewed!May 171 comment

Signs are pointing towards a favorable announcement for Chuck in the next couple days few hours. Updates as they come:

  • (4:55pm PT) Michael Ausiello adds another affirmative along with some news about budget cuts (cutting back on supporting cast appearances and possibly eliminating one character altogether).

  • (4:50pm PT) Cynthia Littleton confirms the renewal chatter.

  • (4:40pm PT) Joe Adalian from TVWeek and Michael Ausiello from TV Guide are both reporting on Twitter that the show has been renewed, although Ausiello hints at some unfortunate news as well.

  • (4:30pm PT) James Hibberd from The Live Feed is reporting that the show has been renewed for a 13-episode season.

  • (3:48pm PT) Variety’s Cynthia Littleton is reporting that a deal is imminent between NBC and Warner Brothers.

  • Nellie Andreeva of The Hollywood Reporter says: “We may have the winner in the “Chuck vs. the renewal” face-off as early as Sunday. Sources indicate that the bubble NBC dramedy with strong Web following is close to a third-season pickup.”

  • Matt Mitovich from TV Guide echoes the same thoughts: “A Season 3 pick-up could come as early as Sunday evening, as NBC and Warner Bros. attempt to hammer out the final details of a deal that would further whittle down Chuck’s overhead, sources tell the Hollywood Reporter.”

Brian Howard from Remote Access does a nice job of rounding up the pertinent bits.

Have a Heart - Renew ChuckMay 84 comments

Show your support for the Chuckster while helping a great cause by donating to Subway’s partner charity, The American Heart Association. Check out Have a Heart - Renew Chuck for the full details.

Thanks to Amy and the rest of the folks at the NBC Chuck forums for organizing this terrific idea!

NBC: How Can We Make Chuck Work for You?April 2927 comments

It is my hope that this letter reaches the decision-makers at NBC, and soon, given our extremely tight window (NBC’s upfront is on May 5). I’m hoping the collective efforts of all you can push it onto the desks of the movers and shakers at the network. Thanks for your help.

Dear NBC,

What can we do to keep Chuck on the air? Clearly we love the show, and from what we hear, you do, too (creatively speaking). But, we also know that’s not enough. We know it’s going to take money to keep the show alive. For all of your admirable support of quality television (see exhibit A: Friday Night Lights), we know that such deals are only possible because they make financial sense.

That’s why I’m asking you specifically how we, the indomitable fans of Chuck, can make the show work for you, a corporation that by definition is in the business of making money. With the help of an astute fan (thanks, David), I submit the following suggestions:

  • Provide widgets to fan sites featuring sponsors of the show. Do so aggressively, not from the “wow, this ad is really annoying” perspective, but from using the advertising space in creative ways. Generate advance buzz for products (gadgets, video games, etc.) that will be premiering on the show. Award special promotional offers to Chuck fans for their support via these widgets. We could take this in any number of directions. I don’t even run a proper Chuck site, but I would absolutely create one if it meant the show was getting the support it needed. Such is the depth of my fondness for Chuck’s exploits.

  • Leverage Chuck’s fantastic music. I imagine the idea of releasing a compilation CD has been kicked around, but maybe we could investigate a different approach. Admittedly, I know nothing about the specifics of acquiring music for a television show. Obviously, you pay licensing fees in order to use the music, but would it be possible for you to receive a portion of its sales if it could be directly attributed to the show? Say, though some sort of widget made available to fan sites?

  • Develop an iPhone application for the show and use it to drive viewership and open another channel for product placement and advertising. Given how often Chuck and Sarah flash their iPhones and the Apple support that permeates the show, this idea makes perfect sense. It could include weekly or monthly updates centered around minigames that reward viewers for following the show. For example, the game could be a simple puzzler that incorporates trivia from episodes each week after they air. The top 10 weekly high scores could receive a free $5 footlong sandwich or various Chuck paraphernalia. (Credit, again, to David for coming up with this terrific idea)

If the Subway campaign showed anything, it proved that we’re willing to plunk down cold, hard dollars for the Chuckster. We may not be the largest group of viewers out there, but I’m willing to bet that we’re the hardest-working, most loyal fans you’ll come across. And not only that, we’re uniquely talented: a show like Chuck has to attract a more technology-savvy crowd than most. Not only do we respond well to innovation, we breed it.

I’m an iPhone developer, and I would be thrilled to work on an iPhone application for the show. The fans heading The Save Chuck Movement run a design and business services firm in Arizona. I imagine there are hundreds like us who make a living developing software (or are otherwise involved in the technology arena) and who love the show with a passion. You have a cadre of talented folks who are also incredibly committed to the show. Please, use us.

It’s as James Poniewozik of TIME said:

Maybe it’s heresy, but I don’t think our hope is to convert these people [who don't watch Chuck], God bless them. It’s for Chuck to be able to survive without them. I think that’s possible, in a network world of smaller audiences, in which NBC has little to lose and more product placements to gain.

You have a real opportunity with Chuck to display a recognition of our culture that’s unprecedented in the industry. Show us you can be creative with your marketing and promotion efforts, and I guarantee we’ll bite.

And, please, don’t hesitate to ask us for our help. There are so many moving parts in the television business that it can be hard for us to know how to materially affect things, but point us in the right direction and we’ll be more than happy to oblige.

Thank you.

Post Finale HighlightsApril 281 comment

As you might have expected, folks had a lot to say about last night’s stirring finale. Here are the highlights for your reading pleasure:

  • Brian Howard of Remote Access writes: “It can bring you viewers in droves. But it needs some more patience. It’s currently set up to be reinvented as something even better than what it’s been.”

  • From Alan Sepinwall (also known as one half of the Sepinwall-Ryan conglomerate) of The Star-Ledger: “I’m going to avoid the obvious ‘assuming there’s a third season’ disclaimer, both because it’s understood and I don’t want to face the idea of a world without ‘Chuck’ right this moment.”

  • And from the other half, Maureen Ryan of the Chicago Tribune: “How ridiculous was it that both ‘Tron’ and ‘The Matrix’ informed that final sequence. In an episode that also featured ‘Mr. Roboto.’ What did we do to deserve that level of awesome?”

  • Jace from Televisionary says: “On the edge of my seat? I’m on the edge of a cliff waiting to see just what will happen to this brilliant and compelling series.”

  • And, finally, James Poniewozik of TIME offers an insightful bit of speculation regarding something we’ve all been wondering: why the @#!% isn’t Chuck killing the ratings? Says Mr. Poniewozik: “My guess is: it has something to do with the very reason fans love it. The oddball brilliance of Chuck, as dozens of tributes recently have said, is that it marries action and comedy, heart and geek appeal, in a way few shows do. But to people who never got into Chuck, that may be a liability. My guess is that people look at it and see a spy show that’s not hardcore enough to be impressive, a drama that’s too frothy to seem high-stakes, and a comedy that’s too dramatic to be a sitcom. Maybe it’s heresy, but I don’t think our hope is to convert these people, God bless them. It’s for Chuck to be able to survive without them.”

Keep up the effort, everyone!

We’re Not Done YetApril 28Add comment

Unbelievable. What a fantastic hour of television. I learned two things while watching Chuck Versus the Ring: (a) Mr. Roboto goes really well with gunfire; and (b) apparently, it is possible to top Chuck Versus the Colonel. I’ll let the professionals articulate on what made this episode so brilliant. Suffice it to say that shows this good shouldn’t find themselves in the position Chuck is in now, and it’s up to us to make sure the rest of the television-watching world realizes it.

That’s why we have to keep the fight going on Twitter, Facebook, and wherever else we can. Keep blogging about Chuck. Make sure NBC knows what they have on their hands and how important the show is to all of us.

Keep the chatter going, and I’ll keep updating this page. Hopefully, we’ll have the outcome we’re looking for come May 5.

A Call to ArmsApril 271 comment

Update: Check out all the great folks getting involved in the action on Twitter!

Today’s the big day, everyone! Let’s get out to Subway and show NBC we mean business. For the uninitiated, or if you’re just looking for a refresher, check out The Finale and a Footlong Campaign (Facebook) for the full scoop. The general plan is as follows:

  1. Buy a $5 footlong from Subway on April 27th (that’s today), and if possible, leave a note in the comment box letting them know that you’re participating in The Finale and a Footlong campaign to save NBC’s Chuck, of which Subway is a product placement sponsor. Update: Can’t find a comment box? No problem, here’s what you can do.

  2. Watch the finale live while enjoying your sandwich, Big-Mike-style (or digesting it if you opted to have it for lunch… yummy).

Support Chuck and feed your stomach at the same time! What could be simpler?

As for anyone who’s still having doubts (What difference is my one sandwich going to make? Are they even going to notice my comment? This must be a ploy from Subway!, etc.), we’ve heard them all. Rest assured, this is a 100% fan-driven effort. We just want Chuck to come back next season, and in order to do that, we needs everyone’s full support. If we all put in our best effort, getting noticed won’t be a problem.

So, get out there and feast on some delicious sandwiches! The futures of Chuck, Sarah, Casey, and gang depend on it, not to mention the jobs of the hundreds of talented folks who put this show together. Let’s do them proud!

Dear NBCApril 23Add comment

Please, please bring Chuck back for a third season.

Between the brilliant pop-culture references and the oh-so-relevant geek humor, I can’t help but smile through every episode. Of the many shows I watch, it is at the absolute top of the list: ahead of my old stalwart The Office, the consistently excellent Friday Night Lights, and even 24 despite Jack Bauer going gangbusters this season. I treasure every episode of Chuck, so much that I can’t bring myself to delete them from my DVR for fear that I’m tossing away something precious.

My reasons for loving this show are many. Despite what my friends may say, they do not begin and end with Yvonne Strahovski.

(Seriously, though, how can a show with her not be obliterating the competition? Her physical beauty is remarkable, but it’s her talent as a dramatic actress that really seals the deal. I’m only slightly exaggerating when I say that every guy with a television set should be falling over themselves for her.)

Every great show begins with strong relationships between its characters, and this one is no exception. The magnetic attraction between Chuck and Sarah is well established, but it’s not the only dynamic worth exploring. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Chuck and Morgan: Best friends who, together, break out of their sheltered bubbles by making room for other significant others in their lives. It’s not without a twinge of sadness, however, as both quietly realize their bromance’s days may be numbered.

  • Morgan and Ellie: The classic best friend with a crush on your older sister. The comedy that accompanies this pairing often overshadows its dramatic value. Despite how Ellie acts, you know she appreciates Morgan’s loyalty to her brother (and to her, though she’ll only admit it under the heavy influence of alcohol).

  • Sarah and Casey: Professional equals with ideological differences, but not really. Casey puts up a tough front, but deep down inside, you know he has a soft spot for Chuck. Watching Sarah’s sensitivity rub off on him over the course of the season brought a tear to my eye.

  • Jeff and Lester: Please. Like anything needs to be said.

  • Awesome and Anyone: Like bacon, everything goes well with Awesome.

With a strong roster of characters, the responsibility then falls on others to create and maintain the show’s trademark tone. Enter Alexandra Patsavas and her knack for selecting the perfect music for the show’s many deserving moments. The National, Okkervil River, and Bon Iver in the same television show? Sign me up. Chuck is far more affecting than its premise would suggest, and it has Patsavas to thank for that distinction.

The end result is a show that never fails to deliver on the promise of great entertainment. Whether it’s playing to its lighthearted roots or exploring more dramatic territory with its ongoing mythology, each and every episode provides welcome relief from the stress of the daily grind. Each week, I look forward to what’s going to happen next with Chuck and the Intersect (or Chuck and Sarah, or Casey and his vast assortment of firearms, etc.), and every time I walk away satisfied.

Which leads us to the Now, three days before the Season Two finale. The last few episodes have been stellar. So amazing have they been, in fact, that the mere thought of Chuck not returning next season prompts me to retreat to a sad and distressing place. If Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak are to be taken at their word and next week’s episode turns out to be “one of the least satisfying [series] finales of all time” should you cancel the show, you can bet there will be a large number of heartbroken fans reaching for ice cream or their liquor cabinets if the show does not survive.

In Schwartz’s own words: “the show would shift [in the third season] and become something even bigger than what is now. There was always a way designed to, like, kick out the jams and take it to 11, in the next season.” That sounds positively amazing. Please don’t deprive us of the opportunity to see what he has in store for us.

On a final note, this is the third time that NBC has inspired me to rally behind a brilliant, albeit ratings-challenged show (see exhibits A and B). Friday Night Lights and The Office are both alive and well today, reinforcing my belief that you’re willing to give quality shows time to develop. It’s a stance I admire greatly, and one that I hope holds true with Chuck.

Sincerely,
James Fan

Top Headlines

The Buzz

  • The Strategies of the Save Chuck campaignMay 14

    “By contrast, the Chuck campaign seems to have a lot more potential. Here, after all, the fans realize that their viewership alone clearly hasn’t been enough to impress NBC. NBC needs to monetize that fandom, and is currently unsure that they’re getting enough out of it; thus, the fans respond by giving NBC another metric by which they can monetize the fans.”

    - Jonathan Gray, The Extratextuals

    Read the full article …

  • Ask AusielloMay 13

    “Warner Bros. and NBC are haggling over money. Shocking, I know. If a deal can be worked out — and I have every reason to believe it can (and will) be — it’ll be back for a 13-episode third season.”

    - Michael Ausiello, Enertainment Weekly

    Read the full article …

  • Jon Stewart has a message for NBCMay 13

    “OK, so this segment from The Daily Show isn’t really about Chuck, it’s mostly about Nancy Pelosi. But I think that Chuck fans should snip the last few seconds of the segment and put it in a video and send it to NBC.”

    - Bob Sassone, TV Squad

    Read the full article …

  • Is This NBC’s Fall Schedule?May 13

    “I’ve confirmed this is a 2009/2010 schedule that may be the final one, but is one that NBC is definitely considering. As I expected, it has Chuck returning.”

    - Nikki Finke, Deadline Hollywood Daily

    Read the full article …

  • NBC passing on ‘Legally Mad’May 13

    “It’s been speculated since last week, when “Mad” wasn’t among NBC’s fall pickups, that the network may want to tie a renewal of Warner Bros.’ “Chuck” to removing that penalty — but insiders insist that the two are unrelated. “Chuck” remains on the bubble, although most expect it to return to the Peacock next year.”

    - Michael Schneider, Variety

    Read the full article …

  • Producer McG optimistic about a Chuck pickupMay 8

    “We’re optimistic. We’re going to find out in a week. But the fans have spoken. People really rallied and articulated their love of the show, but it’s a cold-hearted numbers business. And I’m happy to report that the people at NBC like the show.”

    - McG in an interview with SCI FI Wire

    Read the full article …

  • Chuck Campaign to Appear on CNNMay 6

    “CNN will feature the Chuck renewal campaign on the air Thursday, May 7, between 1-2PM EST (check local listings for channel number). They’ve tapped our own Gray, producer/co-host of Chuck vs. the Podcast, to appear live along side Josh Schwartz and/or Zachary Levi - depending on schedules - during the segment to discuss the fan campaign.”

    - ChuckTV.net

    Read the full article …

  • NBC Infront 2009/2010May 4

    “I’ve learned why announcements regarding the renewal fates of Chuck and My Name Is Earl have been delayed. And it involves more horsetrading than the Triple Crown.”

    - Nikki Finke, Deadline Hollywood Daily

    Read the full article …

  • Off-Topic: ChuckMay 4

    “If you have not truly watched Chuck yet, I can do nothing more than recommend it. If the premise of the plot doesn’t sell you, then watch it as a comedy. Let the sense of humor grab you, and after that you’ll get hooked into everything else in the show as well.”

    - Chris Cesarano, Gamertagged

    Read the full article …

  • NBC to Add 4 New Dramas and 2 Comedies to Fall LineupMay 4

    “The list of new NBC shows could also grow between now and May 19 when NBC will announce its fall prime-time schedule, said Ben Silverman, the co-chairman of NBC Entertainment. The network will also be making decisions on some existing shows that have yet to be either renewed or cancelled, most prominently the spy comedy ‘Chuck.’”

    - Bill Carter, The New York Times

    Read the full article …

  • NBC unveils new programs for fallMay 4

    “The network has not decided whether it will renew “Chuck,” “Life,” “Law & Order,” “Medium” or “My Name Is Earl.” Over the next two weeks, NBC will meet with the producers of those shows to hear what direction they would like to take their shows if they are picked up.”

    - Maria Elena Fernandez, Los Angeles Times

    Read the full article …

  • Breaking: NBC unveils fall sked, decision on ‘Chuck’ delayedMay 4

    “NBC unveiled its fall lineup this morning, but conspicuously missing was any mention of bubble shows Chuck, Law & Order, Medium, Life, or My Name is Earl. According to a Peacock insider, a final ruling on the fate of all five shows will come on May 19.”

    - Michael Ausiello, Entertainment Weekly

    Read the full article …

  • Fall TV cheat sheet: What’s in? What’s out?May 3

    Michael Ausiello has bumped Chuck from “Could go either way” to “Safe bet” status.

    - Michael Ausiello, Entertainment Weekly

    Read the full article …

  • UPDATE: NBC Renews ‘Chuck’, ‘Medium’, ‘Law & Order’; Announcement On MondayMay 2

    Take this announcement with a grain of salt. If conflicts directly with Zachary Levi’s information from yesterday.

    “That’s what sources are telling me. Expect a major renewals announcement from NBC on Monday (unless the bosses decide to mess with our heads).”

    - Nikki Finke, Deadline Hollywood Daily

    Read the full article …

  • Chuck Decision Delayed for a Week or MoreMay 2

    “Chuck star Zachary Levi reveals to E! exclusively that NBC will not renew or cancel beloved spy dramedy Chuck for at least another week. Cast and crew had originally expected to hear before Monday’s planned NBC “infront” presentation to advertisers.”

    - Jennifer Godwin, E! Online

    Read the full article …

  • “Southland” picked up by NBC — and maybe (emphasize maybe) “Chuck” tooMay 2

    “There’s also chatter at this late hour that Warners is in the midst of a big ol’ deal with NBC that includes “Southland” plus a third-season renewal for “Chuck” and greenlight for David E. Kelley pilot “Legally Mad” — after all three projects took a slight haircut in budget. But that’s just email chatter at this point, no confirmation yet. (Sorry all you “Chuck” devotees.)”

    - Cynthia Littleton, Variety

    Read the full article …

  • WONKA Teams with Nerd Herd to Save NBC ShowMay 1

    “WONKA®, maker of beloved WONKA NERDS® candies, will soon be making a very special delivery to executives at NBC! The candy maker today announced it is sending more than 1,000 packs of NERDS to the network in support of TV show “Chuck,” which is being threatened with cancellation.”

    - Wonka

    Read the full article …

  • Save Chuck: A Movement with a MessageMay 1

    This article was posted several days ago (before the season finale). It’s a terrific read, however, and I highly recommend you check it out.

    “What I want to discuss is how the campaign is operating, and how there are three keys to its success that have given it a real chance of succeeding.”

    - Myles McNutt, Cultural Learnings

    Read the full article …

  • What TV networks should pick up for another season and pick off and cancelMay 1

    “‘Chuck’ (NBC). A marginal premise has turned into a show with heart, intelligence and nuance.”

    - David Hinckley, Daily News

    Read the full article …

  • Zach Levi on ‘Chuck’ pickup: ‘Chances are good’May 1

    “From Zachary Levi’s lips to God’s Jeff Zucker’s ears… Chuck’s leading man says he’s feeling optimistic that NBC will renew his spy comedy for a third season. “I think the chances are good that we’ll come back,” he said at last night’s Star Trek premiere. “But television is in a weird, fickle place right now, so you never know. We’re supposed to find out on Monday.”"

    - Michael Ausiello, TV Guide

    Read the full article …

  • NBC preps for Madison AvenueApril 30

    “As for NBC’s on-the-fence renewals, signs are pointing to a third-season pickup for ‘Chuck’ and a second-season nod for Amy Poehler laffer ‘Parks and Recreation.’”

    - Cynthia Littleton and Michael Schneider, Variety

    Read the full article …

  • NBC shuffles its infrontApril 30

    “And to the delight of staunch ‘Chuck’ supporters, the chances of survival for the quirky soft-rated series have improved slightly.”

    - Nellie Andreeva, The Hollywood Reporter

    Read the full article …

  • ‘Save Chuck’ latest in campaigns to rescue favorite showsApril 30

    “This season, a swirl of programs have generated the “will they or won’t they” buzz … But perhaps the one getting the most attention is the NBC show “Chuck,” which has spawned a “Save Chuck” campaign with fans trying to blog, tweet and even eat sustained life into the series.”

    - Lisa Respers France, CNN

    Read the full article …

  • Ask AusielloApril 29

    “After watching the finale, my gut feeling is that Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak left NBC with absolutely no choice but to bring it back for a third season.”

    - Michael Ausiello, Entertainment Weekly

    Read the full article …

  • Save Our Shows: The fans’ choice is ‘Chuck’April 29

    “The spy series was the top pick among 21 “on the bubble” between renewal and cancellation in USA TODAY’s 12th annual Save Our Shows poll; 54% favored a third season.”

    - USA TODAY

    Read the full article …

  • Today’s News: Our TakeApril 29

    “…there really isn’t room for both Chuck and Life. Right now my gut is telling me that all the Footlongs in the world will not save Life, but that the tide is turning for Chuck — particularly in light of its virtually closure-free finale episode.”

    - Mickey O’Connor, TV Guide

    Read the full article …

  • Will Chuck’s Mad New Skills Be Enough to Save the Show?April 28

    “The fan reaction, the Save Chuck campaign that started on the blogs and with the critics and with the fans, on Facebook and Twitter, has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life to witness — and certainly the most creatively gratifying. Everybody involved in the show has been very, very moved and very emotional about how vocal people have become.”

    - Josh Schwartz in an interview with Matt Mitovich, TV Guide

    Read the full article …

  • Chuck Watch: Domo ArigatoApril 28

    “The oddball brilliance of Chuck, as dozens of tributes recently have said, is that it marries action and comedy, heart and geek appeal, in a way few shows do. But to people who never got into Chuck, that may be a liability. My guess is that people look at it and see a spy show that’s not hardcore enough to be impressive, a drama that’s too frothy to seem high-stakes, and a comedy that’s too dramatic to be a sitcom. Maybe it’s heresy, but I don’t think our hope is to convert these people, God bless them. It’s for Chuck to be able to survive without them. I think that’s possible, in a network world of smaller audiences, in which NBC has little to lose and more product placements to gain.”

    - James Poniewozik, TIME

    Read the full article …

  • The most enjoyable episode of TV of the year? Thoughts on the ‘Chuck’ finaleApril 28

    “No analysis. No deep thoughts here. Who can think straight after that much fun? What I’ve posted here is just a warning — I will go completely into the ugly cry if “Chuck” is not renewed.”

    - Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune

    Read the full article …

  • Full Frontal Nerdity: The Sensational (and Game-Changing) Season Finale of “Chuck”April 28

    “Whether this week’s episode of Chuck ends up being a season or series finale (and I’m pulling for the former), “Chuck Versus the Ring” was a primer on how to infuse tension and possibility into every scene, while also offering the series’ rabid viewers a lot of laughter and more than a few tears along the way.”

    - Jace, Televisionary

    Read the full article …

  • Chuck Rundown: Episode 22, “Chuck vs. The Ring”April 28

    “And that’s how you do a finale. This season’s last episode of Chuck has it all: romance, drama, fight scenes, Jeffster!, intrigue, nostalgia, and a good deal of promise for — please, oh please — a third season.”

    - BuzzSugar

    Read the full article …

  • Chuck fans hit up SubwayApril 28

    “Publicity like this would have been hard to buy: Fans of the NBC series Chuck on Facebook, Twitter and TV blogs such as Television Without Pity are rallying support for “Finale & Footlong,” a campaign to persuade the network to renew the show by having viewers buy Subway sandwiches. And while Subway’s marketing chief admits to stoking the flames a little, the sub shop didn’t start the fire.”

    - Emily Bryson York, Advertising Age

    Read the full article …

  • Chuck Versus the RingApril 28

    “If this was the series finale for Chuck, it was a really satisfying and appropriate wrap up. If, as I’m hoping, it was only the season finale, this was a really satisfying and appropriate set up for the next season of Chuck. Therefore, any way you slice it, Chuck hit a lot of high notes — including Jeffster’s pre-wedding serenade. The show was filled with action, had new information that was just a little bit stunning, and overall, it was terrific.”

    - Allison Waldman, TV Squad

    Read the full article …

  • Chris Fedak vs. the finaleApril 28

    “We had a good meeting with NBC and Warner Bros., and everybody’s very positive. We’re still in the same holding pattern. There’s no ETA”

    - Alan Sepinwall, The Star-Ledger

    Read the full article …

  • “Chuck vs. the Ring”: Reviewing the season finaleApril 27

    “The “Mr. Roboto”/wedding shoot-out sequence features so much concentrated awesome that it might be illegal in certain states, summing up “Chuck” while at the same time exceeding anything the show has done before. I know I just did a list of all the wonderful things in last week’s episode, but these are all wonderful things in the same scene, so please indulge me.”

    - Alan Sepinwall, The Star-Ledger

    Read the full article …

  • Chuck versus The End?April 27

    “They gave us an episode in Chuck Versus the Ring that was so much better, so much more action-packed, so much more emotionally magnificent, so much more Awesome than just about all the previous episodes combined. And the cliffhanger at the end had nothing to do with the plot of the episode and everything to do with a complete and utter reinvention of the show in a way I guarantee you no one saw coming.”

    - Brian Howard, Remote Access

    Read the full article …

  • ‘Chuck’: wedding bells, final bell?April 27

    “Chuck’s season (series?) finale was crammed with everything we like about the show: It was smart and funny; it had a lot of heart and action. Building the episode around Ellie’s wedding was a way to get all the main players in one place, including Chuck’s dad and Chevy Chase.”

    - Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly

    Read the full article …

  • ‘Chuck’ Finale: Two weddings and a superspyApril 27

    “Chuck ended its season in grand fashion, with wedding(s), mayhem, gunplay, true love, bro-bonding, man-hugs, a passing of the torch, the single greatest wedding disaster of all time, and one hell of a set-up for next season. You hear me, NBC? Next season!”

    - Sarah Jerslid, Zap2it

    Read the full article …

  • The Top Five Reasons NBC Should Renew “Chuck” by Josh SchwartzApril 27

    “Lastly, Chris Fedak said people will burn down their living rooms if this is the series finale. And if they do, he’ll be arrested. He has a baby on the way. For that child’s sake, we need to keep the show on so people don’t torch their TVs, which would lead to Chris’ incarceration.”

    - Josh Schwartz in an interview with Josef Adalian, TV Week

    Read the full article …

  • ‘Chuck’ fans eat sandwiches to save showApril 27

    “Will it be enough to work? It’s hard to say, but it’s an amazingly smart strategy: use the affirmative defense of making an advertiser very happy it’s affiliated with the show. Either way, I’m pleased to feel like I’m accomplishing something by taking an afternoon break to watch one of my favorite shows on Hulu.”

    - Sarah Gilbert, DailyFinance

    Read the full article …

  • US Troops Are Watching ChuckApril 27

    “Theres something that i want to say about the show. Season 2 of Chuck came out when i was in afghanistan i didnt get back till after the holidays. When season 2 came out or when ever i could or have time to watch Chuck, it made my day when i got a chance to see it. Just to let you know that me and my friends watch Chuck in afghanistan. If you can tell NBC that too hopefully it will help with season 3.”

    - Liwen via Mark Christopher Lawrence (Big Mike!)

  • ‘Chuck’ reminder: Eat fresh, save a showApril 27

    “Whether you’re a fan of geeks who have government secrets embedded in their brain or a fan of delicious sandwiches, this is your official reminder to buy your lunch at Subway today to participate in the save Chuck campaign.”

    - Lindsay Soll, Entertainment Weekly

    Read the full article …

  • Subway: Good Night, and Good ‘Chuck’April 27

    “According to two people familar with the situation, Subway’s internal tracking of the “Chuck” promotion was off the charts. One source labeled it the best such product placement the restaurant chain has done “in several years.” And here’s the kicker: Pace was so impressed with “Chuck’s” impact on sandwich sales, he actually called a top NBC ad sales executive to let him know just how much Subway loved the Chuckster.”

    - Josef Adalian, TVWeek

    Read the full article …

  • Week in DVRApril 27

    “We’re not exactly sure when it happened, but sometime during the last four months, Chuck became our favorite show on television. Maybe it’s because of the brilliant cast, which seems to have chemistry on top of their chemistry; or perhaps it’s the fact that we find it impossible to watch Chuck without feeling warm inside when it’s over. Whatever the reason, we’re in love.”

    - Christopher Rosen, The New York Observer

    Read the full article …

  • Please Watch “Chuck” Tonight on NBCApril 27

    “Basically, the bottom line is this: I’m willing to do whatever it takes to see that Chuck gets renewed for a third season. I’m willing to get on my soap box and keep writing about Chuck, keeping Twittering about it, and keep talking about it until I’m blue in the face.”

    - Jace, Televisionary

    Read the full article …

  • TV Tonight: The Chuck Season FinaleApril 27

    “The show has grown so much in its second season — and so consistently delivered a blend of humor, suspense, and romance that no other current show quite has — that it would be a shame to see it go away now. One thing’s certain: The early buzz on tonight’s finale is — to borrow a very Chuck word — awesome.”

    - BuzzSugar

    Read the full article …

  • Top 10 Disguises Worn by Adam Baldwin on ChuckApril 26

    “The second season of Chuck is just about over. In preparation of Monday night’s season finale, I want to celebrate with a special tribute to Adam Baldwin, my favorite actor on the show.”

    - Manny, My Disguises

    Read the full article …

  • Chuck stars treat 400 English fans to a Subway lunchApril 26

    “Levi, who described the show as “on the good side of the bubble,” even got behind the counter and helped out the besieged staff of the outlet, staying until the very last fan was served.”

    - SCI FI Wire

    Read the full article …

  • Saving Chuck and Other WB ShenanigansApril 26

    “In these days, where your options are either reality TV or super-heavy dramas, I love being able to watch a show that really tugs at the kid in all of us.”

    - Wes Smith, Down in Hollywood

    Read the full article …

  • Best Bet That ‘Chuck’ Will Come Back…April 26

    “This time, I can tell you the Chuck campaign is having an effect on the NBC suits. “It’s a good show, a solid show, and it’s in contention to come back,” an insider tells me. “I’m betting it’ll end up back. But that decision hasn’t been made yet.” Interestingly, it’s not just fanboys trying to keep the Josh Schwartz show on the air, it’s also mainstream TV critics and reporters. The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Entertainment Weekly have all weighed i [sic] positively.”

    - Nikki Finke, Deadline Hollywood Daily

    Read the full article …

  • 10 Ways to Help Save NBC’s ChuckApril 26

    “Why should Chuck be saved? Well, because it’s one of the best shows on TV right now and provides the perfect mix of action, comedy, drama and romance. If that’s not enough, then read TV critic Alan Sepinwall’s open letter to the NBC brass. I especially like his idea of having Chuck leadoff Thursday nights followed by The Office and 30 Rock. How great a night of TV would that be? Must-See TV indeed.”

    - Jason, TVaholic

    Read the full article …

  • Chatting with Captain AwesomeApril 26

    “So far everything has been very positive. I was walking my dog today and somebody yelled out their car window “We love you, Awesome!” I was scared to death because I’ve been working for about nine years as an actor and rarely get recognized. I love it when people tell me that they dig “Chuck. I feel a real connection with the fans.”

    - Ryan McPartlin in an interview with Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune

    Read the full article …

  • Video of Zac Levi’s Subway run in the UKApril 26

    Zachary Levi and 600 fans footlong it at a Subway.

    - Zachary-Levi.com

    Read the full article …

  • Forget the CHUCK Rumors… Just Watch!April 24

    “The rumors [that Chuck was picked up for 13 episodes] are untrue. we have not heard anything nor do we expect to for a little while longer. So keep spreading the word, getting your friends to watch Monday and thank you for the amazing support so far.”

    - Josh Schwartz via Give Me My Remote

    Read the full article …

  • Tweet @theWBdotcom to Save Chuck and Join the Nerd HerdApril 24

    “Hey Chuck fans! TheWB.com loves Chuck too! In fact we love Chuck so much we’re driving around in Nerd Herd mobiles to show our support and give away some cool prizes. If you spot us, follow us on twitter and tweet to- @thewbdotcom for a chance to win some cool prizes and show your support for Chuck.”

    - The WB.com Blogs

    Read the full article …

  • NBC rep says ‘Chuck’ decision coming in MayApril 24

    “An NBC rep for the series “Chuck” said rumors the the series has been renewed are not true. “No decision will be made until early May,” NBC’s Jamie French wrote in an e-mail.”

    - RedEye

    Read the full article …

  • Chris Fedak talks up the ‘cataclysmic’ ‘Chuck’ finaleApril 24

    “We’re hopeful that the show will be renewed. The network and the studio are both big fans of the show and they’ve been supportive throughout the entire process, though both seasons of the show. But it’s still important that our fans out there on the web and in the world get the word out on the show. It’s still up in the air.”

    - Chris Fedak in an interview with Daniel Feinberg, HitFix

    Read the full article …

  • The Best Show You’re Not WatchingApril 24

    “… it’s such a satisfying show to watch. It’s just plain fun. I root for every single character. So why isn’t everyone else seeing what I’m seeing? This show should be pulling in 13 million viewers a week.”

    - Brian Howard in an interview with Megan at Megan Goes to Hollywood

    Read the full article …

  • ‘Chuck’ Cast, Creative Team Thank Fans & Talk Finale on Chuck vs. the PodcastApril 24

    “As fans of NBC’s critically acclaimed show CHUCK continue to rally behind the show and ask NBC for a third season, a star-studded lineup from the cast and creative team came together to thank the fans for their efforts on Chuck vs. the Podcast leading up to the season finale, airing Monday, April 27th. From London, New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, they were all eager to reach out and share their gratitude for the fan campaigns, excitement about the finale, and passion for the show.”

    - ChuckTV.net

    Read the full article …

  • Can Subway Save Chuck? Campaign One of Many Fervent CrusadesApril 23

    “As the geek-tastic comedy remains in limbo for a third-season pickup, fans hope they have all the fixings of an inspired movement to save the series. The Finale and Footlong campaign implores fans to go to Subway before Monday’s season (series?) finale, buy a $5 footlong sandwich and leave a note in the suggestion box. Why Subway? The restaurant chain is one of Chuck’s main sponsors and was notably featured in a recent episode.”

    - Joyce Eng, TVGuide

    Read the full article …

  • Saving Chuck: Don’t Applaud, Throw MoneyApril 23

    “Four million people who watch a show really hard are still just four million people to an ad buyer. Unless they spend money. Which is the impetus behind what may be the best fan idea out there to save Chuck. This coming Monday—when the season finale of Chuck airs—fans of the show have reportedly hatched a plan to eat at Subway en masse.”

    - James Poniewozik, TIME

    Read the full article …

  • Can Twitter and Subway save “Chuck”?April 22

    “In an interview at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas, Schwartz said he had a good meeting with NBC about “Chuck’s” future, but he would not speculate on whether the show would survive”

    - Joe Flint, Los Angeles Times

    Read the full article …

  • Jumping On The ‘Chuck’ Wagon: NBC Versus The Jay Leno ProblemApril 22

    “Lots of shows inspire love from fans, and lots of shows inspire admiration from critics. Chuck inspires love from critics, probably precisely because when you have to watch a lot of television professionally, something that drops into your lap that is joyful and satisfying and different feels like a real gift.”

    - Linda Holmes, NPR

    Read the full article …

  • Chuck: The Most Awesomely Awesome Episode EverApril 21

    “‘Chuck Versus the Colonel’ was one of the most enjoyable and well rounded hours of television I’ve watched in a very long time. It was romantic, funny, had lots of resolution and was filled with explosions. Everything a girl could want, or at least everything this girl could want.”

    - Angel Cohn, Television Without Pity

    Read the full article …

  • Can ‘Chuck’ Be Saved? Even Josh Schwartz Isn’t SureApril 20

    “The last two episodes are certainly the best that we’ve done, and I feel like the whole season has been building. To feel this coalescing of the inter-Web forces, in support of the show, has been really remarkable.”

    - Josh Schwartz in an interview with Dave Itzkoff, The New York Times

    Read the full article …

  • Chuck: An open letter to NBC to save it - Sepinwall on TVApril 20

    “It’s the best show on your network right now. All due respect to some other fine series, it’s been more consistent than “30 Rock” and “Friday Night Lights,” funnier than “The Office” and more purely entertaining than them and everything else on your airwaves.”

    - Alan Sepinwall, The Star-Ledger

    Read the full article …

  • Please help save ‘Chuck’: The campaign to get a Nerd ThirdApril 13

    “I’m absolutely not going to sit back and passively accept that “Chuck” may not come back. This is a show that makes millions of people happy every week. It’s just the kind of well-crafted escapism that people need in these trying times.”

    - Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune

    Read the full article …

Renewal Status

Head on over to Does Chuck Have a 3rd Season? for a realtime update from Matt Barber, one of the editors on Chuck.

How You Can Help

  1. Re-watch the finale and tell all your friends about it!

  2. Join the We Heart Chuck effort by donating to The American Heart Association.

  3. Participate in The Finale and a Footlong Campaign (check it out on Facebook). Buy a $5 footlong from Subway on April 27th in support of the show! Update: thanks to everyone who participated!

  4. ChuckTV.net has a ton of great suggestions including some great tips if you want to go the letter-writing route.

  5. Advertise your support for Chuck. Go beyond signing a petition of anonymous supporters. Post about it on your blog, evangelize it to your friends, do whatever you can to generate buzz for the show.

    Invest quality time and effort, and someone will notice. With enough of us rallying behind Chuck, maybe, just maybe the right people will notice.

  6. Send news tips to me at james@pleasesavechuck.com. I'll post them here as I receive them. I'm also on Twitter.