This is great news to that small but passionate audience for the best TV series you're not watching. I'm told that Jeff Zucker, Marc Graboff and Ben Silverman had been searching for a way to renew the critically acclaimed but low-rated Friday Night Lights for a 3rd season so that it would still make financial sense. The answer came in a deal with DirecTV, now owned by John Malone's Liberty Media. Clearly Malone is looking to distinguish DirecTV from its rivals on a content as well as price basis. "It's an innovative deal where NBC found a partner who will share costs and exhibition windows," an insider explained to me. So both NBC and DirecTV will be airing Friday Night Lights across multipurpose platforms.
I'm a big fan of the hour-long high school football drama (which is really about horny teens and their hornswoggled parents) so I say hooray. NBC aired the last completed episode of Friday Night Lights on February 8th, but until now there's been no word on the show's clouded future. I can report that the third season is saved. Even though it usually ends up last in its time slot, the show does OK in the 18-to-49 demos and often wins the 18-to-34 demos. But FNL's Season One only averaged 6.1 million viewers a week, making it something like the 95th-highest rated show on network primetime TV, 
and Season Two averaged 6.2 million viewers a week but still came in at 101st.
I can't say whether the fans' campaign to save the show by sending all those mini- footballs to NBC bigwigs worked the magic. But I do know the execs got them. Plus, the NBC suits knew that since the network is airing crap like that remake of Knight Rider (and shame on TV viewers for giving it good ratings), then they needed quality like FNL.
Will FNL be exclusive content of DirecTV under this deal? I’m a big fan and would hate to lose it because I have TimeWarner.
Comment by Ben — March 5, 2008 @ 6:26 pm
THANK GOODNESS!!!! This made my day, week, month, year!!
*doing happy dance*
Comment by Maryellen — March 5, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
Fantastic news!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Comment by GMMR — March 5, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
looks like silverman finally did something right, however one menchy thing doesn’t mean I’m going to start liking him
Comment by jcpbmg — March 5, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
There is a God!
Comment by lee — March 5, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
You’ve made my year. Thank you!
Comment by dafnap — March 5, 2008 @ 7:50 pm
This is the BEST NEWS EVER.
Comment by Jeana — March 5, 2008 @ 7:50 pm
maybe zucker isnt quite as bad as i thought he was…
Comment by dexx — March 5, 2008 @ 7:57 pm
I was one of the skeptics who didn’t think I’d like this show because of what I perceived to be an over-emphasis on football. But after hearing from at least half a dozen friends that “Friday Night Lights” was truly something special I gave it a try and got hooked by the end of the first episode (which I watched on DVD). Honestly, this really is the best show people aren’t watching and I’m over the moon it’s coming back for a third season. Now if they can only start producing those last seven episodes of Season Two…
Comment by Robert — March 5, 2008 @ 8:04 pm
Thrilled that FNL will be back!
Comment by KS — March 5, 2008 @ 8:07 pm
Great news! Thank you NBC!
Comment by Trish — March 5, 2008 @ 8:10 pm
Advertise this show more and it will get more views. I cannot fathom this show being ended. It’s what all people remember about Friday nights before the big game. IT’s AMERICAN television with out a single doubt. Football in my Missouri town is HUGE. My old HS was ranked 6th in the nation last year in the Missouri 5A division. I know anyone that played football in HS would love this show and it needs to continue being aired. It brings back great memories of HS and seeing those Friday Night Lights! CLEAR EYES, FULL HEARTS, CAN’T LOSE!
Comment by Casey — March 5, 2008 @ 8:28 pm
As one of the co-organizers of the SaveFNL.com fan campaign, it gives me great joy to hear this wonderful news, and especially to know that the executives got the footballs. We were not able to get confirmation of that until now, so thanks very much for that, as well as for the other information. Does this mean the show will get a full season of 22 episodes (barring a SAG strike, heaven forbid!)?
Comment by Gil — March 5, 2008 @ 8:41 pm
So strange what shows the networks decide to cancel or to save.
Friday Night Lights reminds me of Arrested Development in that the critics love it and try to ram it down everyone’s throat as great television but the masses don’t give a damn.
Yet that network brought it back for something like three seasons.
And NBC is bringing back the equally poorly rated Friday Night Lights.
What about The Office? Do over 10 million people watch that? I doubt it.
Meanwhile, better rated shows get cancelled. Could someone involved in the poorly rated shows that get saved year after year have photos of network execs with farm animals or minors or something? Seems so, no?
Comment by Francine Fishpaw — March 5, 2008 @ 8:44 pm
YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!! Ben Silverman may not be the Anti-Christ afterall. I still loathe nearly everything he has done to NBC to date, but this provides him with some redemption in my book. Somehow I think Zucker and Graboff probably had more to do with the decision but whatever. One of the finest shows on TV, bar none!!!
*also doing the happy dance!!!!*
Hooper
Comment by Hoopersx — March 5, 2008 @ 8:56 pm
More details please about the delay between DirectTV and NBC airings please!
Crap, I just might have to pay to download from Amazon.com.
Comment by Big Fan — March 5, 2008 @ 9:32 pm
Best News EVER!
Comment by DD — March 5, 2008 @ 9:46 pm
Holy shit, Niki…this is possibly the single greatest piece of news you’ve ever posted on this site. I could kiss you right now.
Comment by tv editor — March 5, 2008 @ 10:05 pm
YES!!!!!! That is fabulous news! WOO HOO! Thanks NBC!!!
Comment by page — March 5, 2008 @ 10:45 pm
FNL jumped the shark when there was a MUUURRRDEERRR.
Comment by First season only — March 5, 2008 @ 11:06 pm
Good news! I’m so happy. This is truly great show and deserves to be scene.
My question is who will air the episodes first. Cause you know how USA network aired Law & Order :CI months before NBC what will NBC/Direct do? I have comcast so I hope NBC gets it first cause I hate to have storylines spoiled.
But I’m not going to complain because this is total happiness for me
Thanks NBC!!!
Comment by BBHB — March 5, 2008 @ 11:32 pm
If the show doesn’t get back to its football roots, i dont give a rat’s ass. Season 2 sucked, plain and simple.
Comment by Anonymous — March 6, 2008 @ 3:14 am
That’s freaking great news Nikki! I love this show too.
*Note to Les Moonves and Nina Tassler*
Take a lesson from NBC and listen to the fans. Put The Unit back on the schedule.
Becca B
Organizer
The Yellow Ribbon Campaign to Bring Back The Unit
Comment by Becca — March 6, 2008 @ 4:55 am
You just made my month! I really thought it was all over! Especially when Silverman answered a direct question about its fate with “Watch 30 Rock.”
OMG! FNL is BACK!!!!
Comment by Peyton — March 6, 2008 @ 5:32 am
YAY!!!!!! Thank you for that incredible news!
Comment by Ran Cansley — March 6, 2008 @ 6:20 am
best show on tv
NBC needs to market it online more to the core target audiences
Comment by bill — March 6, 2008 @ 6:29 am
Thank you SO much for the news, Nikki! I just recently got hooked on this show and hated the thought of never seeing it again! I can’t wait for season 3!
Comment by Robyn — March 6, 2008 @ 6:36 am
So they renew a soap opera that costs too much money with crappy ratings for one more season. Stupid.
Comment by Team — March 6, 2008 @ 6:53 am
NBC should change their name to “Game Show Network II”
Comment by Neilthor — March 6, 2008 @ 6:54 am
No offense, Francine, but you’re delusional. Just because a show gets good ratings doesn’t mean it’s quality TV. “Two and A Half Men”- crap, but great ratings. “According to Jim”- crap, ok ratings. Both shows are still on the air, and yet people who aren’t smart enough to get the intelligent jokes of “Arrested Development” or subtle character development of “Friday Night Lights” whine about quality shows being saved. Just stick to watching “American Idol” and “Desperate Housewives”- there’s room enough on the channels for both drivel and quality programming.
Comment by Kristi — March 6, 2008 @ 7:01 am
This is great news. I love this show and the depth of its characters. The writing is amazing. Thank you NBC.
Comment by Tara — March 6, 2008 @ 7:02 am
I am very pleased with this but am annoyed that it will air on Direct TV first. Oh well, good things come to those who wait.
Comment by actionman — March 6, 2008 @ 7:27 am
I never watched Friday Night Lights, since I had already seen the movie and it happened to be on at the same time as Real Time with Bill Maher, I never watched it. It just wasn’t worth recording on my DVR, when there are other shows I am more interested in.
I am sure the viewers will notice a lower quality of production for Friday Night Lights as we have seen the lower quality of production in the new episodes of Jericho (a show that truly deserved to be saved).
Comment by Phoenix Justice — March 6, 2008 @ 7:40 am
good thing direct tv has been such a wonderful home for NBC’s PASSIONS… oh wait.
Comment by tomalhe — March 6, 2008 @ 7:43 am
good to hear,i wanted to get the nfl package for fantasy football purposes..now i have a REALLY good reason to get direct tv
Comment by jeremy — March 6, 2008 @ 7:49 am
It must have been those guys at Best Week Ever that saved the show with their campaign! Way to go!!
Comment by Courtney — March 6, 2008 @ 8:04 am
The best show on TV you’re not watching? Wouldn’t that be The Wire?
Comment by Justin — March 6, 2008 @ 8:07 am
Yay, one lest insipid game show on NBC!!!!!!!!!!!!, and a great drama if you people would just watch. You know who you are.
Comment by jackdrad — March 6, 2008 @ 8:13 am
Don’t thank Zucker or Silverman…The linchpin to the deal is Dr. Malone and it should be exclusive to DirecTV. So for those of you on cable, tough.
Comment by P. Lee — March 6, 2008 @ 8:21 am
What is it that people like about FNL? Nikki, you say
“I’m a big fan of the hour-long high school football drama (which is really about horny teens and their hornswoggled parents)” which could not be less true. Have you seen the show? FNL has NOTHING to do with high school kids, football, or reality. It’s an unrealistic portrayal of life where impossibly stupid and impossible to believe whining and misery meet to satisfy an executives notes.
It’s as if everyone in the town is more miserable than the person on their left and they’re all standing in a circle that’s spiraling to sweeps. There’s a reason that NO ONE WATCHES THIS SHOW. IT’S MISERABLE. Who should I root for on this show? Better yet, who should I not hate and wish got run over by a school bus - which would be the most high school thing the show had ever done. (or better yet, maybe one of the students could kill them for the hot girl that he likes - no, that would be BAD TV!) Seriously who in this show wouldn’t just get beat up after school for being a pill? (note, I didn’t say the show is bad. The cast is great despite the bad not as advertised subject matter, and the show mostly looks good, despite the ’shaky cam’ that they never explain)
Comment by I don't get it — March 6, 2008 @ 8:22 am
Great news! Now the need to put the show in a good time slot and promote it! This is an exceptional show thanks to the writers and actors; I’m sure there would be many more viewers if they just checked it out.
Comment by Deb — March 6, 2008 @ 8:35 am
Thank heavens for “quality guilt” or I doubt most of my favorte TV shows would get past the pilot script stage. *g*
Great news!!!!
Comment by ProgGrrl — March 6, 2008 @ 8:38 am
So what exactly does this deal mean? Will DTV air it first? Do on-demand repeats of it? I’m not sure how DTV will differentiate itself on content with a show that people without DTV can see on NBC. Some are even speculating that this may not even include an airing on NBC at all. Could you elaborate?
“Friday Night Lights reminds me of Arrested Development in that the critics love it and try to ram it down everyone’s throat as great television but the masses don’t give a damn.”
The obvious question is whether you’ve actually seen either of these shows.
I haven’t seen FNL yet (the first disk from netflix is sitting at my house, may see it tonight before LOST) but AD *IS* a great show, arguably one of the best comedies ever.
Comment by milo — March 6, 2008 @ 8:46 am
This is great news! I had just sent an email to NBC the other day lamenting the cancellation (or so I thought) of the best show on TV.
Comment by BIg Fan — March 6, 2008 @ 8:53 am
Wonderful news! Thank you. I don’t get Direct TV but am hoping the episodes will eventually be aired on NBC or on-line.
Thank you, Mr. Silverman & Mr. Zucker and especially Mr. Berg. Also, my sympathies to the family of the boy who died last week, the boy who inspired the book & the tv show, may he rest in peace.
Comment by Arlene — March 6, 2008 @ 8:54 am
This is an interesting deal, we’ll have to see how it works out. I think what this deal has potential for is keeping devoted-fan show alive. Most devoted-fan shows are low rated by primetime standards and get axed, but if you were to make those devoted fans pay for a subscription to a channel where those shows continue, then I think most fans would pay for it.
Networks would come out with say, 4 new shows for the fall season. Let’s say 2 of them suck, 1 of them is a hit, and 1 is good, but low rated. The network can then sell that good-but-low-rated show to a pay channel service like DirectTV, it’s a win-win situation.
Comment by Burke — March 6, 2008 @ 8:58 am
YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! This is by far my FAVORITE show on TV! This made my day!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS FANTASTIC NEWS!!!
:) 
Comment by Erin — March 6, 2008 @ 9:09 am
I am so excited that they decided to do the right thing when it comes to quality TV and not just money. I can not wait to see what they do with the third season. Thank you NBC execs and DirecTV. I will be dancing a jig later tonight!!!
Comment by Shannon C. — March 6, 2008 @ 9:15 am
I’m sorry, but THE greatest show people aren’t watching is 30 Rock!!
As for Knight Rider, the guy apparently had to write the script in 12 days and couldn’t tweak it since the WGA strike had began so I can understand why the script and plot weren’t all that great. Since the writers are back, they should be able to turn out a better script if it becomes a TV series (and they should recast Mike, sorry but he was just weak).
Comment by Nikki — March 6, 2008 @ 9:28 am
This show is my favorite on TV and it’s being saved has redeemed NBC in my eyes quite a bit. Good save, NBC!
Comment by Kristine — March 6, 2008 @ 9:31 am
I am so pleased to hear this!! This is a a great show.
I think one reason it did not get watched is because of it being on Friday nights. A lot of people go out on Friday’s. I think it would help if the switched to another night.
Comment by ashby — March 6, 2008 @ 9:37 am
so I am sow - will we still be abl to see it on bradcast TV … at NBC?!
We are stuck with Comcast cable for any TV signal here in Sausalito.. and I am 54 and love the show
Comment by Kare Anderson — March 6, 2008 @ 9:41 am
This is great news-GREAT NEWS. This show, while I think it lost the plot a bit this season-the whole Landry/Tyra/dead guy subplot comes to mind, is the best written show on TV. It’s well acted, and it speaks from and to the heart.
Comment by LeesaP — March 6, 2008 @ 9:47 am
My favorite show since episode one. So happy it’ll be back on.
Comment by Marjorie — March 6, 2008 @ 10:03 am
Yaaaaaayyyyy!!! Our family is so excited to have FNL back! Can’t wait for Season 3!
Comment by Nicole D. — March 6, 2008 @ 10:06 am
Best written and acted serial drama on televison today bar none. Silverman and his colleagues should be applauded for finding a way to keep this wonderful series on television.
Now, Tell your friends to watch!!
Comment by pkwykid — March 6, 2008 @ 10:44 am
Wow! Some of you who do not like this show certainly spend alot of time commenting. If I don’t like a show, I don’t even bother to read the article. That having been said I am thrilled that this show is being renewed.
Comment by ilovefnl — March 6, 2008 @ 11:00 am
While this is good news, its kind of depressing in a sense. The first season of friday night lights was one of my favorite signle seasons ever - up there seasons 1 and 2 of the sopranos, pretty much every season of the wire, etc. The way it ended was perfect (although they smashed 2 epsidoes into 1, zooming through the plot resolution in about 10 minutes), and its gone downhill ever since. Its improved a little since the ridiculous first couple episodes of season 2 - but really, the show only has one direction to go, which is down. The should have just cancelled it after the first season, instead of bungling season 2 and bringing it back for season 3.
Same goes for Californication. Go out on top.
Comment by Anon — March 6, 2008 @ 11:02 am
Excellent-So few shows try to show real relationships and while it slipped a little in quality this year its much better than 95% of the shows on the air.
Comment by B.J. Reed — March 6, 2008 @ 11:07 am
I know someone up thread already said this, but I’ll say it again with different punctuation: Best. News. Ever!!!
Thanks for bringing us the scoop, Nikki.
And I don’t get it, no wonder you don’t like it. Your entire take on the show is wrong and completely misses the point. I fear that you, er, just don’t get it…
Comment by Sab — March 6, 2008 @ 11:13 am
WOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Thank you, Lord!!
Comment by Dub — March 6, 2008 @ 11:22 am
to ‘i don’t get it’ - you’re an idiot.
Comment by james — March 6, 2008 @ 11:51 am
Clearly season 2 wasn’t as good because no one associated with it thought there would be a season 2 so when there were told they thought…umm…now what do we do? Murder, affairs with housekeepers, trips to Mexico, bible thumpers, etc. Now with some time to work on it, I have faith season 3 will be back to season 1 level..or close.
Comment by Anonymous — March 6, 2008 @ 11:52 am
Though I am extremely happy that it’s coming back I will not be convinced it will last until NBC actually markets the show and attempts to get viewers. I have no doubt that if they gave it the publicity and air time of other shows it would be one of the top 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Anonymous — March 6, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
I can’t begin to tell you how happy we are that this show will be returning! Actually, I am a late comer –I watched seasons 1 and 2 online and have been hooked! My husband and I have stayed up all sorts of hours recaping and I was feeling anxious about whether it would return or not. You can be sure for the future we will be watching religously! And I am spreading the word!
Comment by GymMom — March 6, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
This is great news. As someone who cannot stomach most of the moronic offerings on network television, I’m thrilled and surprised that a show as well written and acted as FNL didn’t get the axe. Season two has slipped in comparison to the first but the show still fully drawn characters who are neither all good nor all bad, but flawed, unique, human beings.
Comment by tuny — March 6, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
Thank God!!!! My brother and I was going to star a lightbulb campaign. This show is truly the best dramatic show on Television. I couldn’t believe it when I heard it was going to be cancelled. NBC you rock and you are proving to the fans that you value real t.v. great writing, true to life story lines and so much else. I don’t have direct tv but i’m going to get it now. Bring back the smash, riggins, the garrity’s, buddy, coach his daughter, baby gracy and the whole doggone town. this is just great!
Comment by Cher edwards — March 6, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
I concur with the post to CBS…What are you thinking?
BRING BACK THE UNIT!
Comment by THE UNIT — March 6, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
One of the best shows on TV!
It is a shame that it is not on during the week. They should have named it something else and not be holden to “Friday Nights” - The show is very well written and the cast is great!
Comment by KSH — March 6, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Time to get DIRECTV !!! These guys just saved an unbelievably GREAT show. I just looked them up online (after years of swearing by cable) … They have over 100 HD channels and they will still air FNL’s in HD !!! Whoo-hoo!!!
Comment by Roger — March 6, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
Will FNL’s air on DIRECTV’s channel 101 with all of the other original stuff?
Comment by Football Freak — March 6, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
Yes! Now I can watch new episodes of 30 Rock and Friday Night Lights!
Comment by Emily N. — March 6, 2008 @ 2:32 pm
does that mean that only people with DirectTV can watch it? well that stinks…I got Dishnetwork….
Comment by Kayla — March 6, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
The movie was great fun, the camera work makes the tv show unwatchable.
Comment by tomg — March 6, 2008 @ 3:13 pm
Kristi, anyone who thought Arrested Development was “funny” is the one who is delusional. I tried to watch that show multiple times and even with Charlize Theron in the mix, I couldn’t stand its pretentiousness and lack of humor. All In The Family it wasn’t.
Comment by Francine Fishpaw — March 6, 2008 @ 3:15 pm
Finally! Saving a show worth saving. This is really great news! For those who do not watch, trust me, this is truly one of the BEST character dramas ever. Every single relationship on this show is SO multi-faceted. So welcome back to, Coach Taylor and Tammy and Julie and Smash and Riggins and EVERYONE! Love it.
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose! Way to go DTV/NBC!!!
Comment by Coach Taylor FAN! — March 6, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
Here’s one theory on why to keep the show on the air: is there much else out there in one-hour dramas that portrays the issues of every day people?
Everything on FX — “The Shield,” “Damages,” Nip Tuck” — is off the charts when it comes to dealing with tortured people. Ditto HBO with the “Sopranos,” “The Wire” (brilliant, yes, brilliant), and whatever else they try to create that’s provocative television (e.g. David Milch’s creations). And the networks are still churning out the same procedural crap (e.g. “CSI” and all of the off spring of both it and “Law and Order.”)
In the one-hour drama world, it’s just grim, grim, grim.
That’s why FNL needs a home and needs to be given a chance to prosper.
And is NBC telling us that they cannot promote the hell out of FNL on their Sunday Night Football telecasts next fall and get people to show up on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to watch it?
We all pretty much have to agree that it’s idiocy to broadcast a show on a night (Friday) when it’s core audience is away from the television set.
So let’s continue to tip our hats to great writing about people we can identify with — either that we were once just like them, see similarities in our children in the FNL cast, or that young people can connect with them.
I’ve been a dedicated viewer of one-hour dramas — particularly the first two years of the Sopranos, 24, the Shield, Nip Tuck, the Wire. But the law of diminishing returns applied to all of those series (with the possible exception of the Wire) after the first two of three years (at most). “24″ last year was comical in its inane attempts to out-do previous seasons. Prison Break has so effortlessly Jumped the Shark it’s time to cancel that show.
There’s a shift going on. There’s too much pain in people’s lives these days (the economy, the mortgage crisis, the political season, Iraq) for viewers to want to watch the lives of more deviants play out when all they have to do is turn on CNN.
Let’s speak up and vote to watch more drama about the lives of people that we are honestly connected to — and not those about whom we can just fantasize.
AMC’s “Breaking Bad” is the ultimate in this new era of pointless drama — not to mention that it’s got more shoe leather in it than an AFI thesis script.
Comment by Drama Watcher — March 6, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
Native West Texan here — SO glad to hear this show is coming back. A little soapy at times? Yes. But they do West Texas right.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go and listen to some Explosions in the Sky…
Comment by MidtownMandy — March 6, 2008 @ 4:15 pm
Yay! Thanks for sharing the good news!
But you got one thing wrong, Nikki. It’s not about the teens — it’s about Kyle Chandler and those dreamy eyes of his.
Comment by Reader — March 6, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
“good thing direct tv has been such a wonderful home for NBC’s PASSIONS… oh wait.” - tomalhe
Exactly why I’m not jumping up and down just yet. That deal was a mess and I’m really not expecting any different with this which is unfortunate because I have been one of FNL’s biggest supporters from the beginning.
Comment by D — March 6, 2008 @ 6:02 pm
Fabulouso! Best damn TV program on air. Everyone of our friends watch it so we are ecstatic to learn it will return. Thanks!
Comment by Seth — March 6, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
I am so happy that FNL is going to continue to air! the only reason why it has such a small audience is because it airs on friday nights. I always have to watch the episodes on NBC.com because I am never home on friday nights. But this is the best tv show I’ve ever watched!
Comment by Jessica Perry — March 6, 2008 @ 6:57 pm
maybe they should change the timeslot. Did it dawn on anyone else that this show about fictional HS football may be losing viewers to actual HS football!
Comment by #1fnlfan — March 6, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
Happy to hear that FNL is coming back! Maybe NBC should start showing reruns to get new people watching. And perhaps try a new day - Friday nights is not the best for tv watching!
Comment by Debbie Alley — March 7, 2008 @ 5:29 am
I just don’t understand how this show isn’t getting high ratings. It’s a great show and a nice change from “reality” television. Hopefully it will continue to be saved!! GREAT News
Comment by Leila — March 7, 2008 @ 5:31 am
Just when I thought there was no hope for great TV programming, the best show on TV gets reinstated. TGIF - Thank God it’s Friday Night Lights!
Comment by FNL's Greatest Fan — March 7, 2008 @ 5:51 am
best news ever! This is by far the best show on TV!
Comment by Lyn — March 7, 2008 @ 7:08 am
This is great news! I love Friday Night Lights. It’s so great to see a network sticking with a good unerrated show. And you hit the nail on the head when you say it’s really a show about horny teens and hornswoggled parents as opposed to football!
Thanks for shaming me for being a Knight Rider fan. LOL Perhaps I’m the only TV viewer who appreciates intricate drama as well as mindless escapist adventure.
Kudos to DirecTV for thinking out of the box. This will go a long way to reinventing how the dish companies think.
Comment by Jason Hink — March 7, 2008 @ 9:02 am
All of our family and so many of our friends and co-workers are huge fans of “Friday Night Lights”. It has such a great cast of characters especially Coach Taylor our favorite…Kyle Chandler.
Today we are celebrating the lights burning on. Television just hasn’t been the same without the “FNL” lights ON the air. It is by far the best show on television.
Our faith is being restored. Thanks Direct TV and NBC for your decision to keep the lights on for a 3rd season.
Love the Lights,
Jayne, Bob, Loretta, Adam, Krysta
Friends and Fans from United Labs
Kyle Chandler Fans MSN Group
Comment by jayne hasselroth — March 7, 2008 @ 9:02 am
Thank you NBC and DirecTV!!! One of the greatest shows EVER on TV and absolutely The Best today. I’m so happy I could pee.
Comment by Roijjuhy777777bt.RRggggRRRRR — March 7, 2008 @ 11:05 am
What a relief!!! THANK YOU!!!! This is definately the best show on tv…. and no it doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Maybe the big guys in charge should give that some thought this go round and realize the potential of FNL.
}{}{}{}{CLEAR EYES FULL HEARTS CAN’T LOSE}{}{}{}{
Comment by Lauren — March 7, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
Wow! First Jericho and now Lights! Could TVLand be finally becoming a democracy?
Naah.
Comment by StevefromSacto — March 7, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
I am so very happy to hear that FNL is coming back.
But, could somebody explain to me, why, do they show it on Friday nights? The audience that might really like this show, are more than likely AT a Friday night high school football game!!!
How about Wednesdays?
Comment by AB — March 7, 2008 @ 4:40 pm
Thanks goodness NBC has the good common sense to leave on one of the very few “quality” tv shows it has!
Smart thinkin’ NBC!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Leave the lights on! — March 7, 2008 @ 9:26 pm
I just really love the show and miss it!!!!
Need to know what is going on and where I can watch it???
so keep us up to date!
LOVE THE SHOW!!!!
Comment by Kimmie Prokopenko — March 8, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
I HATE football…but I LOVE FNL and the layers the characters contain. Best show on tv hands down. Thank you Direct TV !!!
Comment by pixiebdg — March 8, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
Please bring FNL back to network TV. It’s the best on TV. I agree that we don’t need crap like Knight Rider
Comment by Jerry Greer — March 8, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
the best show on tv! yes.
I am so glad to see that they sucked up
and gave it another chance.. Now get everyone to watch it so we can have a season 4!
Comment by Jope — March 8, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
thanks to the powers that be for saving the BEST show ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and please, give it the chance it deserves, and promote it!! the actors and most of the storylines are awesome! And the chemistry between the characters? Oh my!! Keep the lights burning!
Comment by Pam — March 9, 2008 @ 7:20 am
I Love Friday Night Lights! I watch with all 6 of my children. If we are not home we DVR it and watch it together later! Please find a way to save it for my family and many others!!
Comment by Heather Wilson — March 9, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
This is the single, best show I’ve watched in years. I was hooked from the get-go from the first segment of the DVD. It makes you realize that small character-driven drama is what’s missing from our television lives. Although I’m not a football fan per se, I was once teenager, and everyone I knew lives in these young people, with all their gifts, fears and hopes for themselves and their families. The writing, cast and production are peerless and watching it every week makes me yearn for a slower time in my own life.
Thank you Nikki for this glorious piece of information. As a DirectTV viewer since it’s inception, my refusal to switch to cable has been redefined. To them and to NBC TV, Bravo!
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, CAN’T LOSE!!
Comment by Marilyn — March 9, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH !!!!!!!!
WE LOVE THE SHOW
Comment by Laura May — March 10, 2008 @ 2:29 am
I am so please that FNL is going to be back on TV. It is my favorite show. And God knows we are all sick of those stupid reality shows. Although I do not watch them. Every now and then I may be going thru the channels and stop to see some fat person crying, or some idiot trying to sing, YUCK!
Comment by Betty — March 10, 2008 @ 4:48 am
THANK YOU!!! That is GREAT NEWS..Keep the LIGHTS on. One of the best shows on TV…
This just made my day!! Go Panthers..
Comment by Ma — March 10, 2008 @ 6:24 am
When should we expect it start airing again?
Comment by Anonymous — March 10, 2008 @ 7:48 am
I ran into a rerun of Season 1 over this weekend. Reminded me of what a great show this used to be. I am still watching but am no longer as big of a fan as I was originally. They do, however, seem to be reversing some of the really poor story lines they had going. (Sorenson having sex with his grandmother’s caregiver??? Waaaay creepy and yet they were trying to pass this off as a cute romance. NOT. Hope they continue the trend.
Comment by Jane — March 10, 2008 @ 7:57 am
Thank you!! This is by far the BEST show on network television.
Keep it going !
Comment by Sue Keohan — March 10, 2008 @ 9:59 am
i watched the 1st episode of season 1 on friday here in australia and since then watched 33 of the remaining episodes! so happy its not ending like that completely, cant wait!
Comment by kebinz — March 10, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
Thanks a lot for the news even from Italy!
I love the show, even if football has been forgotten in Season 2.
For football fans over here who hate bloody soccer è_é it’s a possibility to see our loved sport in is home country.
Can’t wait for Season 3! *_*
Comment by Fulvio — March 11, 2008 @ 8:47 am
Alright, simply the best show on TV. Maybe if you’d
advertise it more, your viewers would discover one
of the best written shows on television. Thanks for
listening to us!!
Comment by Fran — March 11, 2008 @ 7:18 pm
I am sooo happy!!! I wrote into NBC, signed petitions, sent lightbulbs, donated so they could send mini-footballs, posted blogs-EVERYTHING I could to keep this show on the air. First they have to switch nights, second they have to advertise it as a family drama, not a football drama, thirdly-they have to have Riggins fail his senior year so he can stay on the show. Lol ok I was kidding on that last one..sort of. But great news!! I am so excited!!! Bring it back!! Go to Save Friday Night Lights on myspace and sign the petition!! It’s not in the clear yet! Clear Eyes Full Hearts CANT LOSE!!!
Comment by Tanya — March 11, 2008 @ 10:59 pm
tears…i am so, so happy!
Comment by klp — March 13, 2008 @ 7:35 am
Glad to hear the show was renewed,,wish that they could air on a different night because i usally attend the live “friday night lights” local high school football games in our area. I just record it,,,could too many people recording and watching it like me affect the tv ratings?
Comment by John — March 14, 2008 @ 6:31 am
YEEESS!!!
When will they start making the new episodes ??
Comment by Hama — March 14, 2008 @ 9:52 am
I absolutely love this show. There’s great acting, great writing, etc. I can’t believe more people don’t catch on to this great show. This show should be winning Emmy nomimations.
Comment by Sherry — March 14, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
what the f**k happend to this show….RENEW IT ALREADY!
Comment by Garrett — March 14, 2008 @ 6:07 pm
I just found this and hope that FNL will be back - one of the best series on TV - a little over the top as far as “high school teens” and what they do are concerned but, otherwise, it offers what I consider good acting and great story line. Hope it comes back soon - miss it terribly
Comment by Elaine — March 18, 2008 @ 6:57 am
The NBC PEACOCK feathers are finally flying in true beauty and form
Lets hope she doesn’t end up on the ground or bump into a passing plane by changing course. So many of us are waiting and watching for her to land safely next FALL with the return of “Friday Night Lights”:)
Comment by Lynzy27 — March 18, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
This is a great show! I’m disappointed the 2nd season was so short but relieved it’s coming back for a 3rd season. Finally, someone in t.v. has some sense!
Comment by Anonymous — March 19, 2008 @ 9:53 am
Thank god this show is coming back, good morals, values, and great characters. I will be 40 in April and am also a mother of 2 teenagers…this show truly deals from every angle for parents and their teenage children.
Those of us fans, we have gotten to know and love the characters of Tim, Landry, Tyra, and Coach and his family. It is a gift to see their characters evolve and develop, it give me hope that my children and their friends and families and faculties rally for our community like those of Dillon.
Comment by yvonne — March 19, 2008 @ 10:56 am
I have the tendency to jump arond on TV shows, and absolutely none of them have an exact genre. Sense, i am only sixteen my first choice of shows were extremely superficial and about living the dream life. I started with the very immature, yet very simple Hannah Montana, then went to Laguna Beach, and then to Gossip Girl. Now what do all these shows have in common? All superficial, all highly unrealistic (yes, Laguna beach is said to be a ‘reality show’ but really, how retable is it in any sense?) lacked any deep, moving moments, and extremely unrelatable. So I scavanged for a new series to find, one that could could take my mind off of everyday tribulations and help me cope with confusing issues. After a recommendation, i turend to the TV show, Heroes. Another NBC hit, one that recieves great ratings and is hightly popular. This show held my attention for weeks, i started in after the first and second seasons had both finished, watching the episodes in a continuous string. I had finish both seasons in less than 3 weeks. Sure, this show fueled my passions of semi-normal people being able to change the world, but after a couple weeks, i forgot about it. At first i felt like i could relate to this show, but then i realized, though its a very entertaining and seems realisitc (the theories of genetic mutations through evolution) i don’t have any super human hidden DNA. SO what to turn to now? Living in a smaller town in the mid-west doesn’t give much oppertuninty for experiencing the high life, and i wanted a show that represented that. Without thinking, I went to nbc.com, browsed through the shows, and the title “Friday Night Lights” caught my eye. Being a high school cheerleader, and being in high school in general, made this an obvious choice. So i tested it out and by the end of the first episode, i was already in tears. Not one show i have ever seen could compare to how deep, and how raw this episode, this series has made me feel. The actors, directors and writers have done an absolutely outstanding job with making this show take you back (or help your through) your high school experience. Its realisitic, its uplifting, and it shows how something as a small as a football team can represent an even bigger dream of a town, and smaller dreams of each individual person. So being someone who has only finished the first season just a couple minutes ago, i can’t believe the effect that this show almost being cancelled has been on the fans of it sense its first premiering days and i can’t put into words how glad i am that they are giving this show another chance on air! Who cares if it doesn’t show the glitz and glamour of the high-life? Who can really say they do live the high life? Not to many people i know. This is a show that was made for the normal, american person and i know because of that it will have more success
Comment by Vee — March 21, 2008 @ 9:56 am
Very Happy to see the show coming back on!!! So, has anyone heard if it will return this season? Or do we have to wait for next year?
Comment by Chris — March 23, 2008 @ 9:29 pm
Thank you NBC!!! Finally, you have done something right. I had almost given up on you. All the networks have got to STOP the premature cancellation of truly great, quality shows. People are afraid to get invested in a new drama these days because they assume it’s going to be cancelled. Now, PROMOTE the show. Push the Season 1 and 2 DVD’s. Rerun both seasons in their entirety this summer and make sure people know you’re going to do it. When you’ve see this show once, you’re hooked!!! Friday Night Lights-the BEST show on television!
Comment by Gina — March 24, 2008 @ 7:52 pm
Do you know how many people tape this show (DVR, TiVo, etc.) every week and watch it later??? This is bound to reflect negatively on the ratings, but with it on on Friday night at 9:00 PM, that’s what lots of people do. I love this show!! I don’t know what the best time slot would be-I don’t want to see it on opposite some juggernaut like American Idol (which I hate) or CSI (which I also hate), but there’s got to be a better time. Even 10:00 PM on Friday would be better!
Comment by Gina — March 24, 2008 @ 8:08 pm
The NBC suits aren’t the tasteless arses I thought they were. Who knew? I have grown to love these characters and could not imagine not seeing more of their stories. I am hoping that it will still be aired on NBC. Am I understanding that DirecTV is sharing the costs as well as the viewer platform and it will still be aired on both NBC and DTV?
Comment by Gail — March 27, 2008 @ 10:10 am
Thank you soo much! This is such an awesome show and everyone that I know that watches it, loves it! I can’t wait for the third season to start!
Comment by Lyndsay — March 27, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
THANK YOU NBC - FNL IS THE BEST EVER AND IT NEEDS
PUBLICITY…GET THE AUDIENCE!!! PROMOTE THE BEST SHOW
ON TV AND FIND THE APPROPIATE TIME SLOT AND THE AUDIENCE WILL BE THERE!
DMW
Comment by Dale — March 28, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
HOORAY!!!!
YEAH NBC! YEAH DIRECT TV!
THE BEST SHOW ON TV.
Comment by tkaylewis — April 1, 2008 @ 9:01 am
so when does it come back?!?!
Comment by llkkyy — April 4, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
OH MY GOSH—–This absolutely made my day! I am so addicted and love FNL. I grew up in a small West Texas town where it was all about Friday night football and I can so identify with characters and similar situations back in good ole 1969. Thank you NBC and Direct TV for bringing back this awesome show.
Comment by pamela — April 7, 2008 @ 7:41 am
omg!!! thank god! and whoever says that this show sucks, get over urself ur just jelous that u didnt think about it before the writers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Mikayla — April 11, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
This is one of the best shows I have seen. Beyond a few things that are unlikely such as the whole killing and getting off the hook thing..the show is not unrealistic. Anyone that lives in a small “football” town knows that every situation they portray is possible. Also, yes the show is baout football, but it is about so much more than that as well. So why is it that you people are all complaining about it coming back? Obviously someone IS watching the show. If your favorite shows got canceled, then I would say it was your shows that sucked. I personally will hold a countdown until the show comes back!!
Comment by Huge fan — May 2, 2008 @ 5:04 pm