Jericho is an American action‑drama television series that examines life in the aftermath of coordinated nuclear strikes. Set in the fictional town of Jericho, Kansas, the story begins when a series of explosions devastate 23 American cities, isolating the small community from reliable information and leaving survivors to rebuild local order while facing shortages, political uncertainty, and external threats. The series premiered on September 20, 2006, and concluded on March 25, 2008; it originally aired on CBS and was broadcast in roughly 30 countries.

Setting and premise

The plot centers on how ordinary civilians adapt when national institutions are fractured. Daily concerns — food, security, communication, and leadership — drive much of the drama, and the town becomes a focal point for wider questions about governance and responsibility after catastrophe. The narrative mixes personal stories with a wider mystery about who carried out the attacks and what remains of national authority.

Style, themes and elements

Jericho blends elements of action, political suspense and character drama. Recurring themes include community resilience, trust and betrayal, moral ambiguity in survival situations, and the rebuilding of civil society. Notable recurring elements are:

  • Small‑town dynamics and the strain placed on neighbors and institutions.
  • Resource scarcity and improvised logistics as a source of conflict.
  • Political intrigue as regional and national actors reassert power.

Broadcast history and fan campaign

The show was cancelled by the network after its first season. In response, a vocal and organized fan base launched an unusual campaign to save it. The effort attracted widespread attention when fans sent symbolic items and letters to the network, an action frequently cited in discussions of fan activism in television. Partly because of this campaign, the series was brought back for a shortened follow‑up run, but it was cancelled again after that revival.

Legacy and reception

Critics and viewers often praised the series for its tense atmosphere, ensemble cast and focus on civic themes rather than purely sensational spectacle. It is frequently referenced as an early example of how coordinated audience action can affect network programming decisions, and it remains of interest to viewers who study post‑apocalyptic storytelling and televised portrayals of community resilience. For broader context on post‑attack scenarios and civil response, see related material on the event type described as a nuclear attack.