As news of the cancellation broke, Samm Hodges took to Twitter to release the following statement:
Hey. Statement from @m_killen and I. Love and hope and not giving up #DownwardDog pic.twitter.com/VUn8NrgdLu
— Samm Hodges (@sammhodges) June 23, 2017
Co-creators, Hodges and Michael Killen, are “committed to finding a new home” for ‘Downward Dog.’ Do you know what means? That’s right, it’s time to launch a #MoreDD campaign.
If you’re familiar with the #MoreGalavant campaign, then you’ll know the drill… Keep checking this page for updates as targeted networks and advertisers may change.
Phase #1
For starters, ABC is still airing the final two episodes of ‘Downward Dog’ on Tuesday, June 27 at 10 p.m. This means ABC may still be in the running. After NBC’s un-cancellation of ‘Timeless,’ I’m hoping lightening can strike twice in Hollywood.
As Hodges said, they have a higher chance of shopping it around to other networks because executives will know that ‘Downward Dog’ comes with a high critical praise and guaranteed fan base. They just need an extra nudge from the fans to get the message.
Here is our to do list (Check back for updates as the campaign expands):
- Live-tweet the show. It is crucial to watch live and tweet along (tweets count as ratings). Get #DownwardDog #MoreDD and #SaveDD trending for both time zones. We can even organize live-tweet viewing parties/binge-watching events to drum up more attention for the show as the campaign continues. Hopefully this will help pick-up new viewers.
- Watching live is the biggest plus. However, if you watch (or re-watch) the show on DVR, do not fast forward through commercials or else it won’t count for full ratings.
- Thank advertisers. Companies need to know they can make money by supporting this show. Instead of fast forwarding, take note of the advertisers airing commercials during the show and thank them for supporting ‘Downward Dog.’ Tag @ABCNetwork, @ABC_Publicity and advertisers/companies in your tweets.
- E-mail ABC and tell them how much you love ‘Downward Dog’ and want another season.
- Post comments on ‘Downward Dog’ social media accounts.
- Rate and write reviews for the show on the ‘Downward Dog’ IMDB page. (This will increase its popularity/ranking on IMDB and draw more attention to the series.)
- Rate/watch/buy the show on ABC Go, Hulu, iTunes, and Amazon.
We need to compile a list of advertisers. Please keep me updated on a companies you notice and I’ll post a list on this page. Here are example tweets:
Dear @GEICO, thank you for caring about our pets and supporting @downwarddog_abc! #DownwardDog #MoreDD @ABCNetwork @ABC_Publicity https://t.co/IsCCsS7RT6
— Talk TV with Tiffany (@TalkTVwTiffany) June 25, 2017
.@DunkinDonuts taste even sweeter since they support #DownwardDog! #MoreDD
— Talk TV with Tiffany (@TalkTVwTiffany) June 25, 2017
Hey @Audi, I think Martin has a big heart, just like your cool cars. Thanks for supporting @downwarddog_abc! #DownwardDog #MoreDD
— Talk TV with Tiffany (@TalkTVwTiffany) June 25, 2017
This is just the beginning. Like I said, check back for updates. Once we know which networks to target, there’ll be a full court press.
Phase #2
There is still a lot of love for “Downward Dog” out there and the team hasn’t given up hope on finding the show a new home. There are no concrete updates. Since ABC seems to be out, we are currently targeting streaming sites, starting with Hulu and Netflix.
Hulu
Fans should bombard Hulu with tweets, letters, and emails. Use the following contact info:
Tweet: @hulu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hulu/
E-mail: arcade@hulu.com and media@hulu.com
Send physical letters to:
Craig Erwich, Senior Vice President of Head of Content
2500 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Call: Hulu’s customer service phone line (8 a.m. – 10 p.m. PST): (877) 485-8411 Press 5
Last, but not least, tweet Hulu and their advertisers.
Netflix
Fans can call and write Netflix using the contact info below:
Call: (800) 585-7265
Address: 100 Winchester Cir., Los Gatos, California, 95032-1815
Twitter: @netflix (different twitter handle for different countries)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/netflixus/ (different site for different countries)
Emails:
Clayton, Monet Original Series Programming: mclayton@netflix.com
Friedlander, Peter VP of Original Series Programming: pfriedlander@netflix.com
Henigman, Kris Director, Original Series Programming: khenigman@netflix.com
Martin, Denise Editor Television/Cable Programs: denisem@netflix.com
Rabinowitz, Vanessa Senior Program Manager Programming: vrabinowitz@netflix.com
Amazon
Here is the contact info for Amazon:
Twitter: @AmazonStudios
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amazonstudios/
Email or online live chat (5 a.m. – 7 p.m. PST): https://studios.amazon.com/contact-us
Phase #3
Let’s see if we can make a viral video to garner more attention! Send me a photo of your pet begging for #MoreDD. Check out my Instagram page for examples: https://www.instagram.com/talktvwithtiffany/
Email photos to TalkTVwithTiffany@gmail.com
Phase #4
During Hulu’s TCA panel, we learned that the streaming network loves ‘Downward Dog,’ but doesn’t plan on saving show. So don’t bother targeting Hulu anymore. Instead, let’s turn our sights towards a network that has already shown appreciation for ‘Downward Dog’: Sundance.
E-mail: feedback@sundance.tv and feedback@sundancechannel.com
Tweet: @sundance_now (streaming service) and @SundanceTV (TV channel)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SundanceNow/ and https://www.facebook.com/SundanceTV/
ICYMI
Here are some other ‘Downward Dog’ posts you might be interested in…
- My podcast debut: An interview with Samm Hodges and Michael Killen HERE
- Fascinating interview with Kat Likkel and John Hoberg HERE
- Podcast Ep 2: Kat & John share BTS stories about Tim Omundson’s guest starring gig HERE
- Podcast Ep 3: Cocktails & Conversation with Barry Rothbart HERE
