Sleepy Hollow: 7 Ways the Fandom Made Renewal Happen
Rejoice Sleepyheads, after an agonizing wait, it was announced today that Sleepy Hollow has been renewed for a third season! While obviously, many factors contribute to a network’s decision to give a struggling show a “go” or a “no”, Sleepy Hollow’s survival was definitely helped along by a vocal, well-organized and passionate fandom. Here are just seven ways, the fans fought for their show.
- Remembering history When Sleepy Hollow debuted on September 16, 2013, it quickly became a breakout hit. In the first season, the show was tight and focused on the ballyhooed charm of stars Tom Mison (Ichabod Crane) and Nichole Beharie (Lieutenant Grace Abigail Mills). The witnesses had a clear-cut mission, to prevent the end of days. When the second season flopped, the most devoted fans persistently let FOX know that they wanted what they’d signed on for and would not accept a bait-and-switch.
- Stamina A lot of viewers would have just sat on their hands and quietly hoped for their favorite show to return. Sleepy Hollow loyalists were tireless. Not a day went by without rallying cries from the head cheerleaders to #RenewSleepyHollow. Not naming any names, but some of y’all are clearly insomniacs.
Teamwork makes things happen
- Organization The fandom communicated about hashtag strategy, which ones to use and when to use them. Sleepyheads created petitions and orchestrated Twitter campaigns to coincide with the airing of other FOX shows. I’m sure if they thought about it, they would have gathered to hurl squeaky bananas at the FOX headquarters.
- Feedback During this past season, when the series stumbled, fans weighed in. Ichabod’s beloved leading lady was sidelined in favor of the tiresome Crane Family Drama Hour and a protest was launched: #AbbieMillsDeservesBetter. With the puzzling push to give more attention to Katrina Crane, despite the fact that she was a flimsy and universally despised character, the fans kept the heat on by citing all the things that were #MoreInterestingThanKatrina. In the season finale, the writers stopped trying to make fetch happen and they did it in a satisfying way.
- Battle scars. #Ichabbie fans sustained blisters by voting, refreshing and voting some more in that E! Top Couple poll. I’m certain Band-Aid sales went through the roof. It was gratifying to see a shippable pair who have never even kissed kick the asses of established duos and make it to the top three.
#Ichabbie rocked the vote
- Alliances. How clever it was to enlist the support of other fandoms such as #westallen. That’s smart thinking.
- Eloquence. Judging by Twitter, Tumblr and the comments on this site, the loyal fans give smart and thoughtful arguments. They come up with more astute observations than “She’s so pretty.” Enough said.
Congratulations Sleepyheads! You lobbied hard for the return of our show. Have a donut hole, sip some quince tea, enjoy a little karaoke and commend yourselves for being some BAMFs.
Elaine is the chief editor of TV Recappers' Delight. She's an experienced entertainment reporter, reviewer, editor, blogger, columnist and Bon Vivant.
Actually we did think of sending things to FOX – it was discussed at length but we decided against it. Sending things has been done too much, and it’s a wasteful practice: FOX will just need to get rid of all that stuff, which isn’t good for the environment or the poor schmuck they put in charge of dealing with the mess. Toy bananas are better than food stuff but it’s still a tactic that benefits no one (except the makers of whatever goods we send, I suppose) and that’s lost most if not all of it’s effectiveness.
That is the type of intelligence that makes me love this fandom.
This quince is brewed nice and strong *sips with pleasure*
You are a fierce warrior.
Well… I did send something to FOX. A letter. On vintage Crane stationery.
Brilliant.
I didn’t send anything to FOX. I didn’t want to waste the money. Why do that when your paying for cable, satellite, or even a streaming service like hulu? I will give this fandom credit for keeping it classy. Even when arguments may have erupted over history and storylines. I will also give some credit to FOX and the writers for listening to the fans. As much as people hate on social media, you really have to be please with it being used for positivity. With a renewed season announced, it was trending a trending topic on Twitter. That has to really send a message to FOX that this fan base is lot bigger and loyal, not matter what the live ratings may say. Also the dvr totals for the finale went up from a 1.4 to a 2.4. That is pretty big.
So here is to hoping that the show will continue with world building,a diverse cast, awesome storylines, and keep everyone asking ‘will they or won’t they’ with Abbie & Crane.
This is a great fandom and I’m glad the show paid attention. Here’s hoping for a stellar third season.