So, you’re probably wondering what we need to do to make the undeniable case to revive the show. Shazaam, here is the over-simplified formula for approving the production:

Business Case Justification Formula:

Average cost of production/show (production expenses, actors salaries, promotion) + primary actor salary increases (future) < 30 commercials x Average commercial revenue (determined by number of viewers and likely demographic) + licensing and merchandising (future) + syndication revenue (future)

Essentially, we would need to prove that viewership would be high enough to generate significant commitments to advertising during the show. As long as viewership remains predictably high, advertisers will continue to spend marketing budgets to support it.

The Business Case for the Resurrection of Firefly

[This letter would be primarily directed to the fans that would like to see the show returned to production and the cast of Firefly. In addition, Joss Whedon is invited to participate (however, his knowledge of the business process and the subsequent formulation of the potential future storyline certainly exceeds anything that is presented here from my third-party perspective).]


I think that many attempts have been made to show support to the show at a grassroots level. However, what these attempts always hinged on were the requests of the creators and the unquantifiable vocal support of the fans with no legitimate business case made to a studio (or a legitimate case without the guaranteed profit). Of course, this business case was certainly champion by Joss, but since a growing fan base is, by nature, a moving target, realistic estimates to the financial viability of Firefly were always lagging behind actual interest and potentially premature as the fan base critical mass has not yet materialized (or at a minimum, has not formally organized). So, in short, there are really only a few things that the fans can do to give a revival a healthy shot. First, fans that are likely or certain to watch the show must register in a single place so that we can track the total number of likely viewers. The registered fan base will allow use to accurately track the impact of the Serenity movie at building the slow but steady proliferation of the television series. It will also allow us to keep a distinct list of fans without unintentionally inflating numbers by having unique fans appear on multiple fan databases. (Note: Fans, of course, may visit and register with other websites, but only one can be used as a “master” list.) This list of unique potential viewers will be critical in estimating the total likely viewership and ultimately making a valid business case for production. I know it sounds mundane and laborious from a fan perspective, but without it, any plea to a studio will simply be the ongoing rants of an overly optimistic fanatic.

Secondly, fans will need to work at a grassroots level to distribute (legally) the movie and television show to Firefly virgins. As an example, I had not seen nor heard of the show prior to a few weeks ago, but over that time, I used Netflix to get caught up on the entire series. I think NetFlix or Blockbuster online is a good way to keeping costs and inconvenience down for new watchers. I really did enjoy the show, however, I also probably fit the initial demographic as I am a Star Trek and Star Wars supporter as well… although my fascination ends at simply watching them. I will admit that the ideas presented in science fiction, particularly the themes surrounding the human condition and the simple ideas of recurring basic desires regardless of the time period and the technological advancements are incredibly fascinating and comforting. This will directly help increase the fan base and will ultimately, over time, help us reach that critical mass.

May I be sold bold as to insert some jaded personal commentary without jeopardizing the entire revival effort? If not, skip this paragraph. Throughout my life, I’ve worked pretty hard with as much ingenuity as I could as the various things that I have tried. My measurable successes have been modest at best, and I’m probably an average of many of the likely Firefly viewers, similar background and demographic. That being said, it would be highly unlikely for me to spearhead or even contribute to a project where the greatest financial reward would go to the people who have already made significant gains to date (namely, the creators, producers, and actors). The great intangible benefit would obviously be for the lowly patrons of the show. So, for me, the idea and personal joy of having the show comeback does outweigh (however, modestly) my bitterness that most of the people officially affiliated with the show would reap the largest benefits (i.e. both financial compensation as well as the shear joy of watching the engrossing stories and entertaining quips). In addition, this website and hosting, the effort to create a distinct fan database, coordination with outside contributions, and related ongoing work will be subsidized by me (for now). So, if you wish to contribute to the project, please feel free to visit the support page and pledge your undying commitment (typically represented by nominal financial contribution). All of the collected funds will be spent solely on furthering the resurrection cause. The truth is that Joss and his associates could probably fund the production themselves and produce it independently for a later sale to a network. At a minimum, it should be presented on the Sci Fi channel given it’s content, but accessibility on network television would certainly help improve overall recognition. At this point, beggars can’t be choosers.

For the Firefly fans that want to see a compelling reason to revive the defunct series, here is where you will find it. And, it won't be just another heartfelt, enigmatic, obscure request. It will be much worse.