The perenially ratings challenged yet highly adored Friday Night Lights has been on life support ever since the WGA Strike shut production down on the show's second season. First, Peacock Emperor Ben Silverman gave the show the Diss Of Death ("Unfortunately, no one watches it. That's the thing with shows. People have to watch them.") in an interview with Radar. Then, the good people over at Bestweekever.tv launched a spirited internet campaign in an attempt to save the show, only to be shut down days later by the shortsighted suits at Viacom. But just when it appeared that the guillotine was ready to fall, Nikki Finke is reporting that the show is set to be picked up for a third season, thanks to a unique partnership formed between NBC and DirectTV.

It's an innovative deal where NBC found a partner who will share costs and exhibition windows," an insider explained.

While Finke also reports that the network execs in Burbank definitely received scads of mini-footballs in a show of support from the show's loyal audience, there isn't any indication at press time that shattered lightbulbs made it any further than the mailroom. Either way, congratulations are due to all who fought for the show to survive. Don't get too excited, though, for all this news really means is that you've just bought yourselves another 365 days in which to start planning NEXT year's "Save Friday Night Lights" campaign. We'll see you then ... same bat time, same bat channel.

EXCLUSIVE: NBC Picking Up 'Friday Night Lights' After Partnering With DirecTV [DHD]

11:20 AM on Thu Mar 6 2008
By Mark Graham
1,675 views
12 comments

Comments

jasonelias at 11:28 AM on 03/06/08
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I stopped watching FNL after that kid killed that stalker. This show's been on for a while now, are these kids going to graduate or something?
Sweet Panda Love at 11:29 AM on 03/06/08
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Connectedness Index: 253

Hooray!
Tiger_Tanaka at 11:34 AM on 03/06/08
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@jasonelias: Yes, but I imagine like everyone else who graduated, they all stick around, hang out, become cops, etc. It's not like they're off to Oxford for a year abroad.
Crazy Broad at 11:38 AM on 03/06/08
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zzzzzzz.... I'm sorry, what? FNL renewed? zzzzzzz ....
secretagentman at 11:54 AM on 03/06/08
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Taylor Kitsch in a jockstrap. For the entire show. Then I will watch.
BoHan at 11:59 AM on 03/06/08
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Connectedness Index: 149

Before we get another episode, Jason Street's unborn child is going to be in a nursery, Julie will have lost her virginity to Riggins, Saracen's ex-girlfriend is going to turn out to be a terrorist, Lyla is going to be the next Tammy Faye, Tyra and Landry will have divorced, and Smash will have dropped out of the Indoor Football League. They kind've left us hanging after they ran out of episodes. Please, just one more Season 2 episode to sort've tie things up till Season 3. Please?
el smrtmnky at 12:56 PM on 03/06/08
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Connectedness Index: 85

@secretagentman: i'm gonna need a few minutes.
Glass_Family at 01:43 PM on 03/06/08
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This might be heresy to some, and I've watched every single episode of the show, but I think they should have quit after season 1. It was a nice, perfect little encapsulated season that stands up in and of itself. What are the stakes now? And do they even play actual football games? Or is that one of those effects to expensive to show?
SharyBobbins at 03:01 PM on 03/06/08
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@Glass_Family: I hear ya there. I love the show but Season One doesn't necessarily need the avalanche of miseries that was Season Two.

Although I have to admit I want to see Lyla realize she can't live without the Riggins. Bound to happen.
Hockeymom at 03:15 PM on 03/06/08
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@SharyBobbins:
But, watching them make hot, sweaty, love can only hold my attention for 5 or 10 episodes. Hypothetically.
BeAgrestic at 05:55 PM on 03/06/08
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Connectedness Index: 371

@SharyBobbins: Lyla and Riggins are gonna hook up again. They have to. This born-again christian plotline is so tired!

I love this show. I will admit that the show had more than a few missteps this season, but what has irked me the most is the new baby. Tami Taylor was so awesome during the first season. Baby Gracie screwed up everything.
EricHuang at 07:58 PM on 03/24/08
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Comment on Despite The Best Efforts Of Viacom, 'Friday Night Lights' Gets Picked 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”: Let NBC know you care by watching past episodes on the web.. My husband & I finally got caught up, we LOVE the show :) Keep it going :) (http://www.nbc.com/Friday_Night_Lights/video/episodes.shtml) **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=aolhom00030000000001)