Friday Night Lights, that show that no one watches but everyone loves, may be getting a stay of execution. The "football as metaphor for small town America" program (and especially its lead pair, Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton) has a rabid cult following and support from critics and Neel Shahs all over the place, which has kept it afloat far longer than a low rated show should expect. With the strike, though, it looked like FNL had snapped the ball one last shaky-camera-ed, beautifully scored time. Sad, emotive bloggers (and some of my friends) would not stop moaning about it. But, lo! What light over yonder bleachers breaks?

Nü NBC, under the tutelage of funky young exec Ben Silverman, may be giving the show a chance, via an alternative programming strategy. They're thinking they might try sharing the show with some other networks, The CW being one possibility. NBC tried this earlier this season with Law & Order: CI, which started in the fall on USA, but was switched back over to NBC when the strike began. One potential roadblock could be NBC's reportedly high asking price, but I suppose they've earned that. It really is genuinely aw shucks refreshing to see a major network give so much care and attention to adored but audience-less shows like FNL (and 30 Rock). Here's hoping it'll come back so I can go back to ignoring it. [Variety]