Crossing Jordan: 2001-2007

It's over.

Kathy called me at 6:47 PM last night to tell me the news.  I was stuck in traffic on the 134.  I was on the phone with Moe.  We had just left the office less than an hour earlier.  "Well, we got the call.... we're canceled."

I think all I said was "okay."

I couldn't talk to anyone last night about it because the cast and crew had not been called yet.

Six years.  Wow.

I remember the day Momma Green called me to cast the show.  I remember walking onto the morgue set an hour later and I met everyone.  Everyone was so nice.  How long could this possibly last?

Six years.  I cast almost 100 episodes.  That's a lot of dead people.  Crew members came and went.

Skip Beaudine and Bruce Carter were the most amazing captains you could ever hope to have steering our boat.  In the long line of production managers I've worked with, they are the best.

When I left casting and decided I'm going to be a writer, I knew the only place I wanted to be was Building 5225.  I was on the short list to replace Tim Kring's assistant, but Kathy, Jon and Robert got to me first.  "So do you want to--" "YES!"  "You don't even know what we are offering you."  "I don't care.  I'll clean toilets."

My first day Jon, Robert and Kathy sat me down and said, "we're not exactly sure what it is you are supposed to do."  They were new to running the show.  They've never had an assistant in this position.

I sure didn't know what I was supposed to do.  It had been years since I had been an assistant to anyone.  And when I started to do certain things, I was told by someone in the office, "oh the PAs do that."  So I had no idea what I was supposed to do for the better part of the first month I was there.

My job eventually became setting schedules, dealing with the assistants to everyone else.  I chose when to interject my thoughts on casting.  "There is this chick from Silence of the Lambs.  Brooke Smith.  She's fantastic."

My job involved a little research, planning parties, making sure everyone is happy.

To be honest, I'm not sure what I did for the past year.  More than anything I just learned.  Everyday I learned something new.  And God love Jon and Robert, they tried to teach me tact... and I think by episode 17 it started to sink in.

Because of Jon, Robert and Kathy I learned about every aspect of production.  They listened to my notes on scripts and edits.  I got to sit in on post with Kathy.  Scottee, our post supervisor, taught me about ADR.

I guess I was the set cheerleader.  I tried to keep everyone happy.  I tried to be the positive one.  (I know many people will find this hard to believe.  I myself find it hard to believe.)

But I LOVED everyone I worked with.  "Jordan" was always my second family.  Even after I quit casting and was in a time of unemployment, the writers and producers, cast and crew still called, e-mailed, and invited me to hang out.

I guess I'm just numb right now.  For the better part of a month, I've had this feeling that we were going down for the count.   The network stopped promoting us.  The show went on for six years and the network needs newer hits.  From a production point of view, I get it.  I truly do.  There are so many factors that go into making a show.  I know for years I would watch a show and scream, "I can't believe they canceled that!" but there are factors of advertisers, marketing, demo scores... all of these things factor.

We had a great run.  IF we did get a season seven, things would have been very different.  Older shows have to cut their budgets.  So at least we get to go out with some grace.

I'm going to miss everyone.  I already do.  I'm sad.  I'm mourning the loss of the show, but I do know that something HUGE is around the corner for me.  HUGE.  MASSIVE.  I don't know what it is, but a really big f-ing door just closed.  So another big door is about to open.

And to all the fans of the show, thank you for being on the ride.  We appreciate it.

xoxo

-C

Comments

[Lynne]

Chad, I'm so sorry. I really hoped you'd get one more year. Thanks to you and the cast and crew for a great show. I hope that big things are around the corner for you.

[Jennifer]

I've been at work for 3 hours now and accomplished nothing.

I'm sad, depressed, and numb too. I can't believe it's really over. It just doesn't seem real.

Thanks for the great job Chad and everyone else that worked on the show...what will I do with my time now :(

[WJobsessed]

Hey Chad,
I hope you got some sleep last night. Thanks for this early post.
I am having so much trouble processing this...
I think it's great that you will have grand, new opportunities ahead of you.
Please keep us all posted.

Hey, do you think there will be a big farewell CJ party?

Regards,

[onekalara]

Thanks for confirming the news Chad. It is a pity that the show was not treated with the same respect by TPTB that it was by the cast and crew.

Thank you for the show, it has resulted in me meeting prehaps my closest friend in the world. Without CJ I would not have found a best friend who is half the world away from me.

I hope you find a new bliss in whatever direction your career takes you. Pass my thanks onto the cast and crew. And many many thanks to you, for giving us a small insight into the makings of a wonderful show.

The closing of CJ really does signify a time where I now need to move on in my own life to find my career bliss. But my university experience will always be contected with CJ.

With love.

[Ariel]

Major bummer, Chad. I'm so sorry to hear the news. But at least now you know. Still a major bummer. I hope that big door opens soon for you. Hang in there!

[nici cavanaugh]

I'm so sorry, Chad! I just saw the news on Mel's page and I could cry - for the second time this week ... cancelling my all-time-favorite show totally fits in my life right now. It sucks!! And for the first time in my life I could use a drink. Has Garret still some Scotch in his desk drawer?
I don't know what else to say right now. I just wanted to make sure that you and your 2nd family know that there are depressed people all over the world right now. And be sure: Whatever they will show as a replacement ... I will never watch it.

Nici (I just put my Team Jordan Shirt on to show some sympathy)

[Sherri "Doc" Fields]

I am so sorry, Chad. I was hoping against hope it would be renewed for at least one more season, but I am happy that at least show does get to exit with some grace.

I love the program. The writing was good for the first four seasons. Season five wasn't the best, in my opinion, but season six was rockin'. I'm sure it had something to do with them listening to you about scripts.

I will miss the program. I kinda feel I gained a second family, too, with CJ. I've gotten some close on-line friends out of this that I want to keep. I will miss our on-line "parties" during CJ.

The actors -- from the extras to Jill, Jerry, Ravi, Steve, Miguel, Brooke, and Katherine -- all did an outstanding job. Tell them we love them and look forward to what they are doing in the future.

And I'll keep reading your blog. You're going to be big. Really big.

Hugs and Kisses and Much Love,

Doc

[devi]

Hey Chad, it's been a while since I posted on your blog. BUT....I just had to join in here.

I am sad that there will be no season 7 of Crossing Jordan and now I will have to find a way to occupy that hour of the week for myself.

BUT.........

I firmly believe for yourself and everyone connected to the show that as soon as one door closes the Universe makes sure another Door opens.

I'm looking forward to hearing and reading where your particular door leads you.

Devi

[Candace]

Chad,

I just wanted to add my condolences for the passing of one of my favorite shows. It's a pity it had to end... I will miss it greatly.

Please do pass on, if you can, to the rest of the cast and crew that the fans are greatly disappointed and saddened by this. Honestly. We're heartbroken, we've come to view these characters as family and friends and it hurts. I have a marathon to run next weekend, and I need to pull myself out of this crappy place emotionally so I can get through that... I know you understand that. :)

Best of luck to you with finding a huge new door. It's got to be out there waiting for you. I look forward to seeing where life takes you.

Hugs and lots of good runs to you-

-Candace

[CLaudine]

I am so sad! I just turned on A&E and started watching a episode from 2004 and then I read this.... So bummed out!!! Sounds like something great is waiting in the wings for you, we can't wait to hear all about it!

[Sherri K]

Thanks for the past 6 yrs (ok, well, I actually picked up in season 3, but the 2 b4 were wonderful as well), I'm gonna miss this show greatly, I've had the pleasure of making some really good friends at a time when I needed it more than I think anyone will ever know. Let everyone know they will be greatly missed and I'm pretty sure every cast member now has a built in fan base where ever they may go. You too, I'm sure there are great things coming your direction and I can't wait to find out what they are. Good Luck to you and everyone associated with my favorite show!

Sherri

[Yesenia]

Chad,

I just wanted to express my condolences as well. For the better part of the past two months I've been hoping against hope that Crossing Jordan would get another year. One that would tie up all of the loose ends at the very least. It was always frustrating to see the obvious differences in promotion when it came to Crossing Jordan and the other shows. It's a shame that the show was treated so poorly this year, especially after it was placed against American Idol.

I also wanted to say thank you and the rest of the cast/crew on Crossing Jordan for bringing us six great years. It's been a bumpy ride, what with all of the time changes and lack of promotion, but it's one that I doubt many of us would miss.

Much luck in all of your future projects.

Yesenia

[MJ]

Wow...I have known the news for about 6 hours now...and it still has not really sunk in. It is a busy day here at work, but I still have CJ in the back of my mind. I can not believe that after Wednesday, there will be no more of my favorite show.

Thank you so much Chad for keeping us all in the loop with the show and our favorite characters. I feel like the CJ family was a little part of my family. My mom and sister know not to call me when Crossing Jordan is on...it just does not seem right that it is coming to an end.

I would like to thank the entire cast and crew for a great 6 seasons. It has been a fun ride with lots of adventures.

Chad, good luck to you in the next chapter in your life. I am sure something great is right around the corner.

Take care!

[Steffi]

I'm sorry to read that, Chad.

I know there is something GREAT for you coming up!!!

Steffi

[Jen]

Thank you very, very much for 6 wonderful years of Crossing Jordan!!!

[Linda & Dave]

So sorry to hear the news, Chad - we had our fingers crossed for you guys. But you're right, there is something huge waiting for you out there. We can't wait to hear about it when it happens!

[Carla]

Hey Chad...

I'm so sorry to hear that it's over. I hope your time between opportunities is extremely short. I send you a great big hug from upstate SC!

[Elise]

I wss hoping for another year, too. I was so upset about the news- completely shocked and mad at NBC for their complete disregard for such a high quality shows. Good luck on your next project. Please tell the cast how much we love them and how much we are going to miss "seeing" them every week.

[Beth]

I'm sorry to hear this Chad. But I do think there's something even bigger and better in store for you!

*hugs*

[MegS]

Hey, Chad. I'm sorry it had to end so soon.

Now you can start looking forward to your next project, which will hopefully bring you just as many good memories.

[tracey]

chad,
I am so sad that this fabulous ride is ending so suddenly. Can't we get a do over? just 6 more eps? either way we love you and thanks for sharing your life with us.

[cjlover]

Hi, Chad

I'm so sorry to hear about CJ. I've been campaigning and rallying with the CR crew for only a few months, but you have all made me feel like I have an extended family. It's a place where I can go when I don't have the energy to face my world, a place to speak my mind without being judged, and a place to share laughter, successes, tears and fun.

I've watched CJ since the beginning. For six years I've watched Jordan, Woody, Garret, Nigel, Bug and Lily grow into beautiful characters. I've laughed at their jokes, cheered their successes and cried with them in sorrow. I feel as if I'm losing a huge part of myself; I can only imagine what you and the cast and crew are going through.

Please Chad, if you can, pass along my deepest gratitude for six phenomenal years to the cast and crew. I wish you all continued happiness, success and love.

Thank you Chad, for allowing me to crawl a little deeper into the world of Crossing Jordan. I will continue to check into your blog to see how you are doing.

But mostly, thank you all for a truly incredible ride.

Amanda

[Walt]

Chad:

Have you, Tim or Allan contacted Time Warner and other cable outlets about the idea of "CJ" continuing with new episodes on cable?

It occured to me you may not have thought of perhaps going the cable route with new episodes because until news leaked late Tuesday about the possibility of new "Law & Order" episodes moving from NBC to TNT (if NBC doesn't pick up "L & O" for an 18th season) that probably never had previously come up to my knowledge. With that now increasingly likely to happen (with TNT taking on a full 22-episode order if that happens as opposed to the normal for cable of 13 episodes), perhaps you ought to consider looking at going the same route for a possible seventh season of "CJ" on TNT even if it were only 13 episodes.

"CJ" probably has a loyal enough fan base to make a 13-episode order on TNT very worthwhile to Time Warner (TNT's parent), especially since TNT also airs "repurposed" episodes of "Las Vegas" that have included the "CJ" crossovers.

Walt

[Lisa]

Chad -- I'm sorry about CJ, and echo the comments of so many of the posters here. The show -- the friends, memories and learning -- will stay with you, and it will bring so much to your next adventure. I know that the next chapter for you will be just as amazing as this one has been. And we're all glad that we will be able to read about it.

[woodysgirl]

Chad,
I am so sorry to hear about Crossing Jordan. I have been moping around all day like I have lost my best friend. I cannot imagine what you and the cast and crew are feeling. I want to thank all of you for six great years. It has been a great ride and I think NBC has made a huge mistake. Please pass along my thanks to the cast and crew for six great years. I am truly going to miss this show and all the people involved with this show. I will still be reading your blog everyday and I truly believe there is something huge around the corner for you.

Amanda