Fans foam for Friday fang fest

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By Jenna Bordelon and James Hibberd

CBS' cult favorite "Moonlight" returns April 25 with four new episodes. The vampire drama is considered on the bubble for a fall renewal, but odds look good for a pickup.

And if fans have anything to say about it, "Moonlight" will live on forever. The Hollywood Reporter ran an online poll -- still available at www.thr.com -- in which we asked voters what shows they wanted brought back in the new fall season. We were not prepared for the response.

In overwhelming numbers -- 5182 out of 5958 votes cast as of Friday at 3:11 p.m. PT -- "Moonlight" flew away with it.

Like a bat outta hell, the vampires took 86% of the votes cast, while "Cashmere Mafia" only took 5% of the votes to put it a distant second.

Why? It's simple. "Moonlight" has a hunk. A hunk whose shirt is often unbuttoned way past the point of being comfortable. That's a character women can get behind, fangs or no fangs. "Why won't he bite me?" they wonder every week. Why not indeed.

Comments

[RJ]

How about Pushing Daisies in that poll. It wold CRUSH the competition.

[Terry]

It's not just Alex O'Loughlin who makes us love Moonlight. It's the other actors as well--Sophia Myles, Jason Dohring, Shannon Sossamon. It's also the writers who keep us glued to our TV's (when it's on), our computers (when it's not so we can watch online or our downloaded episodes). It's the voiceovers, the film noir feel of the show. I honestly haven't been this addicted to a show since the original Star Trek, and I was only 13 or 14 back then. (Don't do the math!) We are very much looking forward to the repeat episode of Moonlight on April 18 and then the four new episodes beginning April 25. Vampire solidarity, rah rah rah!

[Susie]

Okay, for one - give us a little credit for being able to think a little higher than Alex O'Loughlin's belt line for pete sake. Yes, he's stunning...sue us, we noticed. That's not the reason fans are so rabid for this show. The cast has talent and chemistry, and a story line that you want to be a part of. What happens to them matters to the viewer.
The writers have chemistry as well that brings each of the characters to life through their actors. The film noir is simply the most romantic media for this sort of story, and the voice overs let the audience in on what the character is thinking as they move through things that would be otherwise mundane.
I don't watch television -- pretty much just one hour a week. The last show I watched with any consistency was likely BJ and the Bear when I was like 10.
It's not very often something this good comes along.

[Ashley Gable]

The Moonlight fans are insane, passionate and wonderful. They brought random gifts of pizza MANY times to the striking writers at Fox, and on Mardi Gras sprang for king cakes to be flown in from New Orleans! How can you not love fans who love writers so much? And who know that writers love free food more than almost anything?

The fans are so great I had to start watching the show. Thank you, Moonlight fans, for all your support. I hope your show comes back.

[Ashley Gable]

The Moonlight fans are insane, passionate and wonderful. They brought random gifts of pizza MANY times to the striking writers at Fox, and on Mardi Gras sprang for king cakes to be flown in from New Orleans! How can you not love fans who love writers so much? And who know that writers love free food more than almost anything?

The fans are so great I had to start watching the show. Thank you, Moonlight fans, for all your support. I hope your show comes back.

[Debbie]

I have to agree with the 2 comments above me.. Is Alex breath taking... You Betcha!!
Moonlight is way more then just good looking actors, it has great writers that are committed to giving us a quality show week after week. The romance between MickBeth is such a romantic love story. I have to say I have never seen a love story this powerful ever on television. Moonlight is by far the best show on tv, it has everything you could possibly want Action, Romance and Comedy, plus the music is great!
It's like CSI with fangs!
With all the reality crap on tv..Moolight is like a breath of fresh air!

[MoonlightChances]

Jenna and James thank you for shining the spotlight on our favorite drama Moonlight !

Moonlight fans really appreciate the article you wrote, and we were happy to participate in the online poll run by THR.

I have been a fan since the very first episode and I can tell you that Moonlight has a loyal and vocal fan base.

We are not just watching because Alex is a hunk as you mentioned or because as you state he sometimes has his shirt unbuttoned.

That did make me smile though, to read your comments, but we need to give this show the credit and respect it has earned and fully deserves.

We have a talented ensemble cast, excellent executives, staff and writers, and the show is just stunning visually.

I posted my comments over on the online poll already, but just wanted to say here that we need all of the advocates in the entertainment industry we can get, and we do appreciate you taking the time to write about our favorite show !

[Jennifer]

My husband and I are totally addicted to Moonlight, and we almost never agree on shows. We both love the story lines and the chemistry between the characters. And while I go for the romance and hunky guys, he goes for the wry humor and all the action. I know that most fans are probably women, but I'm sure there are plenty of guys out there who love the loves just like my husband does. This show clearly has more going for it then just a hunk.

[Allegrita]

I'm another fan who has NEVER been hooked by a show before, and I'm absolutely nuts about Moonlight. There is something about Alex O'Loughlin, but it's not doing him justice to give his beauty all the credit. The guy is just an amazing actor. He's really fearless (just check out some of the other stuff he's done). He's not the type of actor who refuses to mess up his pretty face, either. In fact, he seems to immerse himself in his roles to the point where you don't even see the actor--you see the *character* he's portraying. Others have mentioned the rest of the cast, the great writing, the fabulous visual style, etc. (did anyone mention the music!?)--but Moonlight's prime draw really is Alex O'Loughlin as Mick St. John, and we are very lucky to have him. I'm so hopeful that the show will be renewed (for several seasons!). Thanks so much for drawing attention to it with your poll and your blog!

[Patty]

I also am another fan who has never been hooked on a show before this... Moonlight is pure magic! In all my years (and believe me there are many) of tv viewing I have never seen a show like it. Moonlight has brought me back to Prime Time tv on Friday nights.For years I stayed away from Prime Time tv because there was so many reality shows being shoved into the faces of tv viewers, I went to cable.. But I am back now thanks to CBS and Moonlight. This show is ground breaking, it appeals to all age groups. This is the little show that could!
Thank you for for your kind remarks about Moonlight!

[dare underdown]

I adore moonlight,let it live on forever.

[Joy]

I know that Alex O'Loughlin is a certain draw for the fans of Moonlight... but his looks aren't the only thing working for the show! Not only can this man act, but so can his fellow cast members, and the chemistry between them all is priceless. As for the age/gender factor, my 80 year old father-in-law loves this show! As do my sci-fi friends and of course my 59 year old sister-in-law. In fact, I haven't come across an age group (up late enough to watch) that hasn't enjoyed this show. My 16 year old (an avid "Twilight" reader) loves the genre alone! Add the fast paced action and clever plotlines... Moonlight has every business being picked up next season!

[Christy]

95% of the time, Mick is covered up like a nun with his coats, so saying that he's undressed all the time is false. Also, why is it okay for men to enjoy looking at women on TV/in movies, but not okay for a woman to like looking at a gorgeous, talented man in a wonderful, amazing TV show like say...Moonlight?

Moonlight is a fantastic show with wonderful giving, caring fans. I've never seen fans come together to help and support someone in need like I have with Moonlight fans. Charity work is being done and lifelong friendships are being formed all because of this show.

I don't mind begin called rabid because it's witty. We ARE a rabid group and it's good to have passion in your life. Everyone involved in creating Moonlight show passion and we give it in return.

I hope people will give the show a chance when it returns April 18th (The Mortal Cure being shown again) and then April 25th with a new episode!

[wendy]

I can't help myself when it comes to Moonlight.. I am addicted to it! There has never been another show like it. Vampires live along side humans..doing the same jobs.
A love affair like no other, Great one liners, action, terrific music and writers and actors that really truly care about the fans and the fans love them right back!!! Thats a rare combination!

[terryb]

Way to go Moonlight fans! It was great to see everyone pull together to vote for the show. I am a dedicated, yes addicted Moonlight fan, but I truely think Jenna and James underestimate Moonlight's fandom. This show is more that a nice looking man without a shirt. The romance, chemistry, drama, fantasy and humor are really what keeps us coming back for more and more. True- Alex as Mick drips with sensuallity that is hard to resist and very much a part of the vampire alure but that is just part of the show! Moonlight is a refreshing break from reality shows and CSI shows and I hope CBS keeps it coming. It surely brought me back to Friday night TV and I enjoy the show with my son and husband, who by the way don't care what Alex's chest looks like!

[Alyssa]

Alex is awesome, but he isn't the only reason we all love Moonlight. It is an amazing show, with many great actors. Now that CBS has seen this response could they please, renew Moonlight for many more seasons.

[Lynn (lynnrxgal)]

Moonlight is "smart" TV - the exciting plots, the way-more-than-3D characters, the noir sets, the vampire genre, not to mention the triangular excruciating romance. I, too, am mesmerized by this show, not unlike how I felt about the (original) Star Trek. I wonder if twenty plus years from now people will consider this show as a beacon of television in the '00s. I hope so! I am happy that I have been able to enjoy this program in its first season and hope that CBS has the forethought to grace us with season two.

Oh, and shirtless Mick, .... wonderful!

[Eilis]

Count me in as another Moonlight watcher who gave up on network TV long ago. Nice to see a smart, witty romance/thriller for a change, instead of the trash reality shows. Yes, you're right. O'Loughlin is easy on the eye. But its his great acting ability and the talents of the other actors and of the writers that keep me coming back. I really am hoping that CBS sees the light and renews this show. Otherwise, I'll go back to DVDs, PBS, and yes, reading books on my Friday nights.

[Eilis]

Count me in as another Moonlight watcher who gave up on network TV long ago. Nice to see a smart, witty romance/thriller for a change, instead of the trash reality shows. Yes, you're right. O'Loughlin is easy on the eye. But its his great acting ability and the talents of the other actors and of the writers that keep me coming back. I really am hoping that CBS sees the light and renews this show. Otherwise, I'll go back to DVDs, PBS, and yes, reading books on my Friday nights.

[Suziq]

Moonlight is the show that brought me back to watching network tv. I have not loved a show this much since The X Files.

All the actors on Moonlight; Alex, Sophia, Jason, and Shannyn have done an excellent job bringing their charaters to life. I really care what happens to these characters.

Moonight has romance, action, and drama all wraped around a mystery of the week. Bottom line, Moonlight is just great television that has something for everyone.

[Sam]

I would like to thank the Director,Producers,Writers,Cast,Crew members and anyone else involved in the production of Moonlight. We the fans cannot thank you enough! Week after week you have taken us on a journey like no other. The story lines are fantastic and the MickBeth romance is best I have ever seen on tv. You have given us a quality show on a small budget, I just cannot imagine what the show would be like with a bigger budget! Moonlight is a rare gem that only comes along once, it has set the standard for future Vampire shows. Moonlight almost makes you beleive they really do exsist.
I would also like to say that there needs to be a better rating system put into place. So many good shows are being cancelled because there are millions of viewers who are not being counted because they don't have Tivo or are a Nielsen family. The average viewer cannot afford to have special boxes so there votes can be counted and this is costing the studios millions of dollars.. because they don't really know how many people are watching there shows. There should be something put in place with the cable companys so they can monitor what people are really watching and do away with the current rating system.

[cobby]

MOONLIGHT is great...what more can 'ya say. Those who don't know about it, or refuse to watch are missing out on something magical.

[Kandyegirl]

Hey Jenna, James & all ~

I am not surprised in the least by the response of Moonlight fans! We are a loyal and passionate krewe! *smile* As to why we are addicted to this show, it is because of the compelling story and amazing cast. Obviously, Alex O'Loughlin is a stunning man..... add to that.... he is a very talented actor. He definitely has that "It" factor everyone dreams of having. However, he is not the only reason I watch Moonlight. Our cast just clicks together. Sophia Myles, Jason Dohring, Shannyn Sossamon & Brian J White are all wonderful. They have brought these characters to life for us. What more could you ask for ~ amazing writers, crew and cast all working hard on a fab show for the fans!

XO ~
Kandye
[moonlightfan on blogspot]

[bitten]

Thanks for giving us a chance to show how much we love this show by participating in your poll! Yes, we are a very devoted group of fans, and we want the world to know what an absolutely extraordinary show Moonlight is! And definitely it is not just Alex's hunky appearance that has created this much support for the show. He is an amazing actor - - he is able to express emotion with great effect just by raising an eyebrow or using his eyes or some small movement of his face or his hands - - it's really a gift. And the rest of the cast, the writing, the cinematography, the music, the connection between Mick & Beth, are all just wonderful. If anyone out there thinks Moonlight is just some chick magnet, check it out because you are in for a real surprise. To paraphrase Mick, it's a giant thrill ride, and like the rest of us fans, you will never want it to end!

[sharren]

Seeason2 for everybody pls.

[cobby]

PUSHING DAISIES??? You poor soul...your show isn't on the bubble and even if it was it still wouldn't win. PD doesn't have the crazed fans that Moonlight has.

[Sam]

I have to say thank you to the entire cast, writers and production crew for our great show Moonlight. Yes Alex is stunning...Sophia is Beautiful and together they make a romance that is so special it will stand the test of time. Jasons humor on the show is priceless. The story lines are just great and the rest of the cast members are amazing as well.
Moonlight is a wonderful show that takes you on a magical ride week after week!
I have never watched a show like this in my life! Thanks CBS for our Moonlight, it sure brought me back to prime time friday nights.

[LMM]

Thank you for giving our little show your attention. But saying that we fans love ML just because of the hunk this show has...? BTW, this hunk's name is Alex O'Loughlin, and yes he is gorgeous man, but he also happens to be just an amazing actor.
The show has very talented cast with unbelievable on screen chemistry, stunning cinematography, great writers and directors. There is no romantic story on TV right now that will draw you in like Mick/Beth. And I am watching a lot of TV. There is so much more to the show than just vampires and good looking actors. I hope people will give it a chance when it will return on April 25 with new episodes. And they can always buy the rest of the season on I-tunes, and Amazon to catch up on what happened previously on the show.

[Gretchen]

This is such an addictive show. I was hooked the first time I watched even though I was very suspicious about it being any good. It's a grown-up vampire show. How long have we waited for this! CBS has a combination of talent in so many different areas here. They hit on all cylinders of emotion and add in action, and humor. Humor mates! Not comedy. Big difference. Alex said in an interview one time that he was able to infuse Mick with some of his own sense of humor. It all comes together in a magnificent whole.

The fans have spoken. Bring us more Moonlight!

[Leeser]

Moonlight is a show that grabbed a very large number of us from its promos (before the first episode even aired).

The stars have an amazing chemistry, and that has become more and more apparent with each episode that has aired.

Alex, Sophia, Jason and Shannyn have brought a lot to this show and we can't seem to get enough of it.

Now, don't forget to remind everyone you know who either doesn't have or doesn't use the internet as much as you do that Moonlight will return April 18 with a repeat of The Mortal Cure and that new episodes will begin airing a week later on April 25th, 2008. CBS is waiting to see what kind of numbers they get when the show returns, so it's important to be there watching it. TiVo it and watch it repeatedly, if you have to do that.

In vampire solidarity,

Leeser
MoonlightLine
www.moonlightline.com

[Moonangel]

Yes Alex O'Loughlin is the sexiest man in Hollywood... but to just say that would be misleading. He is a very talented actor as well. Giving his all to every role he plays.
Moonlight is more then sexy actors, if it didn't have a great Director,Writers,Crew members and supporting cast that create a great show every week it wouldn't have the fan base it has... because no one would stick around just because the leading man was (in your words) a hunk.
Moonlight is a unique show that has brought a whole new light into the vampire world. An adult twist to this age old legend, where vampires coexist along side mortals and have jobs the same as mortals do. Moonlight has broken new ground that appeals to all ages.
The romance between Mick & Beth is timeless and this is a romance that could develope into something more because of the unique way the shows story line is developing. This could definitly be the only vampire & mortal in history to finally have a relationship that is more then just forbidden. The timing is perfect for this kind of relationship to happen. This kind of relationship would have killed other shows in the past but viewers are finally ready to see this happen and in a big way. A Vampire private eye & a Mortal / newly turned Vampire reporter deeply in love and able to be together fighting crime, this is something we can only hope for. Moonlight is going where no other Vampire show has gone before and thats what keeps you coming back week after week.

[Gagagirl]

Thank-you Jenna and James for the Moonlight mentions! I do want to say though, that when I first saw Alex O'Loughlin (I'm ashamed to admit), I didn't even think he was that good looking. His onscreen presence, genius at being able to convey his thoughts and feelings with his facial expressions, and his astounding power to make the audience actually feel the torment of his conflicted existance are what truthfully attracted me to him as an actor; add to that, the chemistry between the characters, the morals and ethics depicted in the show, the wickedly witty humor, the riveting action sequences, the intelligent and strong-willed female lead, and the leading male who's not afraid to admire, respect, and still love and want to protect such a strong female character, (while he himself exibits great vulnerability and manages to be just enough of a confident bad-ass for men to admire him), last, but not least the visually stunning look and feel of the show as a whole, and you might begin to understand what it is about this show that has it's fans Rabid for our Moonlight!
I will say, I have since come to appreciate his looks, but believe me, it's not the REASON we tune in!
Again, I very much appreciate the buzz about our beloved show, Moonlight! Man or woman, give the show a chance, meaning watching at least 2 full episodes, and you will inevitably find out for yourself, what it is about this show...

[Kekepania]

These characters draw you in like no other!
The writers and actors give us fans people that we can relate to, that we can fall in love with, that we can mourn with, that we can fight against, that we can want to encourage, stick up for, come together for and hope for. This show has created a reason for fans all over the world to bond together, and that is a wonderful thing!