The thing is they killed it with pre-emping the show for The world series. I remember actually trying to watch it while it was on TV. I think it only came on twice or thrice when it was actually supposed to. Every other time suddenly baseball was on, so every time tuning in at 9 on Friday (which is a crap time slot anyway, keep in mind Dollhouse is there now) and then constantly getting disappointed realizing the show that is supossed to be on, that was advertised, is not on. I think that and the time slot is what hurt the show and that is purely Fox's fault.
Also maybe advertising hurt it too. I mean how many people actually saw the show when it was on TV? That is what TV stations depend on. It's not about who buys the DVDs or the merchandise later, it's eyeballs watching the show when its on at the time (or now the DVR thank God). I learned that with all the Farscape research. That is ultimately what it comes down to. Also write a letter to say you watch the show on the TV (which means you watch the ads which means money for the station) It really is that important.
Who knew about the show when it first aired on TV? A lot of people on this board seem to like the show, but did Fox's ads reach you? Or did you find out about the show after it was canceled? That is a very important distinction.
Shows getting picked up by other stations is difficult thing for an ordinary TV show, but for a sciFi show, it's really difficult since many SciFi shows cost more to make, it really has to prove itself over years before another station would pick it up. Notice Stargate got picked up? It proved itself over 5 years I think on another station. No way is another station gonna pick up a new show if the former station cancels it after 5 eps (like Firefly). Money wise it's just not a smart thing and TV stations are primarily out o make money for their share holders, not delivering quality TV.
So if you like a new show on TV, the best thing you can do is watch on TV and then make your friends watch it on TV, or DVR it, email or write the stations telling then you watch the show. And you buy the advertised products. (Or if you download it say you go over to a friends house and watch the show,and promise you will buy the DVDs when it comes out (especially true for anime).)
Also give props to TV stations that try. ABC recently cancelled their 3 most expensive shows, which were Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money. These were also their most creative and innovative shows, they all had at least a season and a half on ABC with regular reliable broadcasting. ABC only cancelled these shows after the global economic downturn. I have an odd feeling if any other TV station had these shows they would not have gotten past their first 5 eps let alone a whole season. ABC really wanted to try and support creative television, and if they still had the money I am sure those shows would still be on. (I am not a huge fan of all those 3 shows, but each of them were creative and risky. Pushing Daisies I think everyone knows , Eli Stone had crazy musical fantasy sequences, and Dirty Sexy money had a regular(ly paid) main cast of about 15 people, and usually quite a few guesties and extras each ep. That is a lot of money!!). Creative and risky does not equal viewers on television. Also if the station screws up like Fox did with Firefly they will never realize/admit it/try to fix it, so don't ever count on that.
I think only recently has the Television industry become hip to the vibe of the internet, if a TV station streams the show, watch it through their website and not youtube. Basically find ways to watch the show that the TV stations paying for its creation can track. Or if not tell them.
Sorry about my long post. I did not intend for it to be this long, but when people ask questions as to why a show was cancelled, I know why since I have done so much research with the cancellation of Farscape, Firefly and Wonderfalls, and even stuff i learned about the anime industry which is a bit different but relatable. (Farscape was especially effective since there were fans in the TV industry giving us advice as to what really happens.)
Remember (I say this to anime fans alot since they are epic downloaders, I am sure you guys all know this since you guys are smart), TV is not free. It is paid for by Ads. If no one watches the ads and buy the products, there is no money to pay for the show!!
(Yep that right, buying Charmin toilet paper can save your show.)
Once the show is securely on TV (at least in North America), DVDs and merch are all good, but considered more of an extra (at least In North America).
Eyeballs on the ads is the make or break for TV show.
All right I am done
EDIT: D'oh, I forgot to say if you are into Whedon shows please watch Dollhouse Fridays at 9, or DVR it. Do not wait for it to come to DVD.