LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- CBS made it official on Friday - "Jericho" won't be returning for a third season.

"The March 25th episode of Jericho will be the series finale," the network said in a statement released to the press. "Without question, there are passionate viewers watching this program; we simply wish there were more. We thank an engaged and spirited fan base for keeping the show alive this long, and an outstanding team of producers, cast and crew that went through creative hoops to deliver a compelling, high quality second season. We have no regrets bringing the show back for a second try. We listened to our viewers, gave the series an opportunity to grow, and the producers put a great story on the screen. We're proud of everyone's efforts."

The series has averaged a lackluster 2.1 adults 18-49 this season in the Tuesday, 10:00/9:00c hour, 22.22% shy of its season one average (2.7 adults 18-49 rating) when it aired on Wednesday nights at 8:00/7:00c. It did however match the demo average of former time slot occupant "Cane" (2.1 adults 18-49 rating).

Last season two short-lived dramas - "Smith" (3.2 adults 18-49 rating) and "3 lbs." (2.7 adults 18-49 rating) - fared better in the Tuesday, 10:00/9:00c slot.

Industry insiders suggest attempts to shop the show elsewhere are a possibility however its high cost of production will be a major hurdle. Producers filmed two endings for Tuesday's finale - a cliffhanger and a more conclusive ending, the latter of which will be used as the result of today's decision.

CBS Paramount Network Television is behind the series, which was executive produced by Carol Barbee and Jon Turteltaub.