NBC’s Chuck to Return, with Subway as Sponsor

UNIVERSAL CITY: After weeks of speculation, NBC has confirmed that Chuck will return to the schedule for a third season, with sandwich chain Subway on board as a "major sponsor."

"This innovative partnership is a perfect example of the effectiveness of the NBC Infront," said Ben Silverman, co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "By involving Subway early in the process, we were able to bring a quality show like Chuck back to NBC for next season. Everybody wins—NBC, Subway, and the loyal fans who so enthusiastically lobbied for a Chuck renewal."

According to the NBC announcement today, the multiplatform partnership will give Subway a host of marketing opportunities, including "significant integration" into the show, plus traditional advertising tie-ins. The chain has already been involved with the show, with a recent episode featuring a character referring to the chain’s "$5 Footlong" slogan.

The series has become a cult fan favorite, yet has been averaging just 7.3 million viewers in its second season. The action comedy from executive producer Josh Schwartz and exec-producer/director McG follows a computer geek who becomes a secret government agent. With its future initially in doubt, fans embarked on a campaign to save the show, including encouraging viewers to go to Subway, buy a $5 foot-long sandwich and fill out a feedback form encouraging the chain to keep supporting the series. There was also a "Save Chuck" campaign on Twitter.