Based on the success of indie films we’ve supported like Moozlum, I Will Follow and Pariah…I’ve realized that you can never underestimate the power of social media. And if supporters and fans of the popular HBO series The No1 Ladies’ Detective Agency have their way, they’ll get a chance to feel that success when the show is renewed. Right now, a virtual petition is being circulated to help bring the show back which stars singer and actress Jill Scott.

The series, based on the novels by Alexander McCall Smith, focuses on the story of a detective agency opened by Mma Ramotswe and her courtship with the mechanic Mr. JLB Matekoni. Scott’s co-stars in the show included Anika Noni Rose, Lucian Msamati and Desmond Dube.

Director Anthony Minghella, an avid fan of the books, spearheaded bringing the program to the screen securing funding from The Weinstein Company. Initially, the production was started as a feature length film but turned into a television pilot that was ultimately picked up by the BBC and HBO.

The show, which debuted as a film in 2008 and then a series in 2009, received rave reviews and even went on to win a Peabody Award. British actors Colin Salmon, Idris Elba, and David Oyelowo made appearances on the show as well helping it become a ratings success in the UK. However, HBO decided not to renew due to poor ratings.

Poor ratings? That should be the end of the story…right? Well, not quite. During a press tour last year, Michael Lombardo, HBO’s president of programming, hinted at plans to continue the story in the form of two movies. Of course, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure two HIGHLY RATED films could lead to the renewal of a series. And let’s not forget the sitcom The Game ended with “poor ratings” on the CW network but with fan support was revived by BET and became a major ratings success.

Personally, I viewed all the episodes of the series and did enjoy them. It wasn’t a high octane program but it was “refreshing” in every way. Scott is a great actress that is too often overlooked in my opinion. Anika was a delight as well.

So how do you fit into this? Well thanks to scholar and popular social media fixture Dr.Goddess –and her many friends and followers–a twitter petition was launched and has already garnered tons of support. If you’d like to sign and tweet go HERE. It’s simple and easy. No picket signs needed…no phone calls…just a virtual click. So what are you waiting for?

Below is the trailer for the series along with the full episode of Jill Scott on BET. Enjoy!