CBS’s legal dramedy So Help Me Todd, starring Skylar Astin and Marcia Gay Harden, charmed audiences with its blend of family dynamics and legal cases. However, fans were left reeling when the network announced its cancellation after just two seasons. Why was a show praised for its unique premise and strong performances abruptly axed? Let’s delve into the reasons behind the cancellation of So Help Me Todd.
CBS’s 2024 Show Purge and So Help Me Todd
In 2024, CBS undertook a significant content overhaul, making considerable cuts to its existing television series lineup. This year saw CBS become notably decisive in canceling shows, both established and newer ones, exceeding the cancellation rate of many other networks and cable channels. So Help Me Todd unfortunately became a casualty of this network-wide purge, concluding after a mere two seasons – the shortest run among CBS’s 2024 cancellations.
| Canceled CBS Show | # of Seasons |
|---|---|
| Blue Bloods | 14 |
| Bob Hearts Abishola | 5 |
| S.W.A.T. | 7 |
| Young Sheldon | 7 |
| So Help Me Todd | 2 |
| CSI: Vegas | 3 |
| NCIS: Hawai’i | 3 |
This extensive cancellation wave was driven by the network’s need to streamline its schedule, making space for fresh pilots and upcoming series. In a landscape where broadcast networks are increasingly competitive, and streaming services demand high viewership, tough choices had to be made.
The Official Reason: Ratings and Network Priorities
The primary reason cited for the cancellation of So Help Me Todd boils down to viewership figures. While So Help Me Todd garnered a dedicated fanbase and positive reviews, its ratings, when compared to CBS’s other successful dramas and dramedies, positioned it lower on the network’s priority list. In the competitive world of network television, ratings are paramount, influencing advertising revenue and renewal decisions.
Adding to the pressure was the impending arrival of new shows, most notably the Matlock reboot starring Kathy Bates. As another legal-themed drama, Matlock was slated to occupy a similar space in CBS’s programming schedule, creating direct competition with So Help Me Todd. Ultimately, in a scenario of limited slots and a desire to introduce new content, So Help Me Todd was deemed expendable to make way for Matlock and other incoming series.
The Controversy: Solid Ratings That Typically Warrant Renewal
The cancellation sparked considerable controversy and disappointment among viewers because, despite being lower compared to CBS’s top performers, So Help Me Todd‘s viewership was far from weak. In fact, the show maintained solid ratings that, in most other circumstances, would have easily justified renewal for another season. So Help Me Todd season 2 averaged 7.7 million multiplatform viewers in the Live+35 segment, a metric demonstrating substantial audience engagement across various viewing platforms over a 35-day period. This figure is particularly noteworthy when considering that numerous other network shows have been renewed with significantly lower average viewership.
Adding to the frustration of fans, season 2 of So Help Me Todd actually saw a slight increase in average viewership compared to its first season. This upward trend further fueled the argument that the show was gaining momentum and deserved more time to grow its audience. The fact that a show with increasing viewership was canceled due to comparative ratings rather than absolute failure felt like a harsh decision to many loyal viewers.
Fan Reaction and Petitions to Save the Show
The announcement of the cancellation was met with immediate and passionate fan outcry. Social media platforms buzzed with expressions of disappointment, and dedicated viewers swiftly mobilized to try and reverse the network’s decision. A prominent effort emerged in the form of online petitions on Change.org, urging CBS and other networks or streaming services to rescue So Help Me Todd.
To date, these petitions have collectively garnered nearly 80,000 signatures, demonstrating the significant level of fan support and the desire to see the show continue. While CBS has remained steadfast in its decision to cancel So Help Me Todd, the sheer volume of signatures and vocal support highlight the show’s connection with its audience. Although the chances are slim, the fervent fan base and the show’s proven viewership numbers leave a glimmer of hope that another network or streaming platform might recognize the value of So Help Me Todd and offer it a new home.
In conclusion, So Help Me Todd was canceled primarily due to CBS’s network-wide programming adjustments and the need to make room for new shows like the Matlock reboot. While officially attributed to ratings not being high enough compared to other CBS shows, the cancellation is controversial given the show’s solid and growing viewership, leading to significant fan disappointment and ongoing efforts to revive the beloved series.
