When CBS confirmed it was pulling the plug on So Help Me Todd, fans were left shocked, frustrated, and maybe even a little heartbroken. The quirky legal dramedy, known for its whip-smart dialogue and unique mother-son duo, had built a loyal fanbase. But in today’s cutthroat TV landscape, good isn’t always good enough.
So, why did it get the axe?
📉 Ratings Speak Louder Than Devotion
In the world of television, numbers rule. Despite its charm and loyal audience, So Help Me Todd struggled to maintain strong ratings against stiff competition. As networks shift toward ad-friendly blockbusters or cheaper-to-produce unscripted content, niche scripted series often find themselves on the chopping block.
🚨 What Could Replace So Help Me Todd on CBS Primetime?
So the million-dollar question: What’s next? What will CBS slide into that coveted primetime slot? Let’s dive into the contenders.
🎯 1. Tracker – CBS’ Ratings Darling
🔍Why Tracker Might Be the Perfect Fit
Tracker, starring Justin Hartley, has quickly become a breakout hit. With its mix of suspense, crime-solving, and emotional storytelling, it could seamlessly plug into the schedule and retain the audience CBS craves.
🌟 2. NCIS: Origins – A Franchise Expansion Done Right
📺 Nostalgia + New Energy = A Primetime Winner
A prequel to one of the most successful franchises in television history? Yes, please. NCIS: Origins is set to tap into nostalgia while bringing in a fresh cast to keep things spicy.
🕵️ 3. Elsbeth – Quirky, Legal, and Oh-So-CBS
🧠The Brainchild of The Good Wife Universe
Elsbeth, the quirky legal comedy-drama spun off from The Good Wife, could easily replace So Help Me Todd and capture the same fanbase — just with a slightly different flavor.
🚓 4. A New FBI Spin-Off Could Be in the Works
🔥 CBS Loves Crime — and Viewers Do Too
Given the wild success of the FBI universe, a fresh spinoff is always a possibility. It fits CBS’ mold and keeps loyal procedural fans locked in.
🎭 5. Matlock Reboot Starring Kathy Bates
📡 Old School, New Twist
CBS has a Matlock reboot in development, and it’s not just for the over-60 crowd. With Kathy Bates in the lead, this legal drama could offer the perfect balance of classic and cutting-edge.
🎬6. An Unscripted Hit? Think Reality or Game Shows
📈 Lower Budgets, Higher Returns
Don’t be surprised if CBS fills the slot with an unscripted show like Survivor spinoffs, The Amazing Race, or a brand-new reality competition. They’re cheap to produce and often pull massive numbers.
🎤 7. Lingo or Tough as Nails – The Wildcards
💡 Easy Viewing for the Masses
These feel-good, middle-America-pleasing shows might not be buzzworthy, but they’re reliable and cost-effective. That’s a win in network TV math.
🧪 8. CBS Originals or International Adaptations?
🌍 What Worked Elsewhere Might Work Here
CBS has dabbled with adapting international hits. Don’t rule out a surprise foreign import — think British detective dramas or Aussie thrillers with an American spin.
👀 9. Could a Brand-New Pilot Be Rushed to Series?
🚀 Fast-Tracking the Future
Sometimes, a pilot surprises everyone and tests off the charts. If CBS has one of those up its sleeve, it might fast-track it to fill the gap left by So Help Me Todd.
🎞️ 10. What About CBS Streaming Crossovers?
📲 Pulling From Paramount+
CBS and Paramount+ share a family tree. A streaming hit — like Evil or The Good Fight — could be ported over to linear TV and gain a second life.
👩⚖️ 11. Another Legal Drama in the Pipeline?
⚖️ The Courtroom Still Has Pull
Legal dramas are CBS’ bread and butter. If So Help Me Todd didn’t cut it, another sharper, grittier, or more serialized legal series might.
💡 12. A Comedy Pivot?
😂 Laughter as the Best Replacement
Could CBS zig where it once zagged? Slotting in a new or returning sitcom — perhaps Ghosts or something similar — could shake things up and attract a different demo.
🏆 13. Time to Rethink the Formula Entirely?
🌪️ CBS Might Try Something Bold
With streaming platforms stealing younger eyeballs, CBS might try something bolder — genre blends, serialized narratives, or even anthology series.
🧭 14. Strategic Scheduling Shifts
⏰ Moving Existing Shows Around
Sometimes the best “replacement” isn’t a new show at all — it’s simply reshuffling what already works. Expect CBS to test different scheduling blocks to find the magic formula.
🧨 15. Surprise Renewals or Returns?
🧟 Never Say Never in TV Land
Cancelled shows occasionally rise from the dead. While unlikely for So Help Me Todd, CBS could bring back a past hit for a limited run.
🧾 Conclusion: The End of One Chapter, the Start of Another
Let’s be real — So Help Me Todd had its moment, and while it’ll be missed, television doesn’t pause. CBS is a giant in the game, and it’s got plenty of cards up its sleeve. Whether it’s a legal drama, a gripping procedural, or a splashy reality show, the next big thing is just around the corner. Keep your remote handy — primetime is about to get a shake-up.
