Fans of CBS’s legal sitcom So Help Me Todd were left reeling when the network announced its cancellation after only two seasons. Starring Skylar Astin as Todd and Marcia Gay Harden as his mother Margaret, a high-powered attorney, the show was praised for blending family drama with legal comedy. So, what led to its early demise?
A Surprising Cancellation
The cancellation, revealed in April, came as a shock to many viewers who enjoyed the series. Despite its positive reception, CBS decided to pull the plug, citing insufficient ratings as the primary reason. In the crowded landscape of television, So Help Me Todd struggled to keep up with the competition, landing at the bottom of the ratings chart compared to other CBS dramedies.
Part of a Larger Purge
The cancellation was part of CBS’s aggressive strategy to streamline its programming slate for 2024. The network cut more shows than any other major network, with So Help Me Todd being one of the casualties. With new pilots and series on the horizon, including Kathy Bates’s highly anticipated reboot of Matlock, the decision to cancel So Help Me Todd was framed as a necessary measure to make room for fresh content.
A Controversial Decision
What makes the cancellation particularly controversial is that So Help Me Todd had solid ratings—averaging 7.7 million viewers in the Live+35 segment during its second season. In a different year, such numbers might have secured a renewal. Fans are frustrated that the show’s ratings, which actually improved from Season 1 to Season 2, weren’t sufficient in a crowded lineup.
Conclusion
While So Help Me Todd had its share of loyal viewers and positive reviews, the combination of competitive programming and CBS’s ratings expectations ultimately sealed its fate. For fans, the cancellation feels like a raw deal, especially given the show’s potential and solid fanbase. The legal comedy’s end leaves a void in CBS’s lineup and disappointment among those who tuned in for its unique blend of humor and heart.
