So, here we are, left reeling from CBS’s recent announcement that So Help Me Todd won’t be coming back for a third season. Fans are understandably upset, rallying together in a digital storm of petitions and social media campaigns, hoping to reverse the network’s decision. While it’s tough to see a beloved show come to an end, history shows that passionate fan bases can sometimes change the game. Let’s take a look at five shows that fans fought tooth and nail to bring back—and won!
The Power of Fans: A Brief History
First off, let’s take a moment to acknowledge just how powerful fans can be. When a show gets canceled, it often feels like a punch to the gut, especially when viewers have invested their time, energy, and emotions into the characters and storylines. But instead of just crying into their popcorn, dedicated fans have proven time and time again that they can make a difference. From letter-writing campaigns to social media blitzes, the lengths fans go to save their shows are truly inspiring.
So, if you’re feeling disheartened about So Help Me Todd, take a look at these incredible examples of shows that fans fought to bring back!
1. Star Trek: The Original Series – A Letter-Writing Campaign for the Ages
You might have heard of this little franchise called Star Trek. Launched in 1966, the original series quickly developed a cult following, but it was short-lived—canceled after just two seasons due to poor ratings. Fans weren’t having it, though. They sent an avalanche of letters to NBC, voicing their love and demand for a third season.
Imagine the dedication! Without social media or the internet, these fans resorted to good old-fashioned mail. Their efforts paid off, as NBC eventually relented and renewed the series for one last season. This grassroots movement laid the groundwork for the sprawling Star Trek franchise we know today, including numerous spin-offs, films, and an enduring legacy.
2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine – A Network Switch with a Social Media Twist
Here’s a more recent example: Brooklyn Nine-Nine. This comedy series debuted on Fox in 2013 and quickly won over audiences with its hilarious take on the NYPD. However, after five seasons, Fox decided to cancel the show. Fans were furious. They took to Twitter with the hashtag #RenewB99, flooding social media with their love for the series.
Their outcry did not go unnoticed. NBC saw an opportunity and swooped in to pick up the show, giving it a new lease on life. Thanks to fan passion, Brooklyn Nine-Nine went on for three more seasons, wrapping up in 2021.
3. Cagney & Lacey – When Letters Make a Difference
Cagney & Lacey was a groundbreaking show featuring two female detectives and tackled various social issues. Unfortunately, the series was cut short in 1983 after just one season due to lukewarm ratings and mixed reviews. But fans weren’t about to let it die quietly.
In a show of solidarity, thousands of viewers sent letters to CBS, expressing their disappointment and urging the network to reconsider. The response was overwhelming, and CBS had no choice but to bring back Cagney & Lacey, which went on to run for four more successful seasons until 1988. This not only demonstrated the power of fan advocacy but also paved the way for more strong female leads on television.
4. Friday Night Lights – A Heartfelt Plea to Keep the Lights On
Friday Night Lights is a classic example of how passionate fans can sway a network’s decision. Centered around a high school football team in Texas, the show garnered critical acclaim but struggled with ratings during its initial run on NBC. The network even considered canceling it after the first season, but fans stepped in.
By rallying together, sending letters, and showing their unwavering support, viewers convinced NBC to renew the show for three additional seasons. Ultimately, Friday Night Lights became a beloved series known for its character development, storytelling, and cultural impact, wrapping up in 2010.
5. Roswell – Spicing Things Up with Tabasco Sauce
And then there’s Roswell, a sci-fi series that aired on The WB in 1999. After three seasons, the network decided to pull the plug, leaving fans devastated. But this fanbase wasn’t going to take it lying down. In a rather unconventional move, fans sent 3,000 bottles of Tabasco sauce to network executives—one for each character’s fondness for the spicy condiment.
Believe it or not, the campaign worked! The buzz around the show’s passionate supporters helped secure a fourth season, albeit a short one. The unique strategy of using Tabasco sauce to get noticed shows just how creative fans can be when fighting for their favorite shows.
The Hope for So Help Me Todd
While So Help Me Todd might not be on the list of shows that have been saved, the passionate response from its fanbase is a testament to the love and dedication viewers have for their favorite series. Who knows what might happen in the future? The landscape of television is always shifting, and networks sometimes reconsider their decisions when they see how much a show means to its audience.
