CBS made waves in 2024 by making some bold programming decisions, notably canceling two fan-favorite series, So Help Me Todd and NCIS: Hawai’i, to clear the way for the highly anticipated Matlock reboot. The changes sparked mixed reactions from viewers, especially with both shows seemingly pulling in solid ratings. But now that the dust has settled and the ratings for Matlock are in, it appears CBS’ gamble may have paid off. In this article, we’ll break down how the network’s decision is shaping up, take a closer look at how Matlock is performing, and examine the impact of the cancellations on So Help Me Todd and NCIS: Hawai’i fans.
Matlock‘s Early Success: CBS’s Bold Gamble
The Anticipation and Controversy Around the Matlock Reboot
The return of Matlock, with Kathy Bates stepping into the iconic role originally made famous by Andy Griffith, was met with a great deal of anticipation ahead of its 2024 premiere. However, not everyone was on board with the move. The news that Matlock would be taking over the 9 p.m. Thursday slot previously occupied by So Help Me Todd did not sit well with some fans, particularly those who had invested time in the legal dramedy, which starred Skylar Astin and Marcia Gay Harden.
Adding fuel to the fire was the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai’i, another popular CBS procedural that had managed to build a dedicated following over its three-season run. These moves raised a lot of eyebrows, and some fans were vocal in their disappointment, feeling that two solid shows were sacrificed to make room for a reboot. After all, So Help Me Todd had garnered around 6.3 million viewers in its later episodes, and NCIS: Hawai’i was averaging 5.41 million viewers for its finale. In other words, CBS was canceling shows that still had a decent audience to make way for a show that was not without its risks.
But here’s where the strategy starts to look smarter. CBS’ bold decision to replace these shows with Matlock seems to be paying off, at least in terms of viewership and early ratings.
Matlock’s Impressive Ratings So Far
Matlock premiered on September 22, 2024, with a sneak peek episode, and it quickly made an impact. According to TVLine, its first official Thursday night airing brought in 6.4 million viewers, which is an impressive figure for a new show. But what really stands out is its solid demo rating of 0.4. These numbers placed it as the most-watched program of the night on CBS, and that trend appears to have continued.
Fast forward to its most recent episode, and Matlock’s viewership has grown. In its latest outing, it pulled in 6.5 million viewers, maintaining the same 0.4 demo rating, marking a small but meaningful increase from its previous showing. What’s even more impressive is that Matlock’s premiere snagged 7.7 million viewers on its Sunday sneak peek, and it seems the show has managed to maintain a steady viewership despite only being in its second month.
This consistent growth in ratings, especially for a show so early in its run, has CBS executives breathing a sigh of relief. Not only did they have confidence in the show, but early returns are showing that this reboot has connected with audiences in a way that’s already justifying the network’s decision.
Early Renewals and the Impact on CBS’s Slate
Perhaps the most telling sign of Matlock‘s success comes from the recent announcement that the series has already been renewed for a second season. This makes Matlock the first CBS show of the 2024 season to earn a pickup, and the early renewal underscores the strength of its performance in the ratings. This is especially notable because many other shows, including So Help Me Todd and NCIS: Hawai’i, were cut after just a few seasons despite holding steady viewership numbers.
For CBS, Matlock’s success signals that their decision to clear the 9 p.m. Thursday slot and bet on a reboot was a smart move. Given the rise of procedural dramas with female leads and the enduring popularity of the Matlock brand, the show is poised to solidify its place in CBS’s primetime lineup for the foreseeable future.
The Impact of Canceling So Help Me Todd and NCIS: Hawai’i
Fans Mourn So Help Me Todd’s Cancellation
One of the most notable casualties of CBS’s reshuffling was So Help Me Todd. The Skylar Astin-led legal dramedy had gained a solid following over its two seasons, thanks to its quirky blend of courtroom drama and family dynamics. Although it was often lighthearted, So Help Me Todd also tackled serious topics, giving it a unique appeal. In fact, its cancellation came as a shock to many, considering the fact that the show was averaging about 6.3 million viewers per episode.
The decision to cancel So Help Me Todd was not an easy one for CBS, especially after such a successful first season. There was a fan-led effort to save the series, but ultimately, CBS decided that they needed to make room for fresh content. For So Help Me Todd fans, it was frustrating to see the show replaced by a reboot, especially when it seemed to be a consistent performer.
What makes this cancellation sting even more for fans is that it wasn’t just about viewership numbers. So Help Me Todd was a well-crafted show with solid writing and acting, especially from Marcia Gay Harden, whose performance as a no-nonsense lawyer won praise. And while the cancellation was disappointing, the show’s loyal fans will likely continue to hope for a revival or a spin-off down the line.
NCIS: Hawai’i – A Procedural Fan Favorite Axed Too Soon
Similarly, NCIS: Hawai’i had its own loyal fanbase that was heartbroken when CBS pulled the plug after three seasons. The NCIS franchise has been a cash cow for CBS for over a decade, and NCIS: Hawai’i had found its own niche with a dedicated following. Despite being one of the few NCIS spin-offs to see solid ratings, it still couldn’t escape the cancellation axe. In its final season, NCIS: Hawai’i averaged 5.41 million viewers per episode, which was the show’s second-highest viewership.
The decision to cancel NCIS: Hawai’i and So Help Me Todd in favor of Matlock left many fans feeling like they were losing a piece of primetime TV that they had come to enjoy. The network tried shopping both shows around, but without success. CBS President David Stapf acknowledged that, in a different year, both shows might have been renewed.
But in a crowded television landscape, where networks have limited slots and a glut of new content to juggle, CBS ultimately chose to bet on a fresh start with Matlock, a decision that seems to be paying off with strong ratings and early success.
What CBS Gets Right: Female Leads and Procedural Drama
One of the key elements that make Matlock stand out in CBS’s primetime lineup is its focus on a strong female lead. Kathy Bates steps into the role of the legendary attorney, and the show has already been hailed as a breath of fresh air, tapping into the growing demand for female-driven procedural dramas. With Bates’ powerful presence and the show’s sharp writing, Matlock is not only a reboot of a classic but also a modern update with a fresh perspective.
In addition to the female-centric narrative, Matlock offers the procedural drama that audiences love. The show’s mixture of mystery, legal intrigue, and character-driven storytelling makes it a natural fit for primetime television, where audiences have long gravitated toward crime and law-based series. CBS is playing it smart by focusing on what works—procedural formats, a familiar brand, and a strong lead character—and it’s resonating with viewers.
Conclusion: Was It Worth It?
At the end of the day, CBS’s decision to cancel So Help Me Todd and NCIS: Hawai’i and make room for Matlock appears to be a risk that’s paying off. With strong viewership numbers, solid demo ratings, and an early second-season renewal, Matlock is proving to be a hit for CBS. While fans of So Help Me Todd and NCIS: Hawai’i may still feel a sting from the cancellations, the network’s move looks to have been a strategic one.
If the numbers hold steady and Matlock continues to perform as expected, CBS could have a lasting hit on its hands. And while fans may continue to rally for their favorite shows, Matlock’s success is a reminder of how quickly TV trends can change, and how networks are always looking for the next big thing.
