In a world full of TV shows that come and go, it’s no secret that some programs struggle to find their footing or attract a loyal audience. So Help Me Todd, the legal dramedy that premiered on CBS, is no exception. Despite its unique blend of crime-solving and family dynamics, the show has faced its fair share of challenges in maintaining viewer interest. However, just like CBS has done with another of its shows in the past, there’s still hope that So Help Me Todd can turn things around and find its groove in the TV landscape.
CBS is no stranger to saving shows that initially didn’t seem destined for success. In fact, if we take a look at its history, the network has proven time and time again that it has the right formula to turn struggling series into big hits. The key to So Help Me Todd’s revival lies in the lessons learned from one of CBS’s most impressive turnarounds from four years ago.
The Rise, Fall, and Hope of So Help Me Todd
Let’s start by looking at where So Help Me Todd currently stands. The show, which premiered in September 2022, centers around Todd, a brilliant but troubled private investigator who works with his mother, Margaret, a high-powered attorney. The duo teams up to solve cases, blending the worlds of law and investigation with a touch of humor and family drama.
A Mixed Reception
Despite the interesting premise and strong performances, the show has struggled with consistency in ratings and audience engagement. Critics have praised the characters and their dynamics, but the show hasn’t quite found a rhythm that resonates with a larger audience. Some of the plotlines can feel a bit formulaic, and others have struggled to find a balance between humor and drama, leaving viewers uncertain about the direction of the show.
However, this doesn’t mean that all hope is lost for So Help Me Todd. CBS has a long history of turning shows around, and there’s no reason why this series can’t get a second wind. Let’s take a look at how CBS revived another struggling show just a few years ago, and how those lessons could be applied to So Help Me Todd.
CBS’s Comeback Story: How Lucifer Found a Second Life
To understand how CBS can turn So Help Me Todd into a hit, it’s helpful to look back at the network’s successful revival of Lucifer. Though Lucifer wasn’t originally a CBS show—it aired on Fox for its first three seasons—it’s still a great example of how the network knows how to bring a show back from the brink.
The Struggles of Lucifer Before Its Move to Netflix
Lucifer had a rocky start. The show, based on a comic book character from The Sandman series, followed the Devil (played by Tom Ellis) as he abandons Hell and relocates to Los Angeles, where he runs a nightclub and works as a civilian consultant for the LAPD. Its first few seasons on Fox struggled with inconsistent storytelling, and despite a dedicated fanbase, the show was ultimately canceled after its third season.
But, as often happens in the world of television, the show wasn’t quite done. Enter Netflix.
How Netflix Revived Lucifer Into a Global Phenomenon
After its cancellation by Fox, Lucifer was picked up by Netflix for a fourth season, and this move ended up saving the series. The streaming service allowed the show to evolve in ways that Fox had restricted. The writers had more freedom, and the show’s tone became even more daring, mixing comedy, drama, and supernatural elements in a way that felt fresher and more appealing to viewers.
With a more devoted fanbase and the power of Netflix’s global platform, Lucifer became a huge hit. The show gained even more popularity, and by the time it concluded with its sixth and final season, it had grown into one of Netflix’s most-watched and beloved shows.
Key Lessons from Lucifer’s Revival
So, what can CBS learn from Lucifer’s journey? First, it’s clear that a show with a strong concept and a dedicated fanbase can survive and even thrive if given the right platform and support. Secondly, a show needs to evolve and adapt to its audience over time. This could mean tweaking storylines, introducing new characters, or even changing the overall tone to match the audience’s expectations.
CBS has a strong track record of recognizing the potential in its shows, and it’s clear that with the right adjustments, So Help Me Todd could experience a similar renaissance.
How CBS Can Revive So Help Me Todd
Now that we understand the key lessons from Lucifer’s success, let’s break down how CBS can apply these lessons to So Help Me Todd to give it a second chance at success.
1. Focus on the Core Relationship Between Todd and Margaret
At the heart of So Help Me Todd is the dynamic between Todd and his mother, Margaret. This relationship is rich with potential and could be explored in much greater depth. The show has already given us glimpses of their complicated bond, but there’s room for much more emotional development and growth.
The tension between their professional and personal lives could provide plenty of material for future storylines. We’ve already seen the complexities of Todd’s emotional struggles and how they’ve shaped his interactions with his mother, but the show could deepen their connection and reveal more about their pasts. By exploring their relationship further, So Help Me Todd could add layers of drama and heart that will hook audiences.
2. Spice Up the Mystery and Crime-Solving Elements
Another area where So Help Me Todd could improve is in its case-of-the-week formula. While the show is technically a legal drama, the crime-solving aspect has felt somewhat underdeveloped at times. CBS should consider making the investigations more intriguing by introducing larger, overarching mysteries that unfold over multiple episodes. Adding some plot twists or making the cases more personal to Todd and Margaret could help engage the audience in a more meaningful way.
Additionally, giving more space to the supporting characters—like Todd’s team—could also create more variety in the cases and allow the show to feel more dynamic.
3. Leverage the Power of Streaming
While CBS is a traditional network, there’s no denying the power of streaming platforms in today’s TV landscape. Much like Lucifer benefited from its move to Netflix, So Help Me Todd could benefit from digital platforms as well. By offering the show on CBS All Access (now Paramount+), the network could give the series a second life, allowing fans to catch up on past episodes and discover the show for the first time. In the long run, this could help boost viewership and build a more loyal following.
Moreover, CBS could experiment with releasing entire seasons on streaming platforms, similar to how some Netflix shows are dropped all at once. This gives viewers the opportunity to binge-watch and build buzz around the show. The word-of-mouth effect could help it gain more traction.
4. Adjust the Tone and Pacing
One of the criticisms of So Help Me Todd is that it sometimes struggles with pacing. The blend of humor and drama can feel uneven at times, with some episodes leaning too heavily into one genre while neglecting the other. By fine-tuning the tone and finding a better balance between the comedic and dramatic elements, CBS could appeal to a wider audience.
Additionally, embracing more serialized storytelling, where each episode builds on the last, could add a sense of urgency and excitement to the series. This will keep viewers coming back week after week, eager to see what happens next.
Conclusion: Can CBS Save So Help Me Todd?
The potential for So Help Me Todd to be a hit is still very much alive. With the right adjustments, CBS could breathe new life into the show and make it a standout success. By focusing on the emotional core of the characters, revamping the crime-solving aspect, embracing the power of streaming, and finding a better balance in tone and pacing, So Help Me Todd could find its place in the crowded TV landscape.
Just like Lucifer was able to rise from the ashes and become a global phenomenon, So Help Me Todd has the potential to do the same. It just needs the right support and the freedom to evolve over time.
