The cancellation of So Help Me Todd by CBS has sparked a major outcry among its fans. Despite solid ratings and positive reception, the procedural drama was axed after just two seasons. Since then, two online petitions have gained significant traction, with over 50,000 signatures calling for the show’s renewal. In this article, we’ll dive into the controversy surrounding CBS’s decision to cancel So Help Me Todd, the growing petition movement, and the possibilities for the show’s future.
What Happened with So Help Me Todd?
So Help Me Todd debuted in September 2022, bringing a lighthearted yet intriguing twist to the procedural drama genre. The show followed Todd (played by Skylar Astin), a quirky private investigator who reluctantly joins forces with his mother (played by Marcia Gay Harden), a successful lawyer at her law firm. The series gained a dedicated fanbase due to its engaging characters, witty writing, and intriguing mix of mystery and family dynamics.
Despite its early success, CBS decided to cancel the series in April 2024 after only two seasons, much to the disappointment of viewers. What really stung fans was the fact that the show was left on a cliffhanger, leaving many unresolved storylines hanging in the air.
CBS’s Packed Schedule and the Decision to Cancel
So Help Me Todd was not the only casualty of CBS’s packed lineup. The same day the show was canceled, CSI: Vegas also met the same fate. While the show had a steady fan following and solid ratings, CBS made the decision to cancel it in favor of expanding its slate of new and returning series.
The network’s ambitious plans included introducing shows like Matlock, Watson, and Elsbeth, all of which were seen as more fitting for the network’s evolving content strategy. Unfortunately, So Help Me Todd and CSI: Vegas didn’t make the cut, despite both performing well in terms of ratings and audience engagement.
The cancellation of So Help Me Todd left many questioning CBS’s decisions, especially given that the show had a loyal fanbase that had been growing steadily. For many fans, it was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly given how much potential they saw in the series.
The Petition Movement: What Are Fans Saying?
In response to the cancellation, fans have taken matters into their own hands. Two major petitions have emerged, both on Change.org, urging CBS (and other networks) to renew So Help Me Todd. These petitions are not only a show of support for the series but also a reaction to the network’s handling of the cancellation, especially considering the cliffhanger ending.
Petition #1: A Push for Season 3
The first petition is a straightforward call to action, asking CBS to renew So Help Me Todd for a third season. It argues that the show deserves a second chance and emphasizes its quality, praising the performances, writing, and unique premise. This petition has gained significant support, with thousands of fans voicing their desire to see the show continue, particularly after such an abrupt and unsatisfying ending.
The petition also takes aim at CBS for canceling the show before its full potential was realized. Fans argue that So Help Me Todd could have found an even larger audience with more time to grow, and the decision to pull the plug so soon was unfair to both the cast and the audience. The petition specifically calls on other networks like NBC, ABC, and The CW to consider picking up the show if CBS won’t give it another chance.
Petition #2: Accusations of Unethical Behavior by CBS
The second petition takes a more critical stance against CBS. It accuses the network of acting unethically during the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, alleging that CBS intentionally sidelined several shows, including So Help Me Todd, in favor of pushing new, untested pitches. Fans argue that CBS neglected to properly promote and support So Help Me Todd, despite its solid performance and growing fanbase.
The petition goes further to claim that CBS’s decision to cancel So Help Me Todd was part of a larger pattern of decisions that left several shows on the chopping block without fair consideration. Fans believe that the network’s focus on newer shows ultimately led to the cancellation of established series like So Help Me Todd, which had the potential to continue and grow its audience.
What Does This Mean for So Help Me Todd?
Despite the passionate outcry from fans and the growing number of petition signatures, it’s important to remember that petitioning is unlikely to change CBS’s decision in the short term. Networks, including CBS, rarely reverse a cancellation once the decision has been made, particularly when it involves a series that has already been officially axed.
However, that doesn’t mean So Help Me Todd is entirely out of the picture. The momentum behind these petitions is keeping the show in the public conversation, and that could influence future decisions. Here are a few possibilities for the show’s future:
Can Other Networks Pick It Up?
While CBS has canceled So Help Me Todd, it’s not uncommon for shows to be picked up by other networks if the demand is high enough. In this case, the petitions are not just asking CBS to reconsider but are also addressing other networks like NBC, ABC, and The CW. If one of these networks sees the potential in So Help Me Todd and its loyal fanbase, they might consider reviving the show for a third season.
However, the show’s future depends on factors like viewer demand, available programming slots, and the cost of continuing the show. With the growing support from fans and petitions, it’s possible that another network might consider bringing it back, especially since So Help Me Todd was co-produced by CBS Studios.
The Financial Factor: Budget Cuts and Reboots
One potential avenue for reviving So Help Me Todd is lowering the production costs. Since the show was co-produced by CBS Studios, there could be room to negotiate and bring down the budget if the show is revived on a smaller scale. This would make it more appealing to networks looking to expand their content offerings without breaking the bank.
A budget-friendly reboot or a lower-cost continuation of the series could give the show a chance to survive, but this would require CBS and other networks to reconsider their financial approach to the show.
Keeping the Show in the Public Eye
Even if So Help Me Todd doesn’t return immediately, the fact that it’s still being talked about is a win for its fans. The more noise the petitions make, the more likely it is that CBS or another network will reconsider their position in the future. Keeping the show’s name alive, even in cancellation, may be just what’s needed to give it another shot down the line.
Conclusion: What’s Next for So Help Me Todd?
While it’s unclear if the petitions will be enough to bring So Help Me Todd back for a third season, the outpouring of support is a testament to the show’s impact and the dedication of its fans. The cancellation of the show on a cliffhanger was a major disappointment, but the petitions and ongoing conversations are keeping hope alive.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the entertainment industry is unpredictable. So Help Me Todd may find new life on another network, or it could remain a beloved but canceled series. But one thing is clear: its fans are not ready to let go just yet.
