The 2024 TV season left many fans reeling from the cancellation of several beloved shows, and one of the most heartbreaking decisions was CBS pulling the plug on So Help Me Todd. The legal dramedy, which featured Marcia Gay Harden and Skylar Astin as a quirky mother-son duo, had won hearts but ultimately failed to survive. Yet, even as fans continue to mourn the show’s untimely end, there is a silver lining on the horizon. Scott Prendergast, the creative mind behind So Help Me Todd, has a brand new TV project in the works—Pennies—a promising, lighthearted procedural that could be the next big thing.
While So Help Me Todd was a unique, family-centric legal dramedy, Pennies takes a fresh approach with another family dynamic, this time revolving around two sisters. Here’s everything we know about Pennies, its premise, and why it could be the next hit for Fox.
Pennies – A Fresh Take on Procedural Dramas
A Forensic Pathologist and Her Polar Opposite Sister
Pennies promises to bring a unique twist to the procedural drama genre. The show will center around Penny, a reclusive forensic pathologist working in San Francisco. Unlike many characters in similar roles who are shown as personable, Penny is more at ease with the dead bodies passing through her morgue than with the living. Her obsession with the bodies allows her to solve intricate murder mysteries and unravel complex cases, but it also isolates her from the rest of the world.
The interesting part? Penny won’t be solving these mysteries alone. Her polar-opposite sister—also named Penny—will play an integral role in the story. This second Penny is everything the first one isn’t: outgoing, confident, and a skilled attorney working at the D.A.’s office. Despite their contrasting personalities, these two sisters will work together to tackle the cases that land in Penny’s morgue, offering a mix of drama, comedy, and suspense that could be a perfect fit for Fox’s programming.
Why Two Sisters? The Unlikely Duo
You might be wondering why both sisters are named Penny. The choice is certainly a unique one, and it’s safe to say that this will likely be addressed in the pilot episode, leaving viewers intrigued from the get-go. The dynamic between these two characters, despite sharing a name, will likely be central to the show’s charm. Where one sister is introverted and detached from human interaction, the other is all about connection and socializing, making their partnership an odd but fascinating combination.
This contrast provides an excellent foundation for humor and drama, offering endless potential for engaging character development and storytelling. As they join forces to solve cases, their contrasting personalities and skills will likely lead to plenty of tension, laughter, and emotional moments. In other words, it sounds like Pennies will be another quirky family dramedy, but this time with a dark, crime-solving twist.
Pennies Lands at Fox: Script Commitment and a Guaranteed Payday
Fox Sees Potential in Scott Prendergast’s Latest Project
Following the unexpected cancellation of So Help Me Todd, Scott Prendergast is back in action with Pennies, and this time he has a new partner: Fox. The network swooped in with a script commitment plus penalty, which means that Prendergast is guaranteed to be compensated regardless of the show’s fate. This arrangement ensures that the project gets a fair shot at success, with Fox having to pay out if the network decides not to move forward with it.
This is a great sign for the future of Pennies, as it shows Fox’s commitment to the project. A script commitment plus penalty is a serious move, signaling that the network believes in Prendergast’s ability to bring another engaging and entertaining show to the small screen. Though Fox hasn’t yet confirmed a series order, this level of investment demonstrates the network’s confidence in the concept and its potential.
A New Direction After So Help Me Todd’s Cancellation
While So Help Me Todd didn’t make it past two seasons, it wasn’t due to a lack of viewership. The show was canceled as part of a larger shake-up in CBS’s schedule, which left many fans feeling disappointed. However, Pennies seems to be on a different trajectory. The procedural genre has always been a staple on television, but Prendergast’s fresh take—centering on the unusual sisterly duo—adds a new layer of intrigue and appeal.
Moreover, Pennies isn’t just another crime procedural; it’s a family drama with a unique relationship at its core. This focus on family dynamics, paired with crime-solving, could help Pennies stand out in a crowded TV landscape, especially if it taps into the same charm that made So Help Me Todd so endearing to its audience.
What’s Next for Pennies?
Possible Premiere in 2025
As of now, we don’t have a definitive timeline for when Pennies will air, but it’s safe to assume that Fox is planning to slot it among their 2025 TV premieres. The procedural format doesn’t require a great deal of post-production work or heavy visual effects, so it’s likely the show will be ready for airing sooner rather than later. Fox could be positioning it as part of their mid-season or fall lineup, depending on how production progresses.
With Fox already developing a number of exciting projects—including a Baywatch reboot and adaptations of popular films like End of Watch and Starsky & Hutch—Pennies could provide a refreshing contrast to the more action-oriented or nostalgic shows in the network’s slate. As a light procedural with an emotional family dynamic, it has the potential to capture a wide range of viewers, from fans of crime dramas to those looking for character-driven stories.
Could Pennies Be the Next Big Hit?
If Prendergast can repeat the same success he had with So Help Me Todd, Pennies could be a breakout hit for Fox. The network is currently in need of a standout drama, and if Pennies delivers the same blend of quirky humor, engaging characters, and intriguing cases, it could quickly become a fan favorite.
Although it’s still early days, Pennies shows a lot of promise. The interesting premise, the quirky yet compelling sibling dynamic, and the potential for engaging mysteries all create a strong foundation for a successful show. Fox is betting big on Prendergast’s ability to deliver something new and exciting, and if the chemistry between the two sisters plays out as well as anticipated, Pennies might just become the next big thing in the world of procedural dramas.
Conclusion: A New Hope After So Help Me Todd
The cancellation of So Help Me Todd left many fans heartbroken, but Scott Prendergast’s new project, Pennies, offers a fresh and exciting opportunity to move forward. The show promises a unique blend of quirky family dynamics, forensic mystery-solving, and plenty of humor—making it a potential hit for Fox. While it’s still early in the development process, the fact that Fox has already committed to the project with a script commitment plus penalty shows that the network has high hopes for Pennies.
With its intriguing premise and the possibility of another winning family dynamic, Pennies might just be the show that fills the void left by So Help Me Todd. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more updates on this promising new drama.
