CBS Series So Help Me Todd, Starring Skylar Astin and Marcia Gay Harden, Premieres September 29
The Legal Drama You Didn’t Know You Needed
CBS is back at it again—this time with a brand-new series that’s equal parts sharp, funny, and emotional. So Help Me Todd premieres September 29 and promises to shake up your weekly TV lineup. Starring Skylar Astin and Marcia Gay Harden, this isn’t your average legal drama—it’s more like a chaotic family reunion dressed in courtroom robes.
What Makes This Show So Different?
Picture this: a hyper-organized, rule-abiding attorney (Harden) and her laid-back, scrappy private investigator son (Astin) forced to work together. It’s like oil and water, but somehow it works—beautifully. Add in family drama, quirky clients, and moral gray areas, and you’ve got a series that hits all the right notes.
Meet the Lead Stars
Skylar Astin as Todd
You might remember Astin from Pitch Perfect or Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, but here, he flexes new muscles. Todd is a disbarred lawyer who now works as a private detective. He’s clever, resourceful, and always just one step away from trouble. It’s Astin like you’ve never seen him before—witty, sharp, and endearingly messy.
Marcia Gay Harden as Margaret
Marcia Gay Harden, an Oscar-winning powerhouse, plays Margaret Wright—a brilliant but overbearing attorney with zero tolerance for nonsense. Watching her clash with Astin’s Todd is pure gold. She’s the glue that holds the law firm—and the show—together.
A Blend of Genres That Just Works
This isn’t your typical courtroom drama. Think The Good Wife meets Psych with a little Gilmore Girls banter thrown in. It’s heartfelt without being cheesy, smart without being pretentious. Comedy, drama, mystery—it checks all the boxes.
The Premise That Hooks You From Episode One
Todd, desperate for redemption (and a paycheck), starts working as an in-house investigator for his mother’s law firm. But their past isn’t exactly smooth sailing. Margaret is a stickler for control, while Todd thrives in chaos. Sparks fly, but so do brilliant case-solving moments that showcase their strange synergy.
A Strong Supporting Cast
The show doesn’t rely solely on its two stars. The supporting characters are fully fleshed out, quirky, and memorable. From firm colleagues to oddball clients, every interaction adds flavor to the storyline.
Why This Show Is Perfect for the Current TV Climate
Audiences today are craving more than just murder mysteries or courtroom battles—they want connection, wit, and nuance. So Help Me Todd delivers on all fronts. It gives us flawed heroes, complex relationships, and just enough intrigue to keep us coming back for more.
Behind the Scenes: Who’s Making the Magic Happen?
Created by Scott Prendergast, the show has strong creative direction and a team of seasoned producers. CBS clearly believes in this series, given the prime premiere slot and promotional push.
What Critics Are Saying Pre-Launch
While the show hasn’t officially aired yet, early buzz from critics and insiders suggests this one’s going to be a hit. Test audiences reportedly loved the fast-paced storytelling and witty dialogue. And let’s be honest—any show that can blend law, laughter, and layered family dynamics is worth watching.
Why Skylar Astin Is the Perfect Choice for Todd
Astin’s background in musical comedy gives him the timing and charm to pull off Todd’s slightly chaotic energy. He brings both heart and humor to a character that could easily feel cliché in the wrong hands.
Marcia Gay Harden’s Commanding Performance
Harden brings gravitas to Margaret without making her feel stiff. She’s commanding but compassionate, flawed but focused. It’s a masterclass in character development.
Family Dynamics That Feel Real
Let’s talk about the mother-son relationship at the core of the series. It’s messy, relatable, and deeply human. If you’ve ever argued with a parent (who hasn’t?), you’ll feel seen.
The Legal Cases Are Actually Interesting
Each episode introduces a new case that doesn’t feel like filler. Whether it’s a tech billionaire suing his dog walker or a stolen Picasso painting, the show keeps it fresh and clever.
Comedy That Doesn’t Feel Forced
The humor comes naturally—from awkward situations, sharp banter, and Todd’s off-the-wall investigative methods. It’s not laugh-track comedy; it’s genuine, character-driven wit.
Serialized But Still Episodic
There’s an overarching plot about Todd’s redemption and his mother’s emotional growth, but each episode can stand on its own. That means you can binge or casually watch without feeling lost.
Great for Fans of Smart TV
If you liked Suits, The Good Fight, or Only Murders in the Building, this should be your next obsession. It hits the sweet spot between comfort viewing and compelling storytelling.
A Promising Future?
If the premiere is anything to go by, So Help Me Todd could be CBS’s next big thing. The chemistry between the leads, the clever writing, and the heartfelt undercurrents all suggest this show has legs.
Set Your Calendars: September 29 Is Showtime
Don’t sleep on this. Mark your calendar, set a reminder, or tell Siri to nag you. So Help Me Todd premieres on CBS on September 29—and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.
Conclusion
So Help Me Todd isn’t just another courtroom drama—it’s a fresh, funny, and emotionally resonant story about redemption, family, and finding your place in the chaos. With powerhouse performances by Skylar Astin and Marcia Gay Harden, plus tight writing and rich characters, this CBS series is poised to be a standout. Whether you’re in it for the legal twists or the mother-son turmoil, you’re in for a wild—and wildly entertaining—ride.
