So Help Me Todd’ Finale Cliffhanger Explained: Creator Reveals What Could Have Happened Next
The beloved CBS dramedy So Help Me Todd aired its final episode on Thursday, May 16, leaving fans with more questions than answers. The series ended with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, introducing Merritt Folding (Joe Pantoliano), the law firm’s founding partner, for the first time. Viewers were left wondering how Todd (Skylar Astin) would handle the shocking revelation that Margaret (Marcia Gay Harden) had been framed by Folding.
Creator Scott Prendergast Opens Up About the Unfinished Storyline
In an interview with TVLine, series creator Scott Prendergast shared that the finale was written long before the cancellation news hit. “By the time we got the cancellation news, the episode was long finished,” he explained. “There was no going back. We had pitched out the whole arc at the beginning of the season, including the cliffhanger, and at that time we had every reason and assurance to believe we’d someday get a Season 3.”
Prendergast also gave fans a sneak peek into what could have unfolded if the series had been renewed. Plans included an unexpected friendship between Beverly (Leslie Silva) and Margaret, a long-awaited comeuppance for Allison (Madeline Wise), and a breakup between Todd and Judy (Heather Morris).
CBS Cancels ‘So Help Me Todd’ Despite Strong Fan Support
In April 2024, CBS announced that So Help Me Todd would not return for a third season, joining other canceled shows like CSI: Vegas and NCIS: Hawai’i. The news came as a blow to fans and cast members alike.
“We’re all super sad,” Harden, 64, told Us Weekly at the GLSEN Respect Awards in New York City. “The whole cast, crew, writers, and showrunners are really sad. We’ve had a great run with CBS.”
Harden expressed particular disappointment about the show’s cancellation because of its unique blend of comedy and drama. “It was one of the few original comedic and dramatic shows on CBS,” she said. “It seems like a lot of the programming is syndicated crime shows.”
A Heartfelt Goodbye from the Cast
Despite the series’ abrupt end, Harden expressed gratitude to the fans who supported the show throughout its two-season run. She posted an emotional farewell on Instagram, writing, “Parting is such sweet sorrow….you all know the rest. Thank you for being such loyal fans, such a fabulous crew, wonderful writers, and amazing cast.”
Skylar Astin also shared his disappointment on social media, hinting at the show’s original ending. “What kills me the most is I know how the series was really supposed to end. It was perfect. Emotional, full circle, and perfectly Todd,” Astin wrote on X.
What Could Have Happened in Season 3?
Prendergast teased some intriguing plotlines that were left on the cutting room floor. Season 3 would have explored Margaret’s fight to clear her name, Todd’s journey toward personal growth, and the evolving dynamics within the law firm. The creator’s vision included more heartfelt moments mixed with the show’s signature humor.
While So Help Me Todd may have concluded prematurely, the series’ impact remains strong among its dedicated fanbase. With a compelling mix of humor, heart, and mystery, the show has secured its place as a standout in CBS’s lineup of original programming.
