As the spring cancellation season rolls around, CBS has made some tough decisions, and So Help Me Todd is among the casualties. With solid viewership numbers averaging 6.3 million, it’s surprising to see it go, especially just a day after Elsbeth was renewed for Season 2. But life goes on, and the question on everyone’s mind is: what could replace So Help Me Todd in CBS’s primetime lineup? Let’s explore the possibilities!
The Cancellation Landscape: A Quick Recap
The End of an Era
So Help Me Todd, starring Marcia Gay Harden and Skylar Astin, has been a quirky addition to CBS’s lineup, blending drama with a touch of humor. While fans hoped for a last-minute save, CBS opted to move forward with new offerings, making way for fresh content in the 2024-2025 TV season.
Despite averaging respectable ratings, sometimes network decisions hinge on more than just numbers—factors like advertising, scheduling compatibility, and strategic shifts play pivotal roles. While CSI: Vegas also faced the axe, the fate of So Help Me Todd seems particularly poignant due to its recent pairing with the Good Wife spinoff, Elsbeth.
The Context of Elsbeth
Elsbeth has carved out its niche as a lighter drama, making it an ideal companion for So Help Me Todd. With its renewal, CBS will likely aim to continue this theme of smart, quirky storytelling. So, what can we expect to see fill the 9 PM slot now that So Help Me Todd is gone?
Fresh Faces in the CBS Lineup
Potential Replacements
With So Help Me Todd out of the picture, CBS has some fresh dramas lined up that could step in seamlessly. Here are a few contenders:
- Matlock
A reboot of the classic legal drama, Matlock is currently in the works with Kathy Bates set to star. This show could serve as a perfect counterpart to Elsbeth, creating a strong mystery and crime-focused night. Given CBS’s history of pairing similar shows, this combo makes a lot of sense. - Watson
Featuring Morris Chestnut in a reimagined role as a medical detective, Watson could bring a unique twist to the Thursday lineup. The show promises an investigative approach intertwined with medical drama, offering a fresh take that could resonate with audiences. Pairing it with Elsbeth would provide a contrasting yet complementary mix of genres. - NCIS: Origins
As a prequel to the beloved NCIS series, NCIS: Origins has a built-in fanbase that could boost Thursday night ratings. However, this show seems more fitting for a Monday night lineup alongside its predecessors, making it less likely to fill the So Help Me Todd slot.
Comedy Options
While dramas are on the forefront, CBS also has a couple of new comedies that could slide into the lineup:
- Young Sheldon Spinoff: Centered on Georgie and Mandy, this could pair well with other comedy staples.
- Poppa’s House: Featuring both Damon Wayans Sr. and Jr., this comedic duo could bring in a fresh audience, though they might fill slots vacated by other comedies.
Speculating the Thursday Night Lineup
A New Schedule?
So, what might the new Thursday night lineup look like? Here’s a speculative breakdown:
- 8:00 PM – Ghosts
This beloved comedy has become a fan favorite, so it’s likely to retain its spot. - 8:30 PM – Young Sheldon Spinoff or Poppa’s House
Either new comedy could fit seamlessly into this slot, keeping the tone light and humorous. - 9:00 PM – Matlock
Bringing back a classic with a modern twist, Matlock could attract viewers who appreciate mystery and legal drama. - 10:00 PM – Elsbeth
Continuing in its established time slot, Elsbeth would finish off the night with engaging storylines and quirky characters.
Why Matlock Makes Sense
Pairing Matlock with Elsbeth creates a cohesive evening of programming focused on female leads in the mystery genre. CBS has had success with this formula before, as evidenced by the FBIs lineup, so it seems like a no-brainer to continue that trend.
What We Might Lose
The Impact of So Help Me Todd‘s Cancellation
Fans are understandably upset about the cancellation of So Help Me Todd. With its unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments, the show carved out a space that was both entertaining and relatable. It’s hard not to think about what we’ll miss: the dynamic between Todd and Margaret, the clever plot twists, and the overall light-hearted tone.
Looking Ahead
Even though it’s disappointing to see a show we love go, the television landscape is always changing. New stories and characters bring fresh excitement, and who knows? One of these new shows might just capture our hearts in ways we didn’t expect.
Conclusion: The Future of CBS’s Primetime
As CBS gears up for its 2024-2025 lineup, the cancellation of So Help Me Todd opens up a realm of possibilities. With potential replacements like Matlock and Watson, viewers can look forward to a mix of drama and mystery that maintains the spirit of quirky storytelling that CBS has embraced.
While it’s tough to say goodbye to familiar faces, new beginnings often bring exciting adventures. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed for a fresh start and hope these new shows can fill the void left by So Help Me Todd!
