Let me say this upfront: I loved Ted Lasso. It made me laugh, cry, and hug my dog a little tighter. But recently, I stumbled upon So Help Me Todd, binged every single episode in one chaotic weekend, and came to a surprising conclusion—this show might actually be better. Yep, I said it.
In this article, I’ll break down why So Help Me Todd hits harder, feels fresher, and sticks longer than Ted Lasso. So grab a snack and settle in—we’re about to dive deep into a show that’s criminally underrated.
What Is “So Help Me Todd” About?
A Legal Drama With a Twist of Quirk
At first glance, So Help Me Todd looks like your typical legal dramedy. But five minutes in, you’ll realize it’s anything but. This isn’t just about courtroom wins or legal jargon—it’s about messy family dynamics, redemption, and one extremely unconventional mother-son duo.
Meet Todd and Margaret
Todd is a private investigator who’s as brilliant as he is chaotic. Margaret, his mom, is a buttoned-up lawyer with zero patience for Todd’s impulsive antics. Think Gilmore Girls meets Suits, but way snarkier and a whole lot more heartfelt.
Why So Help Me Todd Might Just Beat Ted Lasso
🧠 Smarter Comedy, Fewer Clichés
While Ted Lasso thrives on wholesome charm, So Help Me Todd delivers clever, sarcastic humor without leaning too heavily on tropes. It’s snappy, it’s sharp, and it doesn’t talk down to the audience.
💔 Deeper Emotional Layers
Don’t be fooled by the witty banter. Beneath it all, So Help Me Todd tackles some serious themes—grief, trust issues, professional failure, and rebuilding strained family bonds. It hits in ways Ted Lasso sometimes tiptoes around.
🎭 More Relatable Characters
Sure, everyone loves a charming football coach. But what about a washed-up PI trying to piece his life together? Todd feels like someone you might actually know—or be. That authenticity? It’s gold.
Let’s Talk Character Development
Todd Wright: Flawed but Endearing
He’s messy, impulsive, and occasionally morally grey—but Todd grows in every episode. Watching him evolve from a self-sabotaging loner into someone who learns to trust again? Chef’s kiss.
Margaret Wright: The Backbone of the Show
Margaret isn’t just “the mom.” She’s complex, commanding, and downright hilarious. And her journey—learning to let go of control and accept her son as he is—feels so real.
Supporting Cast That Actually Matters
Unlike other shows where side characters fade into wallpaper, So Help Me Todd gives them real arcs. Every assistant, investigator, and client gets their moment.
Pacing That Doesn’t Drag
No Filler Episodes Here
Each episode advances the plot while deepening character relationships. There’s no “mid-season slump”—just continuous momentum.
A Perfect Blend of Episodic and Serial
You can jump into almost any episode and still enjoy it. But watch it chronologically? That’s when the emotional payoff hits hardest.
Writing That Shines
Snappy Dialogue That Feels Natural
The conversations don’t feel like scripts—they feel like real people with real stakes. Witty without being try-hard.
Emotional Beats That Land
You laugh, you cry, you cringe—often in the same scene. That balance? It’s rare.
Cinematography & Direction
Stylish Without Being Flashy
Clean shots, smart editing, and storytelling that flows visually. It enhances the narrative instead of distracting from it.
Creative Courtroom Sequences
The show finds inventive ways to make legal scenes exciting—whether it’s through Todd’s rogue investigating or unexpected twists.
Chemistry That Pops Off the Screen
Mother-Son Duo Goals
The chemistry between Skylar Astin (Todd) and Marcia Gay Harden (Margaret) is electric. You believe their tension, their love, and every eye roll in between.
Romance That Feels Earned
The romantic subplots aren’t shoved in—they build organically and actually serve the story.
Why It Deserves More Hype
It’s Underrated by Design
It doesn’t rely on big-name actors or massive marketing campaigns. It thrives purely on quality.
Perfect for the Post-Lasso Blues
If you’re feeling the void after Ted Lasso ended, So Help Me Todd is the warm, smart, chaotic comfort show you didn’t know you needed.
Who Should Watch This Show?
Fans of Character-Driven Dramedies
If you love shows like The Good Wife, Parenthood, or Boston Legal, this one’s for you.
People Craving Smart, Feel-Good TV
No toxic tropes, no pointless drama—just clever writing and compelling characters.
Where You Can Watch It
So Help Me Todd airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+. That means it’s easy to binge and even easier to rewatch when you inevitably miss the characters.
Final Verdict: The Underdog Wins
Look, Ted Lasso is a great show. But So Help Me Todd? It’s tighter, smarter, and surprisingly more touching. It doesn’t just make you feel good—it makes you think while feeling good. That combo? Rare.
So if you’re looking for your next binge, trust me—So Help Me Todd might just steal your heart (and your weekend).
