In a move that clears room for new programming, CBS has canceled the legal drama “So Help Me Todd” after two seasons and the crime procedural revival “CSI: Vegas” after three seasons. The decisions come as the network looks to make space for several new series greenlighted for the 2024-25 television season.
“So Help Me Todd,” starring Marcia Gay Harden as a successful defense attorney and Skylar Astin as her private investigator son, failed to gain a substantial audience despite maintaining steady viewership in its sophomore season. The series averaged 6.2 million total viewers and a 0.5 rating in the key 18-49 demographic, virtually matching its freshman numbers.
While the show’s performance was consistent, it ranked last among CBS dramas in total viewers and only narrowly outperformed “CSI: Vegas” in the demo ratings. The series was not expected to conclude with its upcoming May 16th season finale, leaving viewers with an unresolved cliffhanger.
Meanwhile, “CSI: Vegas,” a revival of the iconic “CSI” franchise, saw a slight uptick in viewership during its third season but still struggled to gain a foothold. Averaging 6.2 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating, the series was steady in the demo but tied for last in total audience among CBS dramas.
Despite airing after the network’s highest-rated drama, “NCIS,” the show failed to capitalize on its lead-in. The series finale is set to air on May 19th.
While both shows maintained a loyal following, CBS found itself in a difficult position as it looks to make room for several new series already in the pipeline. These include the “Matlock” reboot starring Kathy Bates, the multi-camera comedy “Poppa’s House” featuring Damon Wayans and his son, and a straight-to-series order for the Sherlock Holmes-inspired “Watson.”
Additionally, the network has greenlit the prequel series “NCIS: Origins” and a multi-cam spinoff of the hit comedy “Young Sheldon.”
According to sources, CBS simply did not have enough space on its schedule to accommodate all of its existing and upcoming programming, leading to the tough decisions to cancel “So Help Me Todd” and “CSI: Vegas.”
While the cancellations will undoubtedly disappoint fans of the two shows, CBS appears to be making strategic choices as it looks to refresh its lineup and maintain its position as a ratings powerhouse in the increasingly competitive television landscape.
As the network prepares to unveil its full slate for the 2024-25 season, viewers can expect a mix of familiar favorites and exciting new offerings vying for their attention.
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