CBS Axes ‘CSI: Vegas’ and ‘So Help Me Todd’

• CBS has canceled “CSI: Vegas” after three seasons and “So Help Me Todd” after two.
• Despite being solid ratings performers, both shows were on the bubble due to the network’s decision to focus on other series.
• “CSI: Vegas” and “So Help Me Todd” were the least watched CBS drama series this spring in both linear and multi-platform ratings.
• “CSI: Vegas” is part of the signature CBS/CBS Studios franchise with a long history, while “So Help Me Todd” had a Cinderella story, launching as a surprise hit.
• Both shows are averaging below the network’s expectations, leading to their cancellations.

Newsypeople- CBS has made the decision to cancel two of its drama series, “CSI: Vegas” and “So Help Me Todd,” after three and two seasons respectively. This move comes as a surprise to many, especially considering the solid ratings performance of both shows. Despite the high ratings, CBS faced the difficult decision of which shows to renew or cancel, given the network’s busy schedule and the addition of new drama series for the 2024-25 season, including “NCIS: Origins,” “Matlock,” and “Watson,” along with a second season of “NCIS: Sydney.”

“CSI: Vegas,” a revival of the original “CSI” series, premiered in 2021 and has been airing its third season. The show, which stars Matt Lauria and Paula Newsome, among others, has been a part of the CBS/CBS Studios franchise for a long time.

The series, produced by CBS Studios in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television, has seen a series of cast changes, including the return of original stars William Petersen and Jorja Fox in Season 1, and the addition of Marg Helgenberger in Season 2. Despite its long history and the return of beloved characters, the show’s ratings did not meet CBS’s expectations, leading to its cancellation.

“So Help Me Todd,” on the other hand, premiered in 2022 and has been airing its second season. The series stars Marcia Gay Harden and Skylar Austin, and has been praised for its strong performance, especially after landing a series order in May 2022 following strong pilot testing and building momentum over the summer. Despite its early success and a very early Season 2 renewal, the show’s ratings did not align with CBS’s expectations, resulting in its cancellation.

The decision to cancel both shows was not taken lightly, especially considering the network’s commitment to renewing other series and adding new ones. CBS has a history of renewing and adding new shows, but in this case, the network faced a difficult choice due to the limited space on its schedule and the high expectations set by the network’s new additions.

The cancellation of “CSI: Vegas” and “So Help Me Todd” marks the end of an era for the CBS franchise, which has been a staple of the network’s lineup for years. Despite the challenges faced by both shows, their cancellations highlight the ongoing struggle for networks to balance the need for new content with the desire to keep viewers engaged and attractive ratings.