"So Help Me Todd" ran on CBS from September 2022 to May 2024, spanning two seasons with 31 hour-long episodes. The crime and mystery drama series starred Marcia Gay Harden as Joan, a methodical attorney, and Skylar Astin as Todd, her resourceful private investigator son. Notable episodes included "The Devil You Know," "86;d," and the series finale "The Tooth Is Out There." The show maintained a weekly format, blending legal drama with complex family dynamics throughout its run. The sophisticated storylines and character development demonstrated why this series captivated audiences seeking intelligent crime television.
Key Takeaways
- Series premiered on CBS in September 2022 and concluded in May 2024 after two seasons.
- Total episode count reached 31 episodes, with each episode running for one hour.
- Show maintained a weekly broadcast schedule throughout its two-season run on CBS.
- Notable episodes included "The Devil You Know," "86;d," and series finale "The Tooth Is Out There."
- Aired in primetime slots featuring Marcia Gay Harden and Skylar Astin in leading roles.
Show Details and Background
So Help Me Todd debuted on CBS in September 2022 as a crime and mystery drama series, running for two seasons until its conclusion in May 2024. The show production spanned 31 episodes, with each installment running for a full hour.
Throughout its run, episode themes centered on intricate mysteries and complex relationships between the main characters.
The series maintained a consistent weekly format on CBS until the network announced its cancellation in May 2024. During its time on air, So Help Me Todd delivered compelling storylines across multiple story arcs, featuring a talented ensemble cast led by Marcia Gay Harden and Skylar Astin.
The show successfully blended elements of legal drama with family dynamics, creating a unique viewing experience that resonated with audiences seeking sophisticated crime television.
Cast and Characters
Leading the talented ensemble of So Help Me Todd, Marcia Gay Harden stars as Joan, a meticulous attorney, while Skylar Astin portrays Todd, her quick-witted but unconventional private investigator son.
Their character dynamics form the core of the series, with their contrasting approaches to solving cases creating both tension and breakthrough moments.
The supporting cast includes Madeline Wise as Allison, bringing depth to the family dynamics, while Inga Schlingmann embodies Susan, adding professional complexity to the law firm setting.
Tristen J. Winger rounds out the main ensemble as Lyle, whose character bridges the procedural and personal elements of the show.
The actor backgrounds span Broadway, film, and television experience, contributing to the show's sophisticated blend of legal drama and family storytelling.
Notable Episodes and Finale
Throughout its two-season run, So Help Me Todd delivered several standout episodes that showcased the show's unique blend of legal drama and family dynamics.
Among the notable moments, "The Devil You Know" marked a pivotal turning point in the first season, while "86;d" and "Are You There Todd? It's Me, Margaret" brought compelling developments to the show's narrative arc.
The series conclusion came in May 2024 with "The Tooth Is Out There" serving as the final episode, following CBS's decision to end the show after two seasons.
Leading up to the finale, "End On A High Note" provided viewers with one of the last glimpses into the complex relationship between Joan and Todd, bringing their story to a definitive close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was so Help Me Todd Filmed Entirely in One Location?
Based on the provided information, there is insufficient data to definitively state the location filming details for the series.
While production design would have required consistent settings to maintain continuity across its 31 episodes from 2022 to 2024, the knowledge base does not specify filming locations.
The only geographic reference is to Hunt Valley, MD, which relates to a convention rather than production locations.
Did Any Major Cast Changes Occur During the Show's Run?
In what feels like a rare display of cast stability in television's ever-changing landscape, no significant cast changes occurred during the show's two-season run.
The core ensemble, led by Marcia Gay Harden and Skylar Astin, maintained consistent cast dynamics throughout all 31 episodes.
This stability allowed for natural character evolution as the main players developed their roles from the premiere through the final episode in May 2024.
What Inspired the Show's Unique Title?
The title's inspiration appears to be a clever play on words combining the legal phrase "so help me God" with the main character's name, Todd.
This reflects both the show's legal setting and the character significance of Todd, played by Skylar Astin, who works with his attorney mother Joan.
The title effectively captures the show's blend of legal drama and family dynamics while highlighting its central character.
Were There Any Planned Storylines That Never Made It to Air?
Like unfinished chapters in a book, several storylines were left unexplored when the series met its early end.
While specific canceled episodes and plot twists remain undisclosed in official records, the show's abrupt conclusion in May 2024 after just 31 episodes suggests multiple narrative threads were likely left unresolved.
The final season's truncated run of 10 episodes, compared to season one's 21, indicates potential stories that never made it to screen.
Did the Show Receive Any Award Nominations During Its Run?
Based on the provided information, there is no documented evidence of award nominations or show accolades during the series' run from 2022 to 2024.
While the show featured notable talent, including Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden, and ran for two seasons on CBS, the available data does not indicate any industry recognition through awards or nominations during its broadcast period.
Conclusion
"So Help Me Todd" concluded its run after two compelling seasons, leaving behind a legacy of intricate mysteries, family dynamics, and legal drama. Through thirty-one episodes, the series showcased the complex relationship between Joan and Todd Wright while delivering weekly crime-solving narratives. From its 2022 premiere to its 2024 finale, the show balanced procedural elements with character development, ultimately earning a dedicated viewership before CBS announced its cancellation in spring 2024.