CBS Head Honcho Admits ‘Probably Any Other Year’ So Help Me Todd And NCIS: Hawai’i Would Not Have Been Canceled. Not Gonna Lie, It Hurts

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As a long-time gamer and avid TV viewer, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness upon hearing the news that CBS has canceled some of my favorite shows, including “NCIS: Hawai’i,” “CSI: Vegas,” and “So Help Me Todd.” These were shows that I looked forward to watching every week, and the thought of not being able to see where their stories go next is disheartening.

In 2024, the list of cancelled TV shows is extensive and includes several high-profile titles. Networks, with CBS leading the charge, had to make tough calls this past spring, resulting in the termination of beloved series such as “NCIS: Hawai’i,” “CSI: Vegas,” and “So Help Me Todd.” Surprisingly, CBS isn’t finished yet, as David Stapf, President of CBS Studios, has shared insights into the reasons behind these cancellations. Hearing more about the situation has left me feeling even more affected by these decisions.

Over the past couple of months, there’s been a surge of supporters rallying behind the canceled shows, such as “So Help Me Todd” and “NCIS: Hawaii.” The online movement to save these series has gained significant traction, with “#SaveSoHelpMeTodd” and “#SaveNCISHawaii” trending frequently on social media. It’s striking to listen to David Stapf acknowledge that, under normal circumstances, these fan-loved shows might have been renewed for another season by Deadline.

It’s a mix of joy and sadness for me, as I hold a deep affection for those shows. Parting ways with them was quite challenging. I could relate to the complexity of making such a decision, and it never fails to bring a sense of melancholy. In most cases, these excellent shows would have continued, but unfortunately, there are fewer midseason openings nowadays.

Essentially, CBS faces a common dilemma: on the one hand, its strength lies in maintaining a substantial and enduring viewership. However, this loyal audience leaves limited room for introducing new shows, meaning that if CBS wants to debut a series like “Matlock” or “NCIS: Origins,” it must sacrifice an existing popular program.

In the past, networks like CBS used to have a fallow period during the winter when some shows would take a break and not return until midseason. This provided an opportunity for the network to test out new shows in those slots. However, as Stapf mentioned, things have changed and there are fewer of these opportunities available now. With “Blue Bloods” having a shortened season on the 2024 TV schedule, it’s clear that tough decisions had to be made this year. It was an challenging time for programming executives, but they managed to make it work.

I understand the unpredictability of life. For instance, I found my husband by sitting next to him in an English class – but what if I had picked a different seat? In this specific television scenario, it’s disheartening to think that if the concepts for “Matlock” or “NCIS: Origins” had been given the go-ahead even slightly later, Vanessa Lachey and her colleagues might have continued gracing our TV screens in the upcoming year.

The CBS promotion of Lachey’s show in place of NCIS left fans feeling similarly harshly treated, akin to discovering that those programs were perpetually on the brink of cancellation – an impression that now appears unwarranted.

Engaging in an acting role or being an avid viewer of a streaming TV series carries some level of risk, given the unpredictability of show cancellations after just one season. While it’s rewarding to have followed the progression of shows like “So Help Me Todd” for multiple seasons, it remains uncertain how captivated I will be by lesser-known titles such as “Matlock.” Only time will tell which side of the coin my interest lies on.

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2024-07-14 20:37