In a move that may disappoint fans, CBS has announced the cancellation of two popular drama series, CSI: Vegas and So Help Me Todd. Despite their solid ratings performance, the shows fell victim to the network's need to make room for new additions to its lineup.

According to recent reports from Deadline, both CSI: Vegas and So Help Me Todd were on the bubble and in grave danger of cancellation. Despite their strong viewership numbers, they were the least watched CBS drama series this spring in both linear and multi-platform ratings.

In terms of linear Nielsen viewership, CSI: Vegas secured the 21st spot among all non-sports broadcast programs, boasting 6.234 million viewers. So Help Me Todd closely followed at 22nd place with 6.224 million viewers. Surprisingly, these numbers were higher than those of several series on other networks that have already been renewed for next season.

In 35-day multi-platform viewership, So Help Me Todd slightly outperformed CSI: Vegas, drawing 7.7 million viewers compared to CSI: Vegas' 7.6 million viewers. Unfortunately, there are no plans for either series to move to Paramount+ following their cancellations.

CBS, known for its successful lineup, faced difficult decisions as it welcomed three new drama series for the 2024-25 season. NCIS: Origins, Matlock, and Watson are set to join the network, with a second season of Australian series NCIS: Sydney also in the works.

With broadcast budgets under pressure due to a soft ad market and overall cost-cutting measures by media companies, CBS had to make tough choices in order to accommodate the new additions.

Though CSI: Vegas improved its time slot and So Help Me Todd had a promising start, the cancellation of these series was necessary. Notably, series like After Elsbeth and The Equalizer have been renewed, while talks are ongoing regarding the future of NCIS: Hawai’i.

CSI: Vegas, as a part of the long-standing CBS/CBS Studios franchise, holds a significant place in the network's history. Meanwhile, CSI producer Bruckheimer Television has other successful series, like Fire Country, which has already been renewed and may even spawn a potential Sheriff spinoff. Additionally, negotiations for a Cold Case reboot from Bruckheimer TV and Warner Bros. TV are in progress.

CSI: Vegas, a follow-up to the 2000 CSI series, launched with original cast members William Petersen and Jorja Fox returning for Season 1. The current cast includes Marg Helgenberger, another original star who joined in Season 2, along with Paula Newsome, Mandeep Dhillon, Matt Lauria, Ariana Guerra, Jay Lee, and Lex Medlin. The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

So Help Me Todd experienced a Cinderella story of its own, beating the odds to receive a series order in May 2022 after strong pilot testing. It gained momentum over the summer and became one of the surprise hits of the 2022-23 season, earning an early Season 2 renewal. The CBS Studios-produced show features Marcia Gay Harden, Skylar Astin, Madeline Wise, Tristen J. Winger, Inga Schlingmann, and Rosa Arredondo. Scott Prendergast serves as creator and executive producer alongside showrunner Elizabeth Klaviter. Dr. Phil McGraw, Stuart Gillard, Jay McGraw, and Julia Eisenman are also executive producers.

With the cancellation of CSI: Vegas and So Help Me Todd, CBS continues to make strategic moves to uphold its successful programming, making way for new dramas to captivate audiences in the upcoming seasons.