Q: “So Help Me Todd” has been canceled by CBS after two seasons. This is one of the cleverest, well-written shows with very good, versatile actors. Any chance it still might be renewed or possibly picked up by another network?
A: With decent ratings and a fan base rallying for it online, the comedy-drama starring Skylar Astin and Marcia Gay Harden has a better chance of finding a new home than many other shows. In fact, Variety’s report on the cancellation said CBS dropped “Todd” and “CSI: Vegas” simply because it did not have room in a crowded schedule. Shows due to join the CBS lineup include “NCIS: Origins,” about the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, and a “Matlock” reboot with Kathy Bates.
‘Murders’ likely dead on ABC
Q: I do not subscribe to Hulu, so I was happy when ABC started running “Only Murders in the Building.” Do you know if ABC will run the additional seasons and, if so, when?
A: A lot of people who discovered “Only Murders” on ABC have been asking when they might see more. I’ve been a fan of the comedy-mystery starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez for its entire three seasons on Hulu — and I’m looking forward to a fourth. But the ABC telecasts of the first season were filler while broadcast shows were stalled by the Hollywood writers’ and actors’ strikes. I’ve heard no news of more “Murders” on ABC, so fans for now will have to find it on Hulu.
Multiple setbacks
Q: “The Old Man” on FX never had a finale! Is it coming back?
A: The drama starring Jeff Bridges has had a rocky road in production, including delays caused by the COVID pandemic, Bridges’ treatment for cancer and the Hollywood strikes. The first season appeared in 2022 (and can be found on Hulu). ScreenRant reported not long ago that a second season will arrive late in 2024.
The ‘Doctor’ is out
Q: I can’t believe they canceled “The Good Doctor”! What happened?
A: When ABC announced in January that this seventh season would be the show’s last, the producers said in a statement that it was “time to say goodbye.” It could be that the show was running out of creative ideas, or that the cast had grown weary, or the finances were not in its favor. I can’t say that the show feels as compelling as it once did, although it did at times have strong story lines (and one sad death). Let’s just hope for a powerful farewell.
