CBS viewers have seen three of the network’s dramas cancelled in recent weeks. NCIS: Hawai’i, So Help Me Todd, and CSI: Vegas (above) will not return with new seasons in the fall. CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach revealed the reasons behind the decisions made to cancel the shows.
Ultimately, the cancellations happened for the usual reasons — money and viewership. Per Variety, Reisenbach said:
“It is incumbent on us to always keep the schedule fresh, keep momentum going. We had to make some really tough choices this year. Everything came back [from the Hollywood strikes] really strong, but ultimately we have to look at the cohesiveness of the schedule flow. We have to evaluate the financials and the performance overall, and we make tough decisions.”
Vanessa Lachey, Alex Tarrant, Noah Mills, Yasmine Al-Bustami, Jason Antoon, Tori Anderson, and Kian Talan star in the NCIS Hawai’i series which follows the NCIS office at Pearl Harbor under the leadership of the first female Special Agent in Charge. Word is that the studio was willing to make deep budget cuts and other concessions to secure a fourth season renewal of the expensive series, but CBS still opted to cancel the drama.
As for So Help Me Todd, CBS president and CEO George Cheeks called the cancellation of the series “heartbreaking.”
Marcia Gay Harden, Skylar Astin, Madeline Wise, Tristen J. Winger, Inga Schlingmann, and Rosa Arredondo star in the So Help Me Todd series which follows the relationship of a mother and son as they work together to solve crimes.
CSI: Vegas was also cancelled by CBS, but a new addition to the CSI franchise is currently in development. Per Deadline, Reisenbach said, “I definitely think that franchise is alive and well and we continue to be in discussions. It’s a part of our legacy.”
Starring Paula Newsome, Marg Helgenberger, Matt Lauria, Mandeep Dhillon, Ariana Guerra, Lex Medlin, and Jay Lee, CSI: Vegas follows the Crime Scene Investigation team as they work to solve crimes in Las Vegas.
Could viewers see any of these shows saved by Paramount+, as has happened with shows like SEAL Team and Evil? As far as the trio of recently cancelled shows, Reisenbach said no.
The chances of that happening are always slim. Cheeks said, “Budgets are challenged, so we don’t have an unlimited number of slots on Paramount+. It’s something that we’re always open to, but it’s never a guarantee.”
What do you think? Have you enjoyed any of these three CBS shows? Which would you save from cancellation if you could?
Do not cancel Ncis:Hawaii!!
I love So Help Me Todd and I’m sorry to see it go. It is funny, the family dynamics are great, and Mom’s fashions are to die for!! I also like NCIS: Hawaii, a great diverse cast and some sense of respect for the Hawaiian culture. I agree that they should get rid of the FBI’s or the Chicago’s (which don’t have a Chicago feel at all) – esp, Chicago PD, it’s overly violent and cynical – before these two shows.
I cannot believe that the network is cancelling shows where women have lead roles. Not to mention NCIS Hawaii’s writing and acting is significantly better than NCIS Australia. Cancel that one and leave NCIS Hawaii alone – the scenery, the acting, the intelligence of the writing is far superior to the latest NCIS Australia.
I’m so tired of the great shows being canceled. I would have never thought of NCIS Hawaii and CSI Vegas being canceled. I love these two shows so much. I always look forward to watching them after a hard day. PLEASE fix your budget and bring them back!!!! I’m about ready to just start watching just movies cuz they dont break your heart Canceling them.
I am ready to say goodbye to Blue Bloods, but not So Help Me Todd. We love that show.
Should NEVER have cancelled NCIS Hawa’i ! Save on stupid shows!!!
If one of CBS’s reasons for canceling shows is viewership, they need to poll ALL AGES, not just 18 to 49! There are those of us 50 and older that also watch these shows. Talk about discrimination!
I love all three shows and hate to see them cancelled. They leave the boring FBI shows on and cancel these its a shame.
Quality shows are being cancelled. NCIS Hawaii, Magnum P.I, Young Sheldon, Seal Team. CBS has a history of this. They don’t want to spend the money to keep these series going. They want to sell us on cheaply made, poorly written shows.
Magnum PI is on NBC now, or it was.
How can you cancel So Help Me Todd? It’s a breath of fresh air in a sea of reality and murder shows. It’s funny, well-written, has an amazing cast and is one of the few family friendly shows on TV currently. It’s not the fans fault that the strike and basketball kept us from watching! Bring it back!
So Help Me Todd is a very enjoyable show and refreshingly different from all the killing and adventure on most shows. It’s enjoyable to watch and has great characters. Please don’t take it away.
I don’t buy those reasons Reisonbach gave for cancelling those shows. Blue Bloods has a very good viewership and the cast took a cut in pay to do the season so you have to come up with something better than that
I’m so mad about NCIS and CSI being cancelled. Not everyone likes dumb comedy crime shows like that Elsbeth mess they’ve come out with. I’ve been so excited that CSI and Criminal Minds were back and CBS just constantly disappoints me. So tired of good shows getting cancelled.
I think CBS should invest in prime time on Saturdays. There are no good shows on Saturday night. These canceled shows could be in the Saturday lineup especially So Help me Todd
So sorry to see NCIS Hawaii be canceled. It was so good and will be missed