After seven years on the beat, the show’s over for Detective Lily Rush (Kathryn Morris). CBS has officially cancelled Cold Case.
Each episode of Cold Case begins by showing an unsolved crime from the past. The scene then flashes forward to the present day and a group of homicide detectives try to piece together what really happened, using old evidence and new interviews. The series stars Morris, Danny Pino, John Finn, Jeremy Ratchford, Thom Barry, and Tracie Thoms.
Cold Case began in September of 2003 and quickly became a staple of the CBS Sunday night schedule. The crime drama had a successful first season and, by season two, was averaging a 3.5 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 15.1 million viewers. For the next couple seasons, total viewership fell a bit but the all-important demo numbers rose, reaching a 3.8 in season four.
Unfortunately the ratings have come down quite a bit since then. In season five, the show averaged a 2.9 rating and about 12 million viewers. Last season, Cold Case sank lower, to an average of a 2.7 rating and CBS made a choice between renewing ailing Without a Trace or Cold Case. They chose to keep Cold Case but may have regretted it pretty quickly. This season, the show’s ratings dropped even further to a 2.15 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 9.6 million viewers.
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So, while the overall viewership isn’t terrible, the demo numbers are and that’s what brings the ad dollars. CBS often has the most total viewers, but they are often lacking in the 18-49 demo department.
To no surprise, CBS has cancelled Cold Case after seven years on the air. The show won’t be back for season eight next fall. Sadly, the show is not available on DVD. It’s believed that securing the rights for the show’s extensive use of period music is problematic.
What do you think? Are you sorry to see the series go? What could have been done to help the TV show’s ratings?
Image courtesy CBS.
I love this show I wish it would come back on it was my favorite
For some reason the ratings doesn’t count everyone! Guess they assume that 18-49 targeted advertising only has a spending impact on that age regardless of other surveys that say different
I really enjoyed watching cold case. Lilly could have really moved up. I would have loved to see more of her and Scotty. They would have made a cute couple.
Cold Case was/is my favorite show of all time. I’m very pleased to see this new « Start » channel is showing an episode every day! CBS should have moved the show to air right after NCIS. That would have rehabbed the ratings for sure! As for not being able to release the show on DVD due to copyrights on music, they could have edited the music à la « Hunter » style. Hunter had copyright issues so they replaced the songs in question (which sucks, but at least we get the show!). Maybe CBS should consider a reboot… but only if Kathryn is… Read more »
I admit, I didn’t watch weekly, but after watching every season, I feel totally cheated. Absolutely loved every episode and could hardly wait for the next. I knew it was coming to an ebd, but NO CLOSURE ON ANY OF OUR CAST? Wow is all I can say.
I wish they didn’t cancel the show Cold Case! It was unique & very entertaining! Every episode held my attention. I just finished watching all 7 seasons on HBO Max. I now remember why I loved the show so much when it aired on Sunday nights! The show should never have been cancelled. There will never be another show like Cold Case!
At least have an amazing ending. Or at this time have a reunion and have at least one season to at least say goodbye.
One of the best shows on tv. Should never have been cancelled.
CBS was definitely premature in canceling Cold Case. I just watched all 7 seasons on HBO max. It was a great show, and as good as LOSV.
I agree. It’s a great show! I watch it whenever I’m able! Today in fact, yesterday also.
Y’all Could have AT THE VERY LEAST gone ahead with Season 8!!! Instead YALL DECIDED TO SCREW THE VIEWERS!!!! You LEAVE US HANGING!!! We WANT/NEED/DEMAND TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR DETECTIVES!!!!! They Were a STORYLINE ALSO!!!!
I agree. Its not too late
Cold Case was and still is my favorite l, I wish they hadn’t canceled it.
I love this show I wish it would come back, I have watched all the shows on Roku..
I want more, ring it up to more current times to make it meaningful to 30 / 50 year olds.
I love these type of shows
It reallyis a sad day when a good show is cancelled because of the music and I was in this demos when I started to watch the show. You people really suck
cold case should of never stop it os my favorite show i wish there was more to watch please put it back on