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.
This was without a doubt my favorite show. When it wasn’t on last Sunday I was so disappointed. When I researched it just now and saw it was cancelled, it made me sick. I will so miss watching it every Sunday evening.
I’m so sad when CBS cancelled Cold Case and Without a Trace, I love these shows so much!! I’m sick of all the reality shows as well, they just show the bad side of each person.
Jerry Bruckheimer’s police shows are the best in my opinion. Ican’t believe they don’t get enough viewers for the network.
How can you cancel Cold Case after seven great seasons??!
Cant believe this show was cancelled. Highly disappointed!!! It was great and should be brought back. Only true show on TV. It will be missed. Great job CBS, NOT!!!
Cold Case was one of only a few shows I looked forward to watching every week- PLEASE BRING IT BACK- put undercover boss on in the summer after ‘THE BRIDGE’ another good show taken off the air by cbs Who makes these decisions—- NOT WE THE PEOPLE!!!!!!! IF CBSDOESN’T WANT TO BRING IT BACK THEN SELL IT TO ANOTHER TV STATION TO AIR NEW SHOWS- DO SOMETHING SO WE THE VIEWERS CAN SEE IT!!
Great show with smart writing and story lines. I guess no place for shows like this anymore we need more CSIs
I will miss Cold Case. So tired of reality shows. CBS made a mistake . maybe NBC could pick it up, as they need good shows
I Loved Cold Case. Putting on undercover boss was a big mistake I am so upset with CBS
maybe NBC could pick it up, they need some great shows.
I was looking forward to season 8. I am disappointed again with CBS!!! They should have cancelled some of these reality shows, that always seemed to run over. You never seemed to know what time Cold Case was going to start or even if CBS was going to air it at all. We all have to get up early during the week days. Personally, I think it has nothing to do with the viewers, has something to do with CBS. Hope another network can pick it up!!
I was looking forward to season 8 & now I have nothing really to watch on Sunday evening. The show will be greatly missed by me because of its unique way to tell a story and solve it and especially the choice of music that was played during each episode. Way to go, CBS! Television disappoints me once again.
I can’t believe this. This was a great show. Maybe another network could pick it up
I love love loved cold case! One of the best shows I’ve ever seen!
I guess it’s a moot point now…I’m a 46 year old male & have no idea how I fall into the ideal demographic scheme…however, I predict that the bird in the hand will be missed. There are other ways to increase viewership that are less risky than attempting to create an entirely new show…
I am so disappointed! This was a show I truly enjoyed! There are so few these days.
I can’t beleive it another great show cancelled. whats up? First that take away the Unit and now cold case. What are these people thinking. I sure hope they bring them back.
I agree with Tanya: way too many reality shows. I was hoping that last night was a “fluke” and Cold Case was starting one week later. But now I pull this info up and am greatly disappointed that CBS took off. It was one of the few shows that was unpredictable from the beginning and great actors too. Well, just another reason not to watch TV or go to one of the cable networks and watch reruns.