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.
It is incredible that anything of quality has to be justified by network numbers. Can’t anyone just judge a good program by its content? I will sorely miss Cold Case. I don’t watch much TV because of the inanity of most programming, so when a good program comes along, I am deeply saddened that it can’t continue due to simple ratings.
Of course they cancel a good show, and then they want to put more reality junk on tv! What ever happend to watching a good quality show america? I wish they would bring it back on!
cold case was my favorite show. how dare they cancel it!!i just loved all the characters on there. It should definatly be brought back. theres only 4 or 5 shows on tv that i like and cold case was no. one.
Not only am I disappointed to lose Cold Case, a little more unique that the typical dramas available, I was also disappointed to lose Without A Trace. Both of these shows were unique and little less predictable that most drama presently on major networks. In addition, I now no longer watch CBS Sunday night programming other than an occasional 60 Minutes or Undercover Boss, neither which lure me to ensure I tune in to CBS.
Here’s what CBS should know about “Cold Case” — It was something that I could share with my parents. A multi-generational show. We would watch and I could see the enjoyment in their eyes as we watched the days gone by. And my interest in history was awakened further. Many times we’d have conversations about the period that the show went over. It beats talking about who will be voted off of whatever show. I have no delusions about them bringing this or “Numb3rs” back. But they could bring back an old favorite from the 70’s… The ___day Night Mystery… Read more »
I’m so sorry to see Cold Cases not returning. Agree, too many reality shows on the TV, and not enought good shows for the elder generation …It was so perfect for the Sunday Night line up….
i want it back i love cold case and without a trace two of my favorite shows
I can’t BIELIEVE cbs–Cold Case on Sunday’s was the BOMB!!!! CBS PLEASE bring back Cold Case & Without a Trace!!!!
I’ve loved Cold Case and Without a Trace from the very first episodes. The new shows are just don’t hold my attention. For instance the Defenders, wrong choice of actors to star in such great “oldie” drama. Bring back “Cold Case” and Without a Trace”
Are you kidding me? First Without A Trace, then Ghost Whisperer, and now Cold Case. What’s next? Criminal Minds? This really upsets me. What are you people at CBS thinking? All of these were my favorite shows to watch. The new shows aren’t any good and won’t last long.
I am upset Cold Case was cancelled. It was a great show and was truly well written and active. It was a well conceived show that delivered week after week with great stories that were well written and well acted. As usual CBS has dropped a show that could have been revamped a little to increase it dwindling ratings. Without a Trace is another show that should have been given a chance to get it ratings back up. Now the CBS lineup is full of so much fluff. Hawii Five-O; Jim Bulushi and Jerry O’Connoll’s new show; Really!!!!!
Well, don’t watch much television any more, b/c 2 of my favorite shows were taken off the air. Cold Case and Ghost Whisperer. I don’t know what you guys at CBS are thinking but needless to say, ABC is who I watch the most now. I can’t believe you left us “hanging” with the story lines also and these great characters we have known for so many years. BOO!!!!!! (That’s not a halloween boo either!!!)
CBS, what is wrong with your executives? Are these people fresh out of high school or what? The best shows are cancelled, “Yes, Dear”, “Still Standing”, “Cold Case”, “Without a Trace”, “Numbers”, Close to Home”. I looked forward to CBS Sundays with Race, Case, and Trace. Remember that? I enjoyed Friday nights with Close to Home and Numbers. What ding dongs!
I can’t believe my favorite show has been cancelled – don’t they know that everyone isn’t in their 20’s and want to watch reality shows. That seems like the only thing on any more.
I am disappointed that you chose to cancel such a quality show. I tried to never miss an episode; Cold case combined believeable characters, great themes with great music to provide great entertainment. CBS has chosen to keep that program, Amazing (something or other); now that program is crap. I do love Boss Under Cover and that would have been a great lead in to Cold Case. I guess I don’t get it. Perhaps another TV station could pick it up in re-runs, who knows. Soon all TV will be so called reality programming (which, for the most part does… Read more »