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.
Both Cold Case and Without a Trace were two of the greatest shows on TV. I no longer have a reason to watch CBS. I now watch reruns of both shows on differenct channels.
TO ALL COLD CASE FANS……10 MILLION OF US WANT A 8TH SEASON…..PLEASE SIGN THESE PETITIONS
SO COLD CASE CAN GET A 8TH SEASON OR 9TH
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/coldcase8th9thseason-50episodes
THANKS FOR SUPPORT
Dodge Saienni
What does CBS want us to do? And on top of it it is not on DVD? They wanted that show to suffer b/c they put it against football. I want it back….At least a movie now and again!
at first i didn’t like coldcase but i watched one epsiode and i loved it right after i love the show i wish cbs renew coldcase for a 8th season becuase i qould watch every night and guess what im 13 love the show so much please cbs just renew the show for a 8th season and move the night to like friday becasue the football season is it competition and thats more popular so please cbs renew for a 8th season if it get more than 5 million viewers renew it again if it dosent you can end it… Read more »
Please bring back cold case, ……i mean we have serious issue when 10 million viewers are not enough to keep a quality show on, ……a different night probably would have helped, …….give it back to us, ……thanks Cs
This sucks, I really liked Cold Case and Without a Trace!!! Please bring it back!!
I loved that show. It made me cry all the time.. Everyone needs a little cry now and then. And Philly was so close to home. Please bring it back. Maybe try it on a different night Sunday night there is nothing on Friday night there is nothing on but Blue Blood I do love that show.
I am so sad that Cold Case is off the air! I loved that show. I know for me the Sunday slot might not have helped it. With the football season the show would somtime not start on time and would be on past some peoples bed times. I always DVR so I would not miss an episode!
I really like Without a trace as well. I agree 2 really good shows gone! Netflix here I come!
I can’t believe it. I have been waiting and waiting for an episode. Meanwhile they keep lame shows on. Cold Case was one of the most intelligent shows on TV,
I loved the show , sad to see it go. CBS has completely lost me and many this year with choices they’ve made. I was a follower of this show and a 30 year follower of as the world turns and guiding light. To put on more ridiculous game shows and talk shows. Reality shows. Will miss them, I don’t even watch cbs anymore
I tuned in to coldcase for the music as wellas the story. How dare cbs drop the show!!!!! Very sad indeed:-(
I loved the show and miss it very much I do watch the reruns on m-f and sunday evenings
thanks
COLD CASE SHOULD OF HAD A 8TH SEASON…..COLD CASE IN THE TOP 20 EVERY WEEK….CBS CHEATED COLD CASE FROM A 8TH SEASON…. THAT JACKED UP….. GET COLD CASE BACK ON…..PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION FOR A 8TH.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/coldcase8th9thseason-50episodes
THANK U
Dodge Saienni
8TH FOR COLD CASE
NOOOOOO
I LOVE THE SHOW
VERY sorry to see the series go the way of Without A Trace – two GREAT shows. Seems all we’re stuck with vampires – who makes these decisions anyway???
Cold Case cancelled? You must be joking. Enjoyed every episode – one the best programs on TV these days. I am very, very disappointed.