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 am just sick over the fact that they cancelled Cold Case. This was the only non-reality tv program that enjoyed watching. The acting was terrific and the flash back sequences were wonderful. I am really hoping that they bring it back. I really miss not having anythng to watch on Sunday nights. 🙁 I’m in that 18-49 demographic and it never lost it’s appeal to me. Oh well, at least I still have the reruns to keep me entertained, but I really really really want it back!!!
Bring back the Rushvalen duo PLEASE!!!!!
I really miss Cold Case. This was such a great crime show. Please bring it back. And I agree with the other comment. I believe viewers stopped watching cause the slot was changing. I believe also it was programming error cause this show never lost it’s appeal. I hope it returns or gets picked up on another network. Till then my only comfort will be watching the reruns on TNT
I’m so sad that Cold Case has been canceled. I looked forward to that show!
I am sickened cold case has been cancelled. was one of the best shows on tv.
I stopped watching cold case because CBS kept ******** around with the time slot of Sundays because of Football with no notice to the viewer. If the ratings went down it was 100% on thier programing department.
We really thought after football season was over Cold Case would return. To our dismay it will not. Shame on you CBS exec’s. Great show, great actors, excellent acting and superb writing! Should have tied it up with a bow and not left the viewers hanging. ITA with other viewers, stop giving us empty programing read: Reality Shows. They stink! So does all the extra minutes that turn into half hours and hours of useless football! Bring this one back.
My husband and I looked forward to the COLD CASE show! Was it ever announced that it was being canceled???? We’re really sad to hear it won’t be back. Seems like every show we become involved with and really enjoy, the no-nothings cancel without warning ! Love to see it picked up by another network. One that appreciates GOOD acting and stories.
I don’t know, I absolutely loved that show and always looked forward to watching it. I can’t believe they cancelled it. I always loved trying to solve the case before they did and sometimes I actually did. Besides Danny Pino always made my sunday nights extra sexy!
I can’t believe they got rid of a great show like cold case. I don’t know about you but I would watch that before I would watch half these rediculously stupid reality shows. A great show will sadley be missed!!
My husband and I really LOVE watching Cold Case!! It is quite disappointing that it was cancelled, considering the type of show that are still on television. We felt that the concept of the show was unique compared to the other police crime dramas! Please bring Cold Case back, it is a wonderful show.
I loved Cold Case and thought it was one of the better shows on TV. I wish you had tried to change the night instead of cancelling it. A Monday or Thursday night time slot would’ve been great. So sorry to see it gone!
We loved Cold Case and we are sorry that it is gone. For us TV as not provided us with GOOD programing, even CBS, A lot of times nothing is good until 9:00 or 10:00 PM
Wed-Minute to win it for 2hrs come on, Thurs for 8:00-10:00 or Saturday any evening schedule its all repeats, some people are home all eve., you must respect the old as well as the young.
Say it’s not so! I loved Cold Case!
I loved Cold Case, I think it is a shame that this show has been cancelled. It seems like all the really good shows get cancelled.
I really enjoyed most of the programs but wish that the writers wouldn’t have tried to push the liberal agenda, several episodes pushed the gay and lesbian agenda, one used the example of a boy thinking he was really a girl, another pushed the horror of not having legal abortions. Regardless of person preferences I am sick and tired of being beat over the head with the same old junk. Cold case had the talent but the writers had the talent unfortunately the need to constantly make sure we get “it”, wore me down enough to stop watching it.
if you quit watching the show how did you know it got cancelled..the liberal agenda as you call it. it is on law and order it’s theam base on real life…best show on tv!!!!!!