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.
unbelieveable….cbs probably lost viewers because sundays are packed with series and viewers choices between several may have dropped some for cold case……luv the show ….used dvr to be sure to catch every episode. it is sad that good tv gets cancelled
I used to look forward to Sunday night and Cold Case. Now I keep the tv off. Too many reality shows
I agree with those above that stated the sports/tuning problem. We watch all our tv recorded via DirectTV. Never could get that show right. With sports pushing everything back, we usually ended up recording that race show that came on before it that we HATED. I finally gave up on trying to catch it. Never put a good show on after sports that are so unpredictable.
Unbelievable they canceled such a great show.
Instead of monetizing it a bit by bringing it out on DVD, the leave us with reruns or The Pirate Bay…
I am very sorry that CBS thought to cancel the show.Main problem is tht each time CBS has a successful show they choose to change the show time which of course will cause a drop in ratings.You wou think that by now that they (CBS) would learn something. But what can I expect from people who put shows like Surviour on TV-no brainer!!
This was by far one of my favorite shows on the air. I watched it dutifully since it started. I thought it was pretty poorly ended, leaving the storyline open like they did. I’ve been watching a lot of reruns of it lately and it just reminds me of how much I miss it. It had some great writing and awesome stories, not to mention the great music infused in it. Shame on CBS for putting it in the Sunday 10:00 “Kill Slot”. Really wish they would bring it back…..
I was very upset to see the show cancelled. But I say a commercial that said Cold Case was returning in March. Is this true, and if so when. Thank you in advance?
I loved Cold Case and I’m very sorry that it’s not on anymore. One reason the ratings went down was probably because TV Guide never had it on the right time!!! Also, it was always on later because of stupid football games. Some of us HATE football and can’t stay up long enough after it’s over to watch Cold Case!
This should be brought back and moved to a new night. CBS sports killed this show. you never knew what time it was going to be on.
It is getting were you are afraid to even start watching any series anymore cause you get cought up in it and then its gone! What about all the fans the show has we don’t count for nothing I think you need to find a way to keep these shows by maybe trying a different time slot or day to see what seems to bring more viewers. I really liked this show as I did many others that never went far, Something needs to be done to save these shows you have a ton of really stupid comedy ones that… Read more »
I am SO sad to see the series go I LOVED IT!! I only wish that they could some how be able to put the seasons on DVD, I hope they can sort it out with the music industry soon.
I’m very sad the show ended. I’m only glad I’m able to watch it late nights on Sunday! I go to work tired on Mon. but well worth it as long as I watch my cold case!
BEST SHOW EVER!!!!! pLEASE BRING IT BACK!!!!!
I’m very upset and sad. They need to bring the series back. It was entertaining and educational. I recommend another cable network pick it up. It is a great show. Maybe the reruns will trigger the mindsets on how great the show is and was.
I AM VERY VERY SAD TO SEE COLD CASE GONE. I AM ONLY FOURTEEN YEARS OLD AND I NEARLY CRIED WHEN MY MOM TOLD ME THERE WOULD BE NO MORE COLD CASE. I LOVE COLD CASE TO DEATH IT WAS AND STILL IS MY FAVORITE TV SHOW IF THERE IS ANY WAY AT ALL TO WORK THIS PROBLEM OUT AND BRING COLD CASE BACK THERE SHOULD REALLY BE SOME LOOKING INTO IT!!!