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.
yes i am sad to see cold case go !!!!!!!! it’s a great show !!! there are other shows that shoul have been canceled. it was 1 of my favs.
We couldn’t agree more – Cold Case was such a fresh idea with terrific acting and music. The concept was unique among all the “who-done-its.” Also agree with getting rid of the reality junk that’s all over the place now – too bad people aren’t allowed to “think” anymore! BRING COLD CASE BACK!!! PLEASE!!!
Ditto: Without A Trace!
I am a huge fan of Cold Case. I watched faithfully on Sunday nights on CBS and throughout the week on TNT and on Sunday nights locally. I was so pissed off the night when it went off and the local CBS affiliate announced that it was canceled. As I look at some of the shows CBS has on right now are you freaking kidding me??? taking Cold Case off the air was a huge mistake. Mike and Molly isn’t funny. Two and half men ( i love) no production is going on for them. how much longer can the… Read more »
I agree; Cold Case is one of CBS’ better shows. I’m so SICK of the reality shows (I have enough reality in my own life-a son murdered; caring for a sick husband who eventually died; runaway daughter turned into a great mother now dealing w/husband trading kiddy porn-unbeknownst to her; so many other things left unlisted due to so many of them). Evidently there are people whose lives are REALLY boring! Cold Case was my escape away for awhile and found interesting in getting information from old evidence using the newest techniques. Sure wish CBS would change their minds.
U need to bring cold case back! It was one of the BEST shows on tv. Get rid of those reality shows already. That seems to be all thats on anymore. They are boring! Please bring it back. Very disappointed when without a trace when off the air also. That to was a very good show. Shame on you cbs!
I agree there are too many talkshows and reality shows… stick to the good stuff.
So sorry you decided to cancelled this show (Cold Case) – acutally one of the few which demonstrates good acting, good script and just good, all round. CBS really should check with those of us who actually watch CBS. Wow. What a concept!
did it occur to cbs that the viewing went down because no one knew when COLD CASE was coming on.. the amazing race always ran long, over the time slot.. and i remember always changing the station waiting for COLD CASE to begin and thats gets old…. i got tired of flipping but i loved COLD CASE.
I LOVE COLD CASE SHOW. PLEASE BRING IT BACK !!!!
I was not sure if Cold Case was gone but know that I know it is another bad move by CBS. From firing John Marshell, the Morning Crew and now you have “MY NAMDE IS AND MUST BE PRONOUNCED Marisol”’ Castro. PLEASE DID ANY ONE TELL HER THIS IS AMERICA AND WE MAY BE A MELTING POT. GIVE ME A BREAK BE LUCKY YOU HAVE A JOB. NOT NICE BUT SHE JUST GREATS ON MY NERVES. THAT HEIGHT CHALENGED TW___
CBS has their head up their ass — Cold Case was one of the best shows ever — get rid of Undercover Boss or the new stupid Criminal Mind spinoff
I have bee waitng for Cold Case to return. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT RETURN, IT WAS
ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS ON TV. PLEASE BRING IT BACK!!!!!!!
They need bring the show back I really miss it
I loved the show it made me happy to watch all the amazing stories now I am saddened:((((
I am very very sad it has been cancelled its the most amazing cop show on tv to date.
from start to finish it entertains and its as if you know all the cast members .. totally brill.. CBS what are you thinking … oh yes money !!!!
I was sad to here that cold case was not coming back I have been waiting to see seasion 8 there are question left unanwsered that would have been anwsered in seasion 8. bring it back it was one of the best show on the air. I liked the old songs played it is a great show.
I was really disappointed they canceled the show. I loved it and I think it was way better than some of law & orders shows. Every show I got goose bumps, especially at the end when they see the victim. I will just keep watching reruns