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.
BRING IT BACK!BRING IT BACK!BRING IT BACK!BRING IT BACK!BRING IT BACK!BRING IT BACK!BRING IT BACK!
Very disappointed that the show was canceled as well as the total ******** that you cannot buy it in dvd form. One of the best things about this show was the use of period music and the unique sentimentality that rivals today’s more popular cookie cutter shows like reality tv that is in no way reality…
I’m so upset this show was cancelled. All the good shows are gone. That show was like the game clue and I love every second of the show. Please bring the show back
I tired writing via snail mail back when this series was canceled. I also tried writing to Kathryn Morris and both came back not deliverable. Do the networks think that the only group of people who buy products are 18 – 49? What an asinine thought. Older people generally have more to spend on goods. Cold Case was one of the few series that made you think and brought back music, clothing, trends etc. that were extremely enjoyable for those older than 49!!!!!!!!!! Do the Networks think that these STUPID Reality Shows are worth viewing. Sure, they may bring in… Read more »
We are so disappointed that Cold Case was cancelled. There are very few quality shows that are on regular TV and Cold Case was one of them. I am so sick of the reality TV shows – they absolutely suck and continually take money out of the pockets of writers, actors, etc. – disgusting. Cold Case was a well-written drama with an interesting angle that incorporated thought-provoking music. Why would they cancel it? Because nothing of good quality is interesting to the stupid American public.
Didn’t get to see last episode so I’m not happy about it being cancelled! When CBS finally does find a good show they always cancel it so I’ve been changing to other channels to see what else is out there. They could have at least tried it on another night before cancelling it!
I think they need to have a marathon weekend from the very first episode to the very last episode.
The show was great. Really up there with the great ones. The actors were all excellent. I was surprised that it was cancelled. They should really bring the show back.
I can’t believe they cancelled this show. They are replacing good shows like this with stupid stuff that’s not even worth turning the tv on for. I’m not sure what CBS was thinking…Oh wait!!! They weren’t!!!!
My biggest problem was that it was on a Sunday Night. I go to church and set TIVO to record, however if a ballgame ran over, I would end up missing the end of the episode. A better day and time spot would have most likely increased ratings. The show was top notch. And being a Philadelphia Fan, I loved the on-site filming and focus on Philly landmarks.
Please please bring back Cold Case!! Watching the reruns at 2AM in the morning is so underserving of a brilliant cast, writer, and production staff. I am a baby boomer and my friends and family related well to this program. There is and was nothing comparable to it on TV – I think this program is underestimated and wouldn’t be suprised if another network mimics it, then who will be humble pie? It would be good sense to revisit this decision and reverse it – I promise you will not regret it if you schedule it for Saturday eve or… Read more »
I LOVED this show – you USA channels need to consider other people around the world before you go ahead and cancel a greta/awesome TV show like this. I looked forward every week to relaxing after a long day with a cuppa and watching Cold Case….ahhhhhh
Ths was my “for sure” show to watch on Sunday night. I’m shocked that it was cancelled. I thought it was fantastic! I loved how the beginning started back to where the crime happened. I loved the cast. MISTAKE CBS!!!
So sorry to see this show cancelled!! Loved the cast and the concept. CBC should have tried moving it to a different night. This rivaled Law and Order! Won;t know what to watch now. Too muxh graphic violence on CSI:Miami and a very annoying lead character.
what a BUMMER!. . you cancelled one of the best ensemble casts on tv. the plots were great, the personal stories of the cast were intriguing, and the music added to the overall appeal.
i agree Rachel. I am so glad we get to see the repeats on TNT but in most cases we have seen the show and know how it ends. I am hoping to catch episodes i might have missed and to have not remembered certain details so i will enjoy watching the repeats. I really will miss this show and it’s sad that it still had so many viewers and they lost the show over lack of advertisers.
I think they need to have a weekend marathon of Cold Case. Start with the very first episode and end with the very last one.