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 from Brazil and a big fan of the series and felt really sad when I’ve heard about it being canceled. Unfortunately money is the reason and that’s embarrassing. Funny how it is easy to cancel such great series like CC and keep on air lots of trash.
Luckily we can still download it and watch whenever we want to.
I am a big fan of Cold Case and wished the show was back on the air. I can’t wait for it to come on DVD, I am going to buy all the shows.
I am sad to see it go. I truly do adore this series and have seen every episode multiple times, I had more than 30 saved in my recordings at one point. I passed the tv and saw that it was airing again in January and almost freaked out because I thought there was a new season, and then obviously, I read this and my beliefs were shattered.
WOW I can’t believe they canceled CC! I love watching it weekly, even the reruns. BIG MISTAKE CBS!!
I’m VERY upset about them canceling my ABSOLUTELY favorite show. I love CC & I’m very disappointed that its gone. I’m use 2 watching it every Sun nite. CBS really doesn’t know a good show when they have 1. Hopefully we’ll get 2 see the cast again soon.
Cold Case was one of the best shows ever. Perfectly made. Really sorry it was cancelled and they still broadcast all kinds of trash.
Watching this syndicated now. Still love every episode. SO well done…intelligent tv is in such short supply anymore. Agree with Danielle – the Sunday football/Amazing Race/time slot is continually inconsistent. Even for us DVR folks who are incredibly loyal. The technology doesn’t help and the over-running programming kills it. Reconsider, CBS!
I loved Cold Case. I think the network might have tried something else instead of just cancelling it.
Putting it an unreasonable hour is what killed CC.
Airing It after Amaxing Race….and then switching up the hours.
I am so bummed ~ that was and is one of my favorite shows! And it even sucks more that you can’t buy it on DVD.
Best TV show ever – worst network ever
I loved watching CC but work on Sunday nights and do not have Tivo so I’ve pretty must missed almost every episode. I do think that they should have just moved the show to another night, but it’s all about the money to networks 🙁
I am 73. Obviously I don’t spend enough money to influence the “deciders.” Pity. I would love to be able to buy DVDs of this show.
Love this show …don`t cancel it now…. why?
well i love CC and to bad that they canceled it but good thing is that i can find the episodes, download them and watched them over and over
idiot CBS i want CC back
Where did you download the Cold Case episodes? 🙂
torrents.en
Wow, everything for the almighty dollar. I love Cold Case, I enjoyed sitting down and watching it, it was amazing. It is funny how CBS can cancel such a great show like CC and continue to broadcast “The Young and the Promiscuous” and “The Bold and the Vain”.
I will miss you Detective Rush.