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 watch cold case reruns whenever I catch one on TV. I thought the acting was amazing and the way the stories flashed from the present to the past and back against period music was an amazing concept. Was really disappointed this great show was cancelled.
Cold case needs to come back! Thr only reason the viewing rating went down is bc of football going into overtime and ruined whole viewing of show.
I think it is sad that they cancelled this show.. I lived by it.. The only thing was that the reality tv shows always over ran so the show started late I used to Tivo it and I would only get 1/2 of it.. This could have been the issue with other viewers too.. Maybe CBS should have thought about that before cancelling it.. Get rid of survivor and Big Brother..
i love cold case. a great show. no matter what others might say.
putting their heart into s
no one should be forgotten.
I love this show and watch it religiously…i think you should look at some of the other things and dump them…gosh thanks for nothing
Please bring Cold Case back, it was my favorite show on Sunday nights. Great music and actors
We watch every rerun and DVR everyone of The Cold Case Shows. It was and still remains one of the best darn shows on TV. They moved it around so much it seems that we could never find it. It needed a prime time spot that we all knew. The cast I love and thought they played well together. I wish it would come back on. The reruns are still good even though we have seen most before.
I really loved this show, low ratings or not, i watched them all!….i dont understand why they couldn’t just move it to a new night , to tell you the truth what i think, id rather watch cold case any day over without a trace……makes no sense what so ever….im a very unhappy, that this was canceled … 🙁
ty, roxanne lucas
Good cancelled show what detective show relies on criminal confessing to crime in end to get conviction, its a lot of rubbish
It never fails, good some good shows never lasts, but the bads shows seam to stay on a bit to long.
i agree, they have all these dumb reality shows could do without …….BRING BACK COLD CASE i say… 🙁
sorry to see a program cancelled that had plot and interest when so many programs are
a challenge to your inteligence.
I LOVED watching Without A Trace and Cold Case. I looked forward to watching those shows, I really wished CBS would’ve cancelled some other shows instead. Wondering if the shows would ever return?
Cold Case was excellent, well put together with the period music throughout. Good acting by all cast members. What a shame that CBS (my favorite network) has cancelled it. Let’s get back to good wholesome TV and get rid of the degrading Reality Shows with their outrageous activities.
I totally agree with all your comments, James.
I am still waiting for Cold Case to come out on DVD!! Come on, already. Oh and please, CBS, continue release more DVDs for “Without a Trace”!
But anyway, I do miss Cold Case. I only saw the last season or two and really liked it. I am still disappointed in myself for not watching from the beginning Season 1. Which was why I am still waiting anxiously for CBS to release that show on DVD!
I HAVE COLD CASE DVDS THEY ARE ALL FROM SEASON 1 THREW
My husband, my momma and myself LOVED this show. It was so well done and the acting was perfect. What I want to know is why we have shows on the air still that lack any kind of family values.
Get rid of the trash and bring back Cold Case and Without a Trace. The two best shows on on TV!
Shame on CBS!
This was one of the best shows on TV. Bring it back!