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’m going to re-open the CBS Cold Case files and find out how it was cancelled after only a young life of 7 years. It might be possible to bring back Cold Case, recently “THE Killing” on AMC cancelled after a disappointing second season BUT, less than a month later Netflix and DirecTV showed up and teamed with Fox Studios to revive this show for a third season for May 2013. Now just imagine Cold Case on Fox 2013…anything is possible. IT CAN’T RAIN ALL THE TIME.
I just wanted to reiterate how STUPID the execs. at CBS was to decided to cancel one of the BEST television program in the history of television. YOU think “Friends” or “Sienfield” was good you might be retarded! Cold Case should have been in its 12th season right now, just like the confusing, and never ending “SVU” on NBC. Maybe the chaps at NBC can bring this show back… Note: If it wasn’t for the gorgeous women and the innocent beautiful Moms who are murdered and that I feel sorry for on Cold Case (Ravaged, Mindhunters, Schadenfreude etc.) as well… Read more »
How did CBS have the audacity to cancel this beautiful show. I am one of the late arrivals for, never even knew it was on TV until it was too late. Very bad marketing/advertising by CBS on their part for this show, it was a gem! IT DESERVES ANOTHER CHANCE
I miss this show, I could not believe it was cancelled! Do what u have to doto bring it back. Please. This is one of my farvorite show . I think u should change the night it comes on.please put it back on!!!
It was a great show – unique, often quite educational about US history, wonderful music to match accordingly. I love it. Also, it is always nice to see justice finding its way regardless of time. I was very very disappointed when the show was canceled.
I too just discovered this show on ion channel.i would love to see it brought back.The majority of tv is pure trash.The producers must think we are morons to put out the silly reality shows and trashy, low class shows we are offered.I hope someone considers renewing it.
Please keep this show on air. I love this show.
They could’ve combined it with other Bruckheimer shows, like they had done with an excellent CSI/Without a Trace crossover episode. Maybe have a Without a Trace missing person be an accused in a Cold Case, so they have to reopen it. Or a CSI case has similarities to an unsolved Philadelphia case, so they have to reopen it. The last season did step away from the emotional stories. They could’ve brought those back.
I love, love, love Cold Case. Please bring it back! DVD release will work as well.
Watch this on ion channel. Didn’t know it existed before that. Wish I had known. Love this show and what a great concept. Love the stories, sad though. Sit for hours watching it. Great cast. Please bring them back. We need more good shows instead of the stupid reality shows that seem to be dominating most of the channels.
It’s not too late to bring back great show
Didn’t find out about this great show until it had been cancelled. I love this show! My sister-in law also loves this show. I also like it better than Without a trace. I do not remember it being on any of the prime channels, but wished I had known. I can’t get enough of it. Please bring it back with all the original cast. I realize that Danny is on a new show now but I think him and Kathryn make a great team. The stories are great (and sometimes very sad) with the combination songs added. Great idea!
great show better than without a trace bring it back
i love this show its so interesting and should be on dvd i would really like to have it my whole family loves the show
Without Cold Case or Without a Trace I have no reason to watch CBS or any network television.