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 was traumatized when this series was cancelled. Every character carried themselves with dignity. It was one of the rare series where the ” black characters” had roles that didn’t fall into stereotypes. I loved this show … to this day.
This show was such a high quality show. I can’t believe it was cancelled. Every show left me with a tear in eye.
Really loved cold case one of the better American tv shows most annoyed its been scrapped had the hots for Kathryn Morris .Reality crap rules the air waves there just as much as it does here in the Uk
Why?! Cold Case was one of my favorite TV shows for 5 years!Now its cancelled?Please do sell it on dvd you guys ;( I want to remember watching the show on the big screen and not on laptops or computers!Satisfied with the show…disappointed by CBS & the audience who would rather watch The Simpsons!!
I am thankful to all who left comments, they seemed to be all positive. I totally agree with the statements saying, Cold Case was by far one of the best shows on TV, it was very realistic, and like others stated, captivated my attention. I also wish I knew where these fictitious numbers come from, since all my family and I watched cold case faithfully. It would be on 3 tvs at the same time in my house, I wish this would have never went off the air, still very sad
It’s Sunday night, and not one of the channels has anything to offer, unless I want to watch a rerun of “Law & Order: SVU,” on NBC, which is an excellent program. CBS has a rerun of “60 Minutes,” and then nothing worth watching. I can’t believe that the ratings dropped on “Cold Case.” I don’t know anyone who wasn’t watching it and misses it still. I am going to presume that the people who were asked what they were watching were watching cartoons and other nonsense programs (at any age). America is SO dumbed down! That would include those… Read more »
Hi,
I love the show>: Cold Case: I wish so much, that they would bring it out on DVD, like all the other shows.
I wish this show came back I want to know what happens after the last episode.
If any of you want to watch it again here’s a link where you can watch all the episodes free
I agree, bring it back to television.
Yessss they NEED to bring it back!!! I want to know what happens at least close it off instead of stopping abruptly!
I love this show. Sadly I did not discover it until after it was canceled.I watch it everychance I get ;reruns. It is sad that it had to end when there is so little offer for those who cannot aafford cable. I am so sick of the reality TV crap.It is an insult to the viewers. Thanks for 7 great seasons and lots of reruns.
My family & I loved cold case…and all the reruns on ION. We are really disappointed that it was cancelled…such a great program…one of the best. 🙁 Morgan family
Next to NCIS, this was my favorite program, and I NEVER missed either one. It’s outrageous that it was canceled. Just what is it that NBC broadcasts to top it? I don’t know who the people were that were asked if they watched it, but I wasn’t, and neither were any of my friends who watched if (faithfully). We all loved the period music. The casting could not have been more brilliant, as it was truly realistic, and the chemistry between the cast was amazing. The scripts were excellent, as was the acting. Each program was riviting, and there was… Read more »
I agree with Ms Klein. The casting was indeed brilliant with wonderful casting. I also think that NCIS is excellent. Cold Case had well written scripts, truly great actors, great casting, beautiful music. Part of the realism was the apparent capabilities of the actors to act independently yet as a unit. Realistic moments must not be on the agenda at CBS. I have been recording NCIS because I fear that one morning some executive will get a burr in his cap and cancel it. My son has been recording Cold Case from an Ion station for me. I did not… Read more »
I am so very sad that this show was cancelled it now shows all day on a channel called ION on Fridays. I think a different time slot would have increased the ratings.
I’m addicted to watching it all day every Friday. My kids know not to bother me, and I order out so I don’t have to cook.
Cold case had so much to offer as each case was interesting and it was good to see them dealt with in a caring way.
Maybe cbs should of looked at over seas rating and looked at how the show could be spiced up without cancellation of it.
I love this show but due to where I live and my schedule throughout the long day I can’t watch cold case. My mom loves it too but she can’t watch it either because she doesn’t have cable so she doesn’t get the channel to even get it. though it does come on about once a week on abc it’s usually at 1:30 2:00 in the morning I wish it wasn’t canceled because people don’t watch it a lot because they don’t have cable and there schedule doesn’t let them watch it late at night / early in the morning.
an very sad Cold Case is cancelled. i love the show very much. It is one of the best crimes shows on tv. My problem is even the reruns are showing at 9 in the morning which is working time in the Philippines.