Call the FBI. There’s another victim of the cancellation axe over at CBS. The network has cancelled long-running crime drama Without a Trace.
First airing in 2002, Without a Trace follows an FBI team that’s tasked with finding missing persons. Each episode follows the search of an individual and tracks the time that they’ve been missing. The series stars Anthony LaPaglia, Poppy Montgomery, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Enrique Murciano, Roselyn Sanchez, and Eric Close.
The series averaged 15.09 million viewers in its first year on the air and grew to a high of 18.68 million for season three. The show’s ratings have declined over the years and season seven has fallen to about 12.2 million. Like many shows on CBS, the drama tends to skew older.
As part of cost-cutting efforts, CBS put Without a Trace and Cold Case on the bubble this time around. Both Jerry Bruckheimer series have become expensive over the years and the network insisted on cuts in salaries and production costs. Both have had an upsurge in the ratings lately but CBS was leaning towards renewing Cold Case.
And then, Cold Case was renewed for season seven at the beginning of this week. As of Sunday, it was looking possible that Without a Trace could still return for a midseason run but the network has now decided against it. Costs and an abundance of new and cheaper shows are contributing factors.
Coincidentally, the series finale of Without a Trace airs tonight. The episode is called “Undertow” and revolves around a man who disappears after a late night dive. Oscar winner Martin Landau (Mission Impossible) guest stars as the father of Jack (LaPaglia) and Danny (Murciano) and Elena (Sanchez) take their relationship to another level.
Image courtesy CBS.
There is a big hole in Tuesday night since Trace has been cancelled. I have seen every episode more than once and will miss Trace. It’s like a member of the family being gone.
I’m surprised that season 7 is it since the season finale did nothing to show a decent ending to the series. They don’t even show those 2 agents get married. I think they should at least tack on a few episodes to resolve the series – after all if a show has been around for 7 seasons it deserves a good finish. Prison Break was only around for 4 seasons and that show was tied up wonderfully at the end of the series. Why can’t you do it for a show that’s been around for 7 years?
i am not happy about the shuting down that show either but they need to close it out not just stop it, let people feel that the cast have settled in
Without a trace was a quality show. I’ll miss it.
I guess “younger” viewers watch shows that don’t involve much brain power,like The Bachelorette…and..Survivor season 1,000….I can’t believe shows with substance are getting axed to bring back garbage ….
Just read this…my husband and I are so disappointed. I agree with what Reina said…..all of the good, intelligent shows get canceled for stupid reality shows or dumb sitcoms, neither which we watch because as I said, they’re “stupid” and “dumb”.
The two shows we watch regularly are Without a Trace and Cold Case.
Unbelievable! No different than companies that cut the higher paid, knowledgeable employees for new, young, less experienced and unfortunately, quite often, people of lesser intelligence to save a buck.
Disappointed in Thousand Oaks
Kathleen, age 45
I am so disappointed in this decision. I have been a faithful viewer for a long time now and will miss the show.
I think they should go to another network….or move the drama out of NY if its that expensive to operate.
OMG, the shows I watch, Without a Trace, Cold Case and Eleventh Hour, all cancelled. CBS Sucks. These are the shows that have some intelligence! But of course big brother is back. Only morons get off on watching SCRIPTED “reality” tv! Well back to FOX!
Way overdue for being canceled!
One fo the few great shows that was left. I cannot believe it is being cancelled.
Cancel some of these reality shows.
There was easily another season left in this, I’ve got no time for cold case or CSI, WAT was miles ahead of either. I loved the ocasional comedy episodes aswell…..”Check Ypur Head” – anyone? This will be sorely missed.
Cancelling yet another great show, and keeping shows I have never heard of or know of anyone who watches some shows is ridiculous. Without a trace is better than all the police shows on TV, it blows all CSI shows out of the water. I will be sure to stay away from your network.
My husband and I have valued what CBS has brought to the forefront of television in terms of real situations and very applicable topics and drama. The fact that you’d consider canceling a show that so many look forward to and sometimes feel sincere growth while following characters that have become so very alive is extremely disconcerting. We will certainly have a very different feeling towards CBS in general because of this and it seems that others will as well. If possible, please continue this genuine show and help while you entertain those of us who appreciate reality. Thank you… Read more »
Why cancel one of the best shows on tv right now? The so called comedy sitcoms are so full of sexual inuendos that I will not allow them to be watched. Please reconsider. Who can we contact to plead our case. Why do you say that I already submitted this?
CBS is no different from any other BUSINESS forget what people enjoy and watch faithfully,ie,ratings just put out more “crap”TV and think we will watch…cancelling WITHOUT A TRACE did it for me..Hooray for all the NBC Law and Order shows.
u got me now..