Cold Case

Lore & Background

The show is set in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and follows Detective Lilly Rush (Kathryn Morris), a homicide detective who specializes in cold cases. She was initially partnered with Detective Chris Lassing (Justin Chambers) for the first five episodes, then with Detective Scotty Valens (Danny Pino) for the remainder of the series. They work under Lieutenant John Stillman (John Finn) and are assisted by detectives Nick Vera (Jeremy Ratchford), Will Jeffries (Thom Barry), and, from season three, Kat Miller (Tracie Thoms). Each episode typically focuses on a single investigation, with cases ranging from a year or two old to those dating back to the 1910s. Investigations begin when police receive a new lead or direction. The show is distinguished by double casting, where characters flash back and forth between their appearance at the time of the crime and in the present day. Flashback sequences dramatize testimony and examine issues such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, abortion, and police brutality.

Reader's Guide

Cold Case became a staple of the CBS Sunday night schedule, averaging a 3.5 rating in the 18–49 demographic and 15.1 million viewers by season two. Ratings declined in later seasons, with the final season averaging a 2.15 rating and 9.6 million viewers. The series set a rating record in season three, episode nine, attracting 19.36 million viewers. The show was cancelled after seven seasons, leaving unresolved cliffhangers from the final episode, 'Shattered'. A revival was discussed in April 2024, but a deal could not be reached between Warner Brothers Television and CBS. The series faced controversy over similarities to the Canadian series Cold Squad, with Cold Squad producers considering legal action in 2003. The show's music featured era-appropriate songs, and the theme song is an excerpt from 'Nara' by E.S. Posthumus. A Japanese adaptation, Cold Case: Shinjitsu no Tobira, aired in Yokohama, and a Russian adaptation, Without Prescription, was produced.

Did You Know?

• The series was cancelled on May 18, 2010, after seven seasons and 156 episodes.
• In season three, episode nine, 'A Perfect Day', Cold Case set a series rating record with 19.36 million viewers.
• A Japanese remake, Cold Case: Shinjitsu no Tobira, set in Yokohama, aired on WOWOW Prime from 2016 to 2021.
• The show faced a copyright controversy with the Canadian series Cold Squad, which debuted five years earlier.