Cold Case is an American police procedural crime drama TV series that aired on CBS from September 28, 2003, to May 2, 2010, spanning seven seasons and 156 episodes
. The show is set in Philadelphia and follows Detective Lilly Rush, a homicide detective who specializes in investigating "cold cases," which are unsolved homicides that have gone inactive due to lack of evidence or leads
. The series focuses on reopening these old cases using modern forensic technology combined with Detective Rush's instincts. Each episode typically centers on a single cold case, often involving murders from various decades of the 20th century, with flashbacks dramatizing events from the time of the crime. The show also explores social issues such as racism, sexism, and police brutality through these stories
. Key cast members include Kathryn Morris as Detective Lilly Rush, Danny Pino as Detective Scotty Valens, John Finn as Lieutenant John Stillman, Jeremy Ratchford as Detective Nick Vera, and Thom Barry as Detective Will Jeffries
. Despite its initial strong ratings and critical acclaim, including 12 wins and 28 nominations, Cold Case was canceled after its seventh season in 2010, leaving some storylines unresolved
. There were discussions about a revival in 2024, but no deal was reached as of September 2024
. The show is noted for its distinctive narrative style, including double casting to show characters at different ages and era-specific music that enhances the period atmosphere of each case
. In summary, Cold Case is a crime drama series centered on solving long- unsolved murders, combining procedural investigation with historical and social commentary, and it remains a notable show in the police procedural genre
