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20038
DramaMisdaadMysterie
Uitgebracht
28 sep 2003
Land
Verenigde Staten
Producties
Jerry Bruckheimer TelevisionKurtis ProductionsWarner Bros. Television
De enige vrouwelijke detective van het Philadelphia moordteam vindt haar roeping wanneer ze gevallen krijgt die nog nooit zijn opgelost. Detective Lilly Rush combineert haar natuurlijke instincten met de moderne technologie die vandaag beschikbaar is om gerechtigheid te brengen voor alle slachtoffers die ze kan helpen.

About

Quick guide

Cold Case follows Detective Lilly Rush as she solves unsolved Philadelphia murders.

Cold Case centers on Detective Lilly Rush, a Philadelphia homicide officer who specializes in cold cases—investigations that have been dormant for years. Each episode opens with a new lead, and the team pieces together evidence using flashback sequences that dramatize the crime scene. The show examines social issues such as racism, homophobia, and police brutality through a historical lens, while keeping the focus on methodical detective work.

What to know

  • Detective Lilly Rush is the central character.
  • The series ran for 7 seasons with 156 episodes.
  • Each episode features a single cold case spanning decades.
  • Flashbacks are shown via double casting of characters.
  • The show explores social issues across the 20th century.
  • It is set in Philadelphia and follows a realistic police department.
  • The show was canceled in 2010 due to ratings decline.
  • Episodes often feature period‑appropriate music to set the mood.

Watch if

If you appreciate crime dramas that combine forensic investigation with deep social commentary, and enjoy shows that use flashbacks to flesh out character history, Cold Case offers a steady, methodical pace that rewards attentive viewers.

Skip if

If you prefer fast‑paced, high‑energy crime shows with continuous action, or if you’re sensitive to mature themes such as violence and complex moral questions, this series may feel slower and too introspective.

crime violencedark tonedialogue heavyinvestigation heavylanguage somemature themespsychological elementssuspensefulsome gore
Series Premise
Cold Case follows Detective Lilly Rush, a homicide detective in Philadelphia, who investigates cold cases that have gone cold for years. The show blends contemporary forensic methods with historical evidence, weaving together present‑day detective work and period flashbacks that reveal how victims lived before their deaths. Episodes are self‑contained stories that reflect the broader social climate of their time.
Narrative Structure
Each episode relies on a double‑casting technique: the same actors portray characters both at the time of the crime and in the present. This creates a visual link between past and present, allowing the audience to see how decisions made decades earlier influence current investigations, while the narrative maintains a tight, episode‑by‑episode focus.
Character Focus
Lilly Rush starts with a brief partnership with Detective Chris Lassing, later pairing with Scotty Valens. Over seven seasons she evolves from a novice to a seasoned investigator, balancing professional duty with personal growth. Supporting characters—Nick Vera, Will Jeffries, and Kat Miller—provide depth and varied perspectives on the team dynamic.
Historical Themes
The series tackles issues such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, abortion, and police brutality, using each case to highlight how these topics shaped the lives of victims and investigators. Flashback scenes expose the social realities of each era, offering commentary on progress and persistent injustice.
Tone and Style
Cold Case adopts a dark, suspenseful tone with dialogue‑heavy scenes that emphasize investigative detail. The show incorporates realistic violence and some gore, while focusing on the psychological impact of long‑held mysteries. Period music underscores the flashback sequences, enhancing emotional resonance without overwhelming the narrative.
Production Details
Created by Meredith Stiehm and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Television, the series aired on CBS from 2003 to 2010. It ran for seven seasons, totaling 156 episodes before cancellation due to declining ratings and scheduling challenges. The show’s format was later adapted for Japanese and Russian audiences.

FAQ

40 Q&A
How does the show depict solving old cases?
The show depicts solving old cases by having a special police unit re-investigate crimes that have gone cold, meaning they were never solved when they first happened. Detectives use new clues and old evidence to find the killer.
What were some memorable cases from Cold Case?
Memorable cases often involved victims from different backgrounds and time periods, such as a young woman murdered in the 1940s, a professional baseball player in the 1960s, or a child from the 1980s. Each case highlighted the specific social issues and culture of its era.
Who created the TV series Cold Case?
The TV series Cold Case was created by Meredith Stiehm.
What is the significance of flashbacks in Cold Case?
Flashbacks in Cold Case are used to show what happened during the crime and the victim's life before they died. They help the detectives and the audience piece together the mystery.
What is the significance of 'cold cases' in the show?
The significance of 'cold cases' in the show is that they represent unsolved mysteries and forgotten victims. By solving these cases, the detectives bring closure to families and ensure justice is served, even years later.
How does Cold Case differ from other crime dramas?
Cold Case differs from other crime dramas by focusing on crimes that happened long ago. It often emphasizes the victim's story and uses music and visuals from the past to create a unique atmosphere.
What is the tone of Cold Case?
The tone of Cold Case is generally somber and reflective, focusing on the sadness of unsolved crimes and the importance of giving victims a voice. It can also be hopeful as justice is achieved.
What are the recurring themes in Cold Case?
Recurring themes in Cold Case include justice for victims, the passage of time, the impact of past events on the present, and the idea that no one should be forgotten.
Who is the main cast of Cold Case?
The main cast of Cold Case includes 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 Tracie Thoms as Detective Kat Miller.
What kind of cases do they solve in Cold Case?
They solve a variety of homicide cases that have remained unsolved for many years, often spanning decades. These cases involve victims from all walks of life and different historical periods.
What is the emotional impact of the cases on the detectives?
The emotional impact of the cases on the detectives is significant, as they often become deeply invested in the victims' stories and the families' pain. They experience frustration, sadness, and satisfaction as they work towards solving the mysteries.
What is Detective Lilly Rush's role?
Detective Lilly Rush is the lead detective who often takes a personal interest in the victims and their cases. She is empathetic and determined to find the truth and bring closure.
What happened in the final episode of Cold Case?
In the final episode, Detective Lilly Rush faces a personal decision about her future, and the team works on a case involving a young woman who disappeared in the 1970s. It provides closure for many storylines.
Does Cold Case have a specific setting?
Cold Case is primarily set in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the special unit works to solve old crimes.
Are the cases in Cold Case based on real life?
While the cases in Cold Case are fictional, they are often inspired by real-life unsolved crimes and societal issues from different historical periods.
When did Cold Case first air?
Cold Case first aired on September 28, 2003.
What is the premise of Cold Case?
The premise of Cold Case is about a police unit that reopens and investigates unsolved homicides from the past, often decades old, to find justice for the victims and their families.
Who plays the lead detective in Cold Case?
Kathryn Morris plays the lead detective, Lilly Rush, in Cold Case.
How is music used in Cold Case?
Music is a crucial element in Cold Case, with popular songs from the era of each case being used extensively to set the mood and provide context for the time period.
Who are the supporting characters in Cold Case?
Supporting characters in Cold Case include Lieutenant John Stillman, who leads the unit, and Detectives Nick Vera and Scotty Valens, who work alongside Lilly Rush. Later, Detective Kat Miller also joins the team.
Who are the main characters in Cold Case?
The main characters in Cold Case are Detective Lilly Rush, Detective Scotty Valens, Lieutenant John Stillman, and Detective Nick Vera. Detective Kat Miller also becomes a main character in later seasons.
Why did Cold Case end?
Cold Case ended primarily due to declining ratings and the decision by CBS not to renew the series after its seventh season.
How many seasons of Cold Case were made?
Seven seasons of Cold Case were made.
What is the typical structure of a Cold Case episode?
A typical Cold Case episode begins with the discovery of new evidence or a new lead on an old case. The detectives then investigate, using flashbacks to show the victim's past and the crime. The episode usually concludes with the identification and arrest of the killer.
What is the TV show Cold Case about?
The TV show Cold Case is about a Philadelphia police department unit that re-investigates unsolved murders from the past. They use modern techniques and old evidence to find justice for victims who might otherwise be forgotten.
What is the role of the medical examiner in Cold Case?
The medical examiner helps solve the old crimes by looking at dead bodies and figuring out how and when the person died.
Who is Kat Miller in Cold Case?
Kat Miller is a detective who is part of the Cold Case unit. She is known for being tough and smart.
Do the detectives in Cold Case have personal lives that affect their work?
Yes, the detectives' personal lives sometimes come up and can influence how they handle their cases.
What is the backstory of Detective Rush?
Detective Rush has a personal connection to some cases because of her own past experiences and family history.
What are the challenges of solving cases that are decades old?
Solving old cases is hard because evidence can be lost, witnesses forget things, and memories fade over time.
What were the production challenges of Cold Case?
Making Cold Case was tough because they had to find music from different eras and film in many locations to make the stories feel real.
Who is Scotty Valens in Cold Case?
Scotty Valens is a detective on the Cold Case team. He often works closely with other detectives on difficult cases.
What is the relationship between the characters in Cold Case?
The characters in Cold Case work together as a team, often supporting each other as they investigate old crimes.
How does technology play a role in Cold Case?
Technology helps the detectives by allowing them to find old records, analyze clues, and sometimes identify suspects in cases that happened long ago.
How was the music for Cold Case chosen?
The music for Cold Case was carefully picked to match the time period of each old case, making the show feel authentic and emotional.
What was the reception of Cold Case by critics?
Critics generally liked Cold Case, praising its unique approach to crime stories and its emotional depth.
What was the audience reaction to Cold Case?
Audiences enjoyed Cold Case, especially its compelling stories and the way it brought justice to forgotten victims.
What are fans saying about Cold Case online?
Fans often talk about how much they miss Cold Case and appreciate its meaningful stories and well-acted characters.
Who is Jeffries in Cold Case?
Jeffries is a character in Cold Case who often provides support and information to the detective team.
Is there a revival or continuation of Cold Case planned?
There have been discussions and some news about a possible revival or continuation of Cold Case, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Acteurs

Kathryn Morris
Kathryn Morris
Lilly Rush
Danny Pino
Danny Pino
Scotty Valens
Jeremy Ratchford
Jeremy Ratchford
Nick Vera
Thom Barry
Thom Barry
Will Jeffries
Tracie Thoms
Tracie Thoms
Kat Miller
John Finn
John Finn
John Stillman