“Cold Case” Revival: CBS Considers Reboot with Creator Meredith Stiehm

CBS is considering reviving the crime drama “Cold Case” with a reboot from the show’s original creator, Meredith Stiehm. The network is currently in negotiations with Warner Bros. TV for the potential revival, which would bring back the series that initially ran from 2003 to 2010.

The untitled “Cold Case” reboot would be set 15 years after the original series’ finale and feature a new team of detectives investigating cold cases across the Southwest. This change in location from the original Philadelphia setting allows for the introduction of new characters and storylines while still being connected to the world of the original show.

“Cold Case,” which aired on CBS for seven seasons, followed Detective Lilly Rush (portrayed by Kathryn Morris) and her team as they worked on unsolved cases, known as “cold cases,” in the Philadelphia Police Department. The show also starred Danny Pino as Detective Scotty Valens, John Finn, Jeremy Ratchford, Thom Barry, and Tracie Thoms.

Stiehm, who served as the series creator and executive producer on the original show, will write the script for the reboot and executive produce alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and KristieAnne Reed for Warner Bros. Television and CBS Studios. Stiehm’s involvement ensures a connection to the original series, and fans are eager to see if any original cast members might make special appearances.

The potential “Cold Case” reboot follows the successful revival of another Jerry Bruckheimer-produced series, “CSI,” which returned as “CSI: Vegas” in 2021. With a strong track record of reviving beloved crime procedurals, CBS is well-positioned to bring back “Cold Case” and capture the attention of both new and longtime fans.

While negotiations are ongoing, sources stress that a deal between CBS and Warner Bros. TV is not imminent. The network’s 2024-25 slate is already packed with new drama series, giving them the flexibility to take their time with the “Cold Case” reboot.