Summary

• A Cold Case reboot is planned with original creator Meredith Stiehm attached to write the pilot episode.
• The reboot will feature new characters and will now be set in the American Southwest.
• The Cold Case reboot is currently in development, and it hasn't been picked up for a series order yet.

Nearly 15 years after the original series went off the air, a Cold Case reboot is in development that aims to continue the popular procedural. Debuting in 2003, the original series was created by Meredith Stiehm and produced by TV maven Jerry Bruckheimer. In the show, Detective Lilly Rush (Kathryn Morris) of the Philadelphia Police Department investigates cold cases that have long since been shelved to provide victims with closure and expose glaring issues in the police system. Unlike its contemporaries, Cold Case took a hard look at modern policing, unafraid to point out its flaws.

Though it didn't have the decades-long staying power of shows like CSI, NCIS, or Law & Order, Cold Case is considered one of the great procedurals of its time and has aged quite well even as others became dated. Its critical nature is not only its strongest differentiating factor from other procedurals, but it was always the best avenue for great storytelling. The issues tackled in the original Cold Case are just as relevant today, which makes the newly-announced reboot series all the more interesting. Though few details are available, Cold Case could be reopened soon.

The Cold Case Reboot Is In Development

The Series Hasn't Been Picked Up Yet

Though the announcement isn't necessarily a confirmation that the show will happen, it speaks to the ongoing popularity of the Aughts classic.

Coming as something of a surprise for fans of the long-dead procedural, it was announced in April 2024 that a Cold Case reboot was in development. Though the announcement isn't necessarily a confirmation that the show will happen, it speaks to the ongoing popularity of the Aughts classic. The original aired on CBS, and it stands to reason that the show could either air on the network or be a streaming exclusive. Original series Creator Meredith Stiehm is back to pen the pilot episode, and legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer will also oversee the reboot project.

No cast members are attached, but it has been confirmed that the planned series will follow an all-new cast of characters and in a new setting. The original series took place in the greater Philadelphia area, but the Cold Case reboot will relocate to the American Southwest. Specific story details are still forthcoming, but it can be assumed that the new series will follow in the footsteps of its predecessor in terms of tone and story structure.

Cold Case is available to stream on Max

Who Is Making The Cold Case Reboot

The Original Creator Returns

Though the new show will feature an all-new cast of characters, many of the creatives behind the scenes are returning from the original series. Cold Case creator Meredith Stiehm will write the script for the show's pilot episode, and it's unclear if she will continue to write for the series if it gets picked up. Likewise, original series producer Jerry Bruckheimer will serve in that same capacity on the reboot, and his hefty name will add weight to the show's chances. KristieAnne Reed of Warner Bros. Television will also serve as a producer.

Jerry Bruckheimer's other recent shows include:

What Will The Cold Case Reboot Be About?

New Characters In A New Location

Instead of Philadelphia, the detectives of the reboot will operate in the American Southwest which opens the door for issues like immigration and the treatment of indigenous communities to factor into episode plots.

Specific story details are still elusive and will likely remain that way for some time. However, it is logical to assume that the Cold Case reboot will follow the same basic structure and tone as its predecessor, except with new characters in a new location. Instead of Philadelphia, the detectives of the reboot will operate in the American Southwest which opens the door for issues like immigration and the treatment of indigenous communities to factor into episode plots.

The original Cold Case was episodic and followed a case-per-week structure which saw detectives try to solve old cases that were shelved for any number of reasons. Typically, the detectives also uncovered historical wrongs that led to cases being dropped, and the issues mirrored real-life problems. A lot has changed in the 15 years since Cold Case went off the air, but many of the same problems are still around for the reboot to explore.