Cold Case Timeline ( Real )

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September 28, 2003

Premiere of Cold Case TV Show

Cold Case premiered on CBS, introducing audiences to a police detective who solves old, unresolved cases.

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May 9, 2004

Cold Case Season 1 Finale

The finale episode of the first season of Cold Case aired on CBS.

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May 19, 2010

Cold Case TV Show Cancellation

CBS officially announced the cancellation of Cold Case after seven seasons.

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May 2, 2010

Final Episode of Cold Case Airs

The series finale episode of Cold Case aired, concluding the show's run.

Cold Case Timeline ( Fictional )

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1931

The Murder of Anna Bruckner

Anna Bruckner is found murdered in 1931, which becomes one of the cold cases reopened years later.

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1980

Resurrection of Lily Chao's Murder Case

Lily Chao's 1980 murder case is reopened and solved, revealing hidden family secrets.

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1998

The 1998 Girl in the Box Case

A young girl is discovered trapped in a box, revealing a complex kidnapping and abuse scenario.

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Early 2000s

First Use of Modern Forensics in Cold Case Unit

The Philadelphia PD Cold Case Unit utilizes DNA evidence for the first time to solve a cold case from the 1970s.

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Early 2000s

Lilly Rush Joins the Philadelphia PD Cold Case Unit

Detective Lilly Rush starts working in the Cold Case Unit, focusing on solving decades-old murders.

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1963

The Resolution of the Joan Ferguson Case

Joan Ferguson's 1963 murder case is solved revealing the perpetrator was someone close to her family.

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1974

Discovery of the 1974 Serial Rapist's Identity

The cold case concerning a 1974 serial rapist is finally solved using new investigative methods.