CSI: Cyber S02E01 Still - H 2015
Richard Cartwright/CBSIt’s the end of a major franchise at CBS.
The network has opted to cancel CSI: Cyber after two seasons, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. It brings an end to the storied franchise whose flagship series was once the most-watched show in the world.
The decision to end the show comes as little surprise. The third spinoff in the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation franchise was left off of CBS’ midseason schedule as well as its massive 11-show renewal earlier this season.
While not a ratings breakout by any means (8.5 million total viewers and a 1.5 among adults 18-49), the sophomore drama was produced in-house by CBS Television Studios and had been a money-maker thanks to international sales.
Speaking with THR in January, CSI mastermind Anthony Zuiker said he remained hopeful that the Ted Danson, Patricia Arquette and James Van Der Beek drama would not be the end of the storied franchise: “It’s an amazing franchise and a very solid show. Because the future of crime is cyber, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t continue.”
In any event, Danson has already lined up his next gig with the lead role in NBC’s straight-to-series Mike Schur comedy The Good Place.
Meanwhile, CBS has already renewed all three of its NCIS series for the 2016-17 broadcast season, with the network said to be eyeing at least three to four new dramas for next season.
Keep up with all the renewals, cancellations and new series pickups with THR’s handy scorecard and follow the pilot crop status here. For full Upfronts 2016 coverage, go to THR.com/upfronts.
