CSI is returning to CBS.
The network has given a series order to CSI: Vegas, a revival of the flagship series in the franchise. William Petersen, Jorja Fox and Wallace Langham will reprise their roles in the drama.
In the works for more than a year, CSI: Vegas comes from CBS Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer Television, which produced the long-running original show. In addition to Petersen, Fox and Langham, the show’s cast includes Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria, Mel Rodriguez and Mandeep Dhillon.
“Twenty-one years ago, we launched CSI and watched in awe as this new cinematic series launched an entire genre and became a groundbreaking juggernaut that still has global resonance today,” said CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl. “We are thrilled to welcome the next generation of forensic criminalists to the CSI brand and unite them with the legendary characters from the past who we still love, including the extraordinary Billy Petersen and Jorja Fox. Crimefighting technology has advanced dramatically over the last several years, and combined with classic CSI storytelling, we can’t wait to watch this new CSI team do what they do best: follow the evidence.”
CSI premiered in October 2000 and eventually became one of the biggest shows on TV, ranking among the 10 most watched shows on TV for each of its first 11 seasons. It ran for 15 seasons and 335 episodes, plus a two-part wrapup movie in 2015. The CSI franchise eventually spanned four shows and nearly 800 total episodes.
“I’m excited to be bringing back the CSI franchise to all our fans who have been so loyal to us for all these years,” said executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer. “And to be back in Las Vegas where it all started over 20 years ago makes it even more special. We’ve enjoyed working on this project with CBS and look forward to welcoming back Billy, Jorja and Wallace as they join a new group of talented actors in CSI: Vegas.”
The new series will focus on an “existential threat” to the Las Vegas crime lab, which brings together a new team of forensic investigators and veterans of the lab.
Jason Tracey (Elementary) will serve as showrunner and executive produce with Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman and KristieAnne Reed of Bruckheimer TV; series creator Anthony Zuiker and longtime EPs Carol Mendelsohn and Ann Donahue; and Craig O’Neill, Petersen and Cindy Chvatal. Uta Briesewitz (Orange Is the New Black) will direct and exec produce the first episode.
Petersen played the lead role of crime lab head Gil Grissom for CSI‘s first nine seasons and returned for the two-part series finale. Fox was a regular for 14 of the show’s 15 seasons, and made occasional appearances in season nine. Langham joined the series in 2003 and remained until the end.
