An iconic crime series is returning to the CBS airwaves. Deadline reports CSI: Vegas is the latest iteration of the most-watched drama series of the 21st century. Set for the 2021-22 TV season, the show returns to its first stomping grounds of Sin City with William Petersen (Manhunter, To Live and Die in L.A.) and Jorja Fox (ER, Momento) reprising their roles as Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle, respectively.
“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 Kelly Kahl, President, CBS Entertainment via Deadline. “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,” Kahl stated via Deadline.
According to Deadline, Petersen and Jorja will join forces with a team of new investigators to prevent a threat against the Las Vegas Police Department. The new team will be led by Paula Newsome’s Maxine. She is joined by lead investigator Josh, played by Matt Lauria. Mel Rodriguez will play Hugo, the head medical examiner. That leaves the youngest member of the team, Allie, played by Mandeep Dhillon. Original cast member Wallace Langham will reprise his role as David Hodges.
“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 via Deadline. “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 new group of talented actors in CSI: Vegas,” Bruckheimer said via Deadline.
This spiritual reboot will be helmed by writer Jason Tracey (Burn Notice, Elementary) via Deadline. He will executive produce along with Jerry Bruckheimer TV and CBS Studios. Other executive producers include original series creator, Anthony E. Zuiker (CSI: Miami, CSI: Immortality), KristieAnne Reed (LA’s Finest, Hightown), and Jonathan Littman (The Amazing Race, Lucifer). They are joined by Petersen and his producing partner, Cynthia Chvatal (Hard Promises, Keep the Change). Carol Mendelsohn (Prism, Game of Silence), Ann Donahue (Picket Fences, CSI: New York) and Craig O’Neill (Tragedy, CSI: Cyber) round out the producing team. The pilot episode will have Uta Briesewitz (Iron Fist, XX/XY) serve as director and executive producer.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigators premiered twenty-one years ago, forging the police procedural for the new millennium. According to Deadline, Petersen and Fox were joined by included George Eads (MacGyver, The BAttle of Jangsari), Gary Dourdan (A Different World, Jumping the Broom), Paul Guilfoyle (Session 9, The Local Stigmatic), and Marg Helgenberger (All Rise, Species). After Petersen’s departure in season nine, he was replaced by Laurence Fishburne (blackish, Hannibal) and later, Ted Danson (Mr. Mayor, Cheers). Fox left as a series regular in season eight, but often guest-starred. She returned to the series in season 12. CSI spawned several spinoffs set in Miami and New York. The latest explored the world internet crimes in CSI: Cyber.