‘CSI’ May Return As CBS Eyes Event Series ‘CSI: Vegas’
We may have the ‘Chicago’ and ‘Law & Order’ franchises, but the other huge goliath of US procedural crime drama might (I stress MIGHT) be about to make a comeback, as reports circulate that CBS is currently looking at a ‘CSI’ event series titled ‘CSI: Vegas’.
Rumours started floating around in February that CBS was looking at doing something to mark the 20th anniversary of the original series this October… then the pandemic happened, and everything went on hold. Now, casting notices have been sent out looking at five new characters to join original stars William Petersen and Jorja Fox as Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle for another crime-solving spree.
According to reports, the series opens a brand new chapter in Las Vegas, the city where it all began. Facing an existential threat that could bring down the Crime Lab, a brilliant team of forensic investigators must welcome back old friends and deploy new techniques to preserve and serve justice in Sin City.
The casting notices include Maxine, the new head of the Vegas Crime Lab. She’s a former basketball coach, a top-flight scientist and a leader in the field of genetics. Recently divorced, she struggles with her son’s opioid addiction; Josh is a Level III CSI who is typically the lead investigator on cases and has a knack for crime scene reconstruction. He’s Vegas born and bred, and comes from a family of small-time crooks and scammers; Allie is an immigrant who followed her dreams to Las Vegas. She is a young Level II CSI with a bright future and a sunny disposition. A bonafide genius, she is a double Harvard whiz kid with a PhD in forensic archaeology; Chris is an up-and-coming Level 2 CSI. He’s a private school kid who started out in a white coat and worked his way into the field. Now, he’s a lab rat set free; Lastly, Hugo, who took over as Head Medical Examiner three years ago. He has an endless fascination with the bodies that find their way onto his slab, and the morgue is his happy place.
This potential series comes from writer/exec producer Jason Tracey, whose previous work includes shows such as ‘Elementary’ and ‘Burn Notice’, CBS TV Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer TV. Tracey would exec produce alongside Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman & KristieAnne Reed for JBTV, and original ‘CSI’ creator Anthony E. Zuiker. Peterson and producing partner Cynthia Chvatal would also EP.
Bringing back Grissom and Sidle for this series makes sense, given they were arguably the most enduring and beloved of the original cast. Whilst Petersen left the show in Season 9, and Fox left in Season 8 (although rejoined from Season 12), both returned for the 15th Season two-hour finale which saw them, quite literally, sail off into the sunset together. Whether any other of the old series regulars make an appearance remains to be seen. This is being touted as an “event series”, however, they are also setting things up in a way which could expand things beyond that, should CBS wish it.
As of right now, CBS as not officially “greenlit” ‘CSI: Vegas’, but the fact they are looking to cast would imply they are keen on bringing it back. We’ll let you know when we hear more.
