Veteran actor Ted Danson is taking over the lead role on CSI in hopes of pulling the once invincible show out of a ratings free-fall that began when William Petersen (Gil Grissom) chose to depart on his own volition.
According to multiple online sources, CBS will soon announce that Danson’s character will relocate to Las Vegas from a Portland crime lab and will immediately play the supervisor of the grave shift to kick off season 12. His character’s name remains unknown but should be revealed in the official announcement expected to arrive within 24 hours. Other names considered for the role by CBS during an exhaustive search included John Lithgow (Dexter), Tony Shaloub (Monk) and Robin Williams.
Danson takes over for Laurence Fishburne who lasted just over two seasons as the Crime Scene Investigator lead. Fishburne’s contract expired at the conclusion of season 11 and though the actor openly talked of his desire to return, CBS chose to go a new direction in hopes of injecting some life into the sagging ratings.
With William Petersen leading the CSI team, the crime scene drama was consistently a top 5 show and often dominated Thursday evenings. Once he left and Fishburne took over, the ratings slipped to as low as position 30 in the last season.
Danson’s casting immediately adds clout to a cast that desperately needs it. He recently appeared on HBO’s Bored to Death, and before that on Damages and Curb Your Enthusiasm. His extensive leading man television resume also includes Becker and of course Cheers.
Season 12 of CSI starring Ted Danson will premiere this fall on CBS.
Source: EW
