CSI: Vegas, the latest addition to the CSI TV franchise, has been renewed for a second season. Most of the cast members of the freshman show are expected to return; however, one prominent face will not be returning to our screens – William Petersen.
Petersen’s exit is notable as the actor is a significant part of the franchise, having made his CSI debut with CSI: Crime Scene Investigation back in 2000. The actor appeared in both shows as Gil Grissom, a forensic entomologist, and a (former) supervisor for the Las Vegas CSI Unit. His lead role on CSI: Vegas marks his second lead role in the franchise after his turn at the inaugural CSI show. However, Petersen only agreed to appear in the initial 10 episodes and has opted not to proceed with the show as a cast member. He will be continuing with the show, though; Peterson will continue to serve as an executive producer for the second season of CSI: Vegas.
Additionally, Jorja Fox, who currently plays Sara Sidle on CSI: Vegas, reprising her role from CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, is also not confirmed for the second season. However, producers are hopeful that Fox will return as her contract allows her to continue in her role as Sidle if she chooses. The latest CSI show also stars Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria, Mandeep Dhillon, and Mel Rodriquez, and follows a talented team of investigators as they deal with a threat to their crime lab that could release thousands of convicted killers back onto the streets of Vegas.
The news of CSI: Vegas’ renewal comes just one week after the finale of the first season, which aired on December 8. The season, which debuted on October 6 and ran for ten episodes, was a hit for CBS. After a seemingly slow start, viewership rose 84% (3.71 million to 6.81 million) through its first nine episodes with seven-day playback. According to CBS, this is the highest playback among all the new TV dramas on any network this season.
Amy Reisenbach, EVP, current programs, CBS, has expressed delight with the show's performance, stating:
“The incredibly talented ‘CSI: Vegas’ creative team and cast did a superb job this first season, brilliantly updating and portraying the CSI universe with fresh stories and a new crime lab, proving that after 20 years, the CSI fan base is still hungry for more and ready to embrace a new chapter in this illustrious franchise.”
The first season of CSI: Vegas aired in the 10 PM slot on Wednesdays during its run, and the entire first season is currently streaming on Paramount+. The second season of the CBS show is expected to air during the 2022/2023 broadcast season.