Summary
- A new CSI show in development post-Vegas cancelation means opportunities for a fresh narrative are exciting.
- Setting a shift away from Vegas likely, the new show could explore uncharted territories for the franchise.
- Learning from past shows' strengths and weaknesses is crucial for the next CSI series to carry on the legacy.
The CSI franchise has incurred many spinoffs from its original series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and though CSI: Vegas is canceled, new shows are certainly on the horizon. CSI: Vegas was originally meant as a miniseries that would serve as an epilogue to the first CSI, but its popularity allowed it to continue for three seasons. CSI: Vegas was unique in the franchise because it followed a more serialized format than the other shows, which were standard crime procedurals with episodic stories and light overarching storylines. A new show will have to determine which path to follow in its narrative.
It's safe to say that it won't take place in Las Vegas, as two shows have already covered this setting, but every other CSI show has taken a new setting and transformed it into a memorable part of the franchise.
There's a new CSI show in development despite Vegas' cancelation, and while it's sad to see Vegas go, the possibilities for the upcoming show are just as exciting. It's safe to say that it won't take place in Las Vegas, as two shows have already covered this setting, but every other CSI show has taken a new setting and transformed it into a memorable part of the franchise. Carrying on such a prolific legacy isn’t easy, but the next CSI iteration must learn from the mistakes of the past shows. Each series had specific strengths and weaknesses throughout their runs.
Though many CSI franchise characters could have returned in CSI: Vegas they won't get the opportunity to make a cameo now that the show is canceled. However, this showcases an excellent opportunity for cast members to be included in the upcoming series. Even if they won't be part of the main cast anymore, even CSI: Vegas characters could appear in the new show. Of course, it all depends on where and when the story is set. Playing with periods and settings would be a great way for the next show to distinguish itself and carve out a new niche.
The 1 Thing That Made CSI: Las Vegas Different From CSI's 3 Other Spinoffs
There was one major difference between the original CSI show and its spinoffs, especially CSI: Miami and CSI: NY, regarding the teams’ leaders.
6 A CSI: Miami Reboot
The very first spinoff that's almost as legendary as the original
CSI: Miami
CSI: Miami is a police procedural drama that aired for 10 seasons from 2002-2012 on CBS. The first spin-off of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, the series features a group of detectives working for the Miami-Dade Police Department's Crime Scene Investigations. David Caruso, Emily Procter, and Adam Rodriguez star on the show.
- Cast
- David Caruso , Emily Procter
- Release Date
- September 23, 2002
- Seasons
- 10
- Network
- CBS
The first thing that many fans think of when CSI: Miami is brought up is the long-running protagonist of the series, Horatio Caine (David Caruso). He was the leader of the Miami crime lab, and without his leadership skills, the other CSIs would have been lost. He's one of the best CSI team leaders because of his no-nonsense attitude and his resolve to do anything to save someone's life. It's iconic characters like Caine who would make a reboot of CSI: Miami a great choice for the franchise's trajectory. However, a brand new team would have to be centered.
Additionally, the setting of Miami itself is rife with opportunities for new crimes and dramatic intrigue.
The original actors are older and some are semi-retired, but seeing them make a cameo after a new team is introduced would still be amazing. Additionally, the setting of Miami itself is rife with opportunities for new crimes and dramatic intrigue. Its position on the ocean and proximity to such extreme levels of wealth and poverty simultaneously would allow the series to examine social and political issues more than ever before. Seeing the return of Eric Delko (Adam Rodriguez) as a major player would be a great evolution of his character and tie-in to the original show.
Watch CSI: Miami on Hulu or Paramount+.
5 A Grissom Backstory
The history behind the best character in the series
Although Gil Grissom (William Petersen) has already returned in CSI: Vegas, there's still plenty more to explore for his character, especially his past. For the majority of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Grissom was the team leader and easily the most interesting character on the show. However, while there are parts of his backstory that the audience learns throughout the show, much of his young adult life remains a mystery. His time researching and getting his Ph.D. as well as working his way up through the Las Vegas crime lab would be equally compelling.
A Grissom backstory could cast a new actor to play the young Gil and allow the series to go back in time to explore the evolution of forensic investigation when it was still in its infancy. The technological aspect of the CSI franchise has always been one of the most compelling parts of the show. Digging into how these techniques were developed and Grissom's impact on how the Vegas crime lab is run would seamlessly expand the universe. Other young versions of classic characters could make appearances as well, adding lore and layers to the existing canon.