# CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

> American crime fiction television series (2000–2015)

**Wikidata**: [Q117396](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117396)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CSI:_Crime_Scene_Investigation)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/csi-crime-scene-investigation

## Summary
*CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* is an American crime fiction television series that aired from 2000 to 2015, pioneering the forensic procedural genre. Created by Anthony E. Zuiker and Ann Donahue, the show followed a team of forensic investigators in Las Vegas, blending police procedural elements with dramatic storytelling. It became a cultural phenomenon, spawning multiple spin-offs and influencing the crime drama landscape.

## Key Facts
- **Title**: *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation*
- **Genre**: Crime fiction, police procedural, drama television series
- **Original Network**: CBS (American broadcast television and radio network)
- **Aired**: October 6, 2000 – February 15, 2015 (15 seasons)
- **Creator**: Anthony E. Zuiker (American television producer, screenwriter)
- **Co-Creator**: Ann Donahue (TV writer)
- **Main Character**: Gil Grissom, portrayed by William Petersen (American actor)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Production Company**: CBS Productions
- **Spin-offs**: *CSI: Miami*, *CSI: NY*, *CSI: Cyber*
- **Finale Episode**: *Immortality* (2015)
- **Awards**:
  - Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
  - Satellite Award for Best Television Series – Drama
  - Genesis Award (Humane Society of the United States)
- **Notable Cast Member**: William Petersen (starred as Gil Grissom, left in 2008, returned for finale)
- **Cultural Impact**: Popularized forensic science in mainstream media
- **Total Episodes**: 337 across 15 seasons
- **Related Franchise**: Part of the larger *CSI* media franchise
- **Aliases**: *CSI*, *CSI: Las Vegas*, *CSI: LV*

## FAQs

**What is *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* about?**
*CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* is a crime drama series that follows a team of forensic investigators in Las Vegas as they solve murders and other crimes using scientific evidence. The show blends police procedural elements with dramatic storytelling, focusing on the meticulous work of crime scene analysts.

**Who created *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation*?**
The series was created by Anthony E. Zuiker, an American television producer and screenwriter, with contributions from Ann Donahue, a TV writer. Zuiker developed the concept, which became one of the most successful crime dramas in television history.

**How many seasons and episodes does *CSI* have?**
The show ran for 15 seasons, from October 6, 2000, to February 15, 2015, with a total of 337 episodes. The finale, titled *Immortality*, aired in 2015, concluding the original series.

**Who played the lead role in *CSI*?**
William Petersen starred as Gil Grissom, the show’s central character and a forensic entomologist. Petersen left the series in 2008 but returned for the finale. His performance earned critical acclaim and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

**What awards did *CSI* win?**
The series received multiple awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series and a Satellite Award for Best Television Series – Drama. It was also recognized with a Genesis Award from the Humane Society of the United States.

**Did *CSI* have any spin-offs?**
Yes, the success of *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* led to several spin-offs, including *CSI: Miami*, *CSI: NY*, and *CSI: Cyber*. These shows expanded the franchise’s reach and popularity.

**What impact did *CSI* have on television?**
*CSI* revolutionized the crime drama genre by popularizing forensic science and procedural storytelling. It influenced subsequent shows and became a cultural touchstone, often credited with the "CSI effect," where juries expect high levels of forensic evidence in real-life trials.

## Why It Matters
*CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* redefined the crime drama genre by bringing forensic science into mainstream entertainment. Its meticulous attention to procedural detail and compelling storytelling captivated audiences worldwide, making it one of the most-watched television series of the 2000s. The show’s success spawned a multimedia franchise, including spin-offs, video games, and novels, cementing its place in pop culture. Beyond entertainment, *CSI* contributed to public awareness of forensic science, influencing both legal proceedings and educational interest in the field. Its legacy endures in the continued popularity of forensic-based dramas and its lasting impact on television storytelling.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering the forensic procedural genre** in television
- **15-season run** (2000–2015), one of the longest-running crime dramas
- **Screen Actors Guild Award** for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
- **Satellite Award for Best Television Series – Drama**
- **Genesis Award** from the Humane Society of the United States
- **Cultural phenomenon** known as the "CSI effect," influencing real-world legal expectations
- **Spin-off franchise** including *CSI: Miami*, *CSI: NY*, and *CSI: Cyber*
- **William Petersen’s iconic role** as Gil Grissom, a defining character in crime TV
- **High viewership and ratings**, making it a cornerstone of CBS’s primetime lineup
- **Innovative storytelling** blending science, drama, and police procedural elements

## Body

### **Overview and Concept**
*CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* is an American crime fiction television series that premiered on CBS on October 6, 2000. The show follows a team of forensic investigators in Las Vegas who solve crimes using scientific evidence, including DNA analysis, ballistics, and forensic entomology. The series is classified as a police procedural and drama television series, blending realistic forensic techniques with dramatic storytelling.

### **Creation and Development**
The series was created by Anthony E. Zuiker, an American television producer and screenwriter, with contributions from Ann Donahue, a TV writer. Zuiker developed the concept after being inspired by a forensic science seminar, aiming to create a show that emphasized the scientific aspects of crime-solving. The pilot episode was produced by CBS Productions and quickly gained traction, leading to a full-season order.

### **Main Cast and Characters**
The show’s central character is Gil Grissom, portrayed by William Petersen. Grissom is a forensic entomologist and the supervisor of the Las Vegas Crime Lab’s night shift. Petersen’s performance earned critical acclaim, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Other notable cast members included Marg Helgenberger as Catherine Willows, Gary Dourdan as Warrick Brown, and George Eads as Nick Stokes.

### **Awards and Recognition**
*CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* received numerous awards and nominations throughout its run. It won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series and a Satellite Award for Best Television Series – Drama. The show was also recognized with a Genesis Award from the Humane Society of the United States for its portrayal of animal-related crimes.

### **Cultural Impact and Legacy**
The series had a significant cultural impact, popularizing forensic science and influencing public perceptions of crime-solving. The "CSI effect" refers to the phenomenon where juries in real-life trials expect high levels of forensic evidence, partly due to the show’s influence. *CSI* also spawned a multimedia franchise, including spin-offs (*CSI: Miami*, *CSI: NY*, *CSI: Cyber*), video games, and novels.

### **Spin-offs and Franchise Expansion**
The success of *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* led to the creation of multiple spin-offs:
- *CSI: Miami* (2002–2012)
- *CSI: NY* (2004–2013)
- *CSI: Cyber* (2015–2016)

These shows expanded the franchise’s reach, each focusing on different locations and forensic teams while maintaining the core procedural format.

### **Finale and Conclusion**
The series concluded on February 15, 2015, with the episode *Immortality*, which served as both a finale and a tribute to the show’s legacy. William Petersen reprised his role as Gil Grissom for the finale, providing closure to the original series.

### **Notable Episodes and Story Arcs**
The show featured several notable episodes and story arcs, including:
- **Pilot Episode** (2000): Introduced the core team and set the tone for the series.
- **Season 1, Episode 23: "Identity Crisis"** (2001): A pivotal episode exploring forensic identity techniques.
- **Season 5, Episode 24: "Grave Danger"** (2005): A two-part episode directed by Quentin Tarantino, featuring a high-stakes hostage situation.
- **Finale: "Immortality"** (2015): Concluded the series with Gil Grissom’s return and the resolution of long-running character arcs.

### **Production and Filming**
The series was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, with some exterior shots filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show’s production design emphasized realistic crime lab settings, contributing to its authenticity.

### **Ratings and Viewership**
*CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* consistently ranked among the highest-rated television series during its run. It was a cornerstone of CBS’s primetime lineup, attracting millions of viewers weekly and contributing to the network’s success in the 2000s.

### **Influence on the Crime Drama Genre**
The show’s success influenced subsequent crime dramas, leading to an increase in forensic-based procedurals. Its blend of science, drama, and police procedural elements set a new standard for the genre, inspiring shows like *NCIS*, *Bones*, and *Dexter*.

### **Related Media and Merchandise**
Beyond the television series, *CSI* expanded into other media, including:
- **Video Games**: Multiple titles based on the series, allowing players to solve crimes as forensic investigators.
- **Novels**: A series of books expanding on the show’s cases and characters.
- **Comics**: Graphic novels and comic book adaptations.

### **Critical Reception**
The series received generally positive reviews from critics, praised for its innovative storytelling, strong performances, and realistic portrayal of forensic science. It was also noted for its influence on popular culture and the crime drama genre.

### **Legacy and Continued Influence**
*CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* remains one of the most influential crime dramas in television history. Its impact on forensic science awareness, the "CSI effect," and the proliferation of procedural shows ensures its lasting legacy in entertainment and beyond.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. [fernsehserien.de](https://www.fernsehserien.de/csi-vegas)
3. ["Dark Angel," "The Fugitive," and new shows on NBC and CBS. 2000](http://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/tv/reviews/3856/)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. BabelNet
6. Kinopoisk
7. Online-Filmdatenbank
8. Source
9. The Movie Database
10. [🔥 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation MBTI Personality Type - Television](https://www.personality-database.com/profile?pid=2&cid=2&sub_cat_id=19822)
11. FilmVandaag.nl