July 13th, 2011
09:56 AM ET
Ted Danson joins cast of 'CSI'Laurence Fishburne has left the "CSI" building, and CBS is bringing in another veteran actor to replace him. The network has announced that Ted Danson has signed on for Season 12 of the hit show. According to a CBS press release "Danson will play the new CSI Supervisor for the grave shift after heading the crime lab in Portland. He comes to the team as they continue to grapple with the professional and personal fallout from last season's take-down of serial killer, Nate Haskell." "You can create a new character on the page, but, until the perfect actor comes along and breathes life into it, it's just words," Carol Mendelsohn, the show's executive producer, said in a statement. "We're very excited Ted Danson came along." Danson is a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe award winner best known for his role as bar owner Sam Malone in the wildly successful NBC comedy "Cheers," which ended its run in 1993. Since then, he has appeared in several projects, including the FX series "Damages" and HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Danson will make his debut on "CSI: Criminal Scene Investigation" when the series returns on September 21. |
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I love CSI, but can't see Ted Danson on the show at all. I think Jake Weber from Medium would have been a nice choice. He could just stand there and let me look at him. But still miss William Peterson. The show isn't the same without him.
Please, Please, Please, Please just bring back William Peterson. I stop watching the show after he left. He is the only one who can make this show a CSI classic. Please bring him back before the show gets taken off the air.....
I'm a big fan of Danson's but I can't see him in this role. CSI's writing has slipped lately too, loose scripts with sloppy detail so I don't think the show's got much more life in it no matter who's playing lead. http://bit.ly/mQZBiV
Very interesting idea to cast Danson on CSI. He was TERRIFIC in DAMAGES - one of the all-time great villains.
CSI cast :
Ted danson : meh.
Frasier and Niles Crane : Bring it !!
I think that by bringing Ted Danson to the show, the end is near!!!!
what a STUPID move,the guy is going to bomb..
That just ended my watching CSI – seems the same 'old' acrors / actress just go around and around and anyone new sucks. TV is reaching a real low.
A new low? You watch anything else besides this creaky old show? Turn the channel and see what else is out there. Regardless of any of these tired, decadeold CSIs, this has been called the "Second Golden Age of Television" - and I agree with that assessment 100%.
Ted Danson - Cheers Boston - Shelley Long (the Money Pit !) - Kirstie Alley(debut in Star Trek.
Could we please go back to the rapless 80's when the music sounds more coherent. Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie, Chicago, Toto, .... Africa by Toto
I love CSI but this show was over the minute Grissom left.
bingo
Really???
And I meant the network because of it's practices, not because of the show. I stopped watching that ages ago because Sarah's whining just got to me.
CBS can go kiss it's own a$$. I won't watch it anymore.
I too am a fan of "CSI". But, I hope I can forget "Cheers" when I see Danson.
Sorry, Ted Danson is a terrible choice! No one will take him seriously. William Peterson really is the only man for the job!
You are all mean, talking like that about Kristie. You criticize Ted Danson, you might be surprise. You will just have to wait and see the next season of "CSI"...
I'm going to say to Ted what most of you would've if it was Jacquelin Smith,You're to old!
When Fonzi jumped the shark, 'Happy Days' was dead.
Ted Danson on 'CSI' is proof that the show's run is over. Finito.
Good thing CSI New York never forgot what the show is about.
Ted Danson is an excellent actor and very versitile! Cheers was one of my all time favorite shows but did him no justice...I recommend watching the movies "Cousins" and "Dad" (2 of my favorites) if you don't believe me.
I'll give the guy a chance before I throw up.
Hmm... could've sworn he was dead.
Why not just be done with it and cast Henry Winkler. The first show can be done on location in Hawaii....
(The ONLY person who could replace Peterson is Tim Curry. Same fans, different decade).
The fronz on CSI ??? That's even lower than danson. Tim Curry ????
i will NOT watch this show anymore now. can't stand this "replacement" actor.
Boy has CSI ever gone south!! It used to be a good show with William L. Petersen, but they started screwing things up with the different CSI spin offs. I used to watch CSI Miami, until they signed that LaRue thing, then I lost all interest.
Ever since William Petersen left CSI, that show is become crap, attracting all the low-grade has been actors. How Danson.......you're kidding!!! Turst me, that won't last. The views will speak loud and clear on that one. I am glad that I stopped being a viewer of the program years ago.
He will do fine........and leave Kirsty alone.....How shallow people can be
Upon seeing his first murder victim lying in the back alley behind a bar. ~ "NOOOOORM!"
Grissom was, at best, a mediocre character. The problem is the rest of the cast. Bring in a new team headed by Danson. Now that would be an improvement.
@iago:
Lol!
Will they just cancel this show already?? I stopped watching after Grissom left. Twelve seasons is about four seasons too many.
You all watch way too many TV reruns. If you think all he ever did was Cheers and Becker, you need to get out more. Check out Body Heat and Saving Private Ryan to name a few. He's done alot of serious non-comedic rolls in his very long career. All I know is Fisburne sucked eggs on this show and ruined it for me.
I wonder if the character will also have hair implants.
Fishburne was just awful, totally wooden, couldn't wait for him to leave (was so disappointed when he didn't die when stabbed a few seasons ago). I haven't seen Ted Dansen since Cheers, so I'm not sure how he will fare in this show. But, boy, has his face aged for the worse, and those are really ugly glasses.
Fishburne was terrible!
If we cant have Grissom I think Mark Harmon from NCIS would be an excellent choice for this part.
First case he will be on is to investigate the death of Shelly Long's career.
People still watch CSI?
I used to love the show, but as they ran out of credible ideas, the stories just kept getting more and more far fetched.
When Peterson left the show died. I still love the reruns of the early shows. Great stuff.
i think the show may "Jump the Shark" with this decision
Its a great show but it hasnt been the same since William Peterson left.
Nate Haskell murdered that show. He was a stupid character and took up too much time. I found it really annoying and totally sympathize with Fishburne for walking.
well there goes that show.
For those of you who are skeptical, check out the work he did on season one of "Damages." He is more than up for the part. I think this is a great casting decision!
they just lost another fan
With or without the toupee?
I like Fishburn, but never thought he was a good choice for this part. He never quite fit in. The whole team has lost its cohesiveness since the departure of Peterson. If Peterson isn't in the running to return to the show, and Danson isn't the guy to jumpstart the show, then I fear it will will not make it this season.
Sam should do fine... just don't bring that fat, dancing cow along!
A comedian to replace a grissly role model (Grissom).
What a joke.
For those of you who are labeling him a comedian, you might want to check out his more dramatic work. He's more than just the guy from Cheers. Did any of you see him on FX's "Damages?" He did an amazing job of playing a very dark and troubled character (and won some awards in the process). He's a talented dramatic actor and IMO very well suited for this show.
"Becker" was the funniest show ever. The scripts were brilliant. Cheers was great, I got so tired of "Diane".
LOOSE THOSE GLASSES, TED!
I like Fishburne. He played "Ray" very well. But the storyline makes it very difficult to continue the character. I also want to complement the actor who played Haskell – he was excellent in that part. While I'll take a wait-and-see- stand on Danson, I'd much prefer persuading Pertersen to return to the Grissom part.
Didn't care for Fishbourne's character but Danson? Has he done much in this type of genre [police/drama]?
Have you people seen him in Bored to Death? He is brilliant in that show. I don't watch CSI but I think he will do a great job.
Cancel CSI: New York and bring in Gary Sinese to head up the original CSI show. You can say Detective Mac Talyor was getting burn out heading New York's CSI team and might even have a mysterious sub-plot on way he is now in Vegas. Ted Danson is a good actor I just can't see him as an CSI agent.
Poor choice. No one can replace William Petersen so they should stop trying. The downhill slide continues.....
Brilliant casting choice!!!
Loved WIlliam Peterson
Liked Laurence Fishburn
but I think Ted is the next best thing to Grissom
I have seen him play serious roles and I think he will fit in fine. I for one liked "Ray" better than "Grissom". He is an excellent actor.
Michele Bachmann's husband, Marcus Bachmann, calls gays "barbarians". He tries to "cure" them in his Christian counseling clinic which, by the way, accepts medicaid payments from the gov't.
What's this got to do with Ted Danson joining CSI, I'm confused.
First of all, if they choose to be cured, then shut up – it's their choice...
Second, you're an idiot for even posting this on a article about a tv show....
@ mikel... I think it's time you had a seat in the STFU cafe. Someone will be with you shortly.
Love Ted Danson! The program was getting very dark and grim. Even though the subject matter isn't happy, I didn't think it should have gotten so grim. Maybe I'll start watching again.
They should make his character an Albino! A little powder, pink contact lenses, light sensitivity playing a part..it would really be cool!!
I don't think this will work. I haven't watched regularly since Grissom left. FIshburne may be a good actor but he was horrible in CSI. His personality/character was a flat line, like David Caruso and Gary Sinise. They need someone with some eccentricities to make it interesting like Grissom did. Because Grissom left, I have since gotten hooked on NCIS. Love Mark Harmon. He's aged alot better than Danson.
Get Charlie Sheen to do it!
DUH! What's lacking is any storylines with tension between Catherine and another woman on the team. It used to be between her and Jorja Fox. BUT, bring back Sophia (Louise Lombard)and you increase the male viewer interest immediately and have an opportunity to backstory the power struggle between her and Catherine. This would satisfy the contingents who 1. want former cast members to return 2. use a lesser known actor 3. use more women in the feature roles 4. have someone "believable" in the role.
It looks like this poor soul was run over by a driver who spent a little too much time at "Cheers." YEEEEEAAHHHHHHHH!
Making it even more difficult is the fact that CSI is moving to 10pm.
I'll have to be watching it on demand.
Do you like sweet or sour pickles?
butt pickles
Can't wait! I have watched him over the years, and I believe that he'll do a great job
Cheers aside, Danson has had a wide and varied acting career. His serious roles have been excellent and his "dark side" is chilling. Don't discount the possibility of the CSI writers including some pretty interesting subplots for his character.
Interesting casting, I may actually start watching.
"Tell you what, Carla. If dating the playboy twins affects my upcoming marriage to Diane and my major league comeback, I'll sell the bar and join CSI...."
Bring Grissom back and I will return. I like Ted D. but the problem is where would you locate the bar in the CSI Offices?
Love him on Bored to Death on HBO with Jason Schwartzman and Zack Galifinakis. He's a main character on that show – will he still be on it? Did they cancel Bored to Death? Bored to Death is an underated show that people should watch. Like Arrested Develpment once was. I "highly" recommend.
this dude is gay to the bone....just sayin.
This is Great News– Proves that older, more experienced folks are still Useful... It sure makes Me feel better.
Thanks Ted.
CSI has steadily gone down hill, but this means they have reached a precipice. Off my list of programs to watch.
As far as I’m concerned the show went downhill with that Nate Haskell story line. Now they need to try and recover from that! But Ted Danson? He’s kind of type casted if you ask me. The show has never been the same without Grissom.
Ted Danson is to TV shows as Diane Keaton is to movies, you know that when either one of them are cast that the show/movie will flop. I chalk this up to ted's extreme lack of judgement in picking women to date, particulary the talentless beast Whoopi Goldberg.
You really are living in the past!! Do you realize how long ago he was with Whoppee Goldberg?? He and his present wife have been married a very long time.
Wow. How did you manage to make this about Whoopi and your opinion of her? Having some focus problems?
Um....he didn't date Whoopie Goldberg....he married her! Though they are now divorced. I'm willing to watch it before I comment.
@Susan-Canada Whoopi and Ted had an affair that led to the breakup of HIS marriage at the time, but they were never married to each other
CSI is still on the air?
I always enjoyed watching Danson in his various comedy roles; however, will hold off on commenting with regards to his latest role. He's an excellent actor and I know will do an excellent job; however, it will be an adjustment seeing him play a serious part. Am looking forward to the season premier as I love CSI....in fact, all of them.
well ................. I'm done
Wow!! CBS must really be desperate to keep this show on the air for another season. Fishbourne was a disappointment. I expected him to bring a whole new dynamic to a seemingly anemic cast. He brought more of the same old, same old that has come to represent CSI. Ted was a good actor, while he had a dynamite supporting cast around him on Cheers, but with the death of Coach and the spinoffs for all of the other supporting characters, you see what happened to that show. Ted couldn't carry the load and I don't think he's gained that much more credibility since to indicate that he can do it now. JMHO.
Interesting choice. It will be a different role for him since the days of Cheers and Becker, both of which I enjoyed.
CSI hasn't been the same since Grissom left—he WAS the story. Laurence Fishburne is a lackluster actor by comparison. If Marg Helgenberger abandons CSI, so will I.
She supposedly already left or will be leaving very early next season.
I disn't see anything wrong with Fishburn, The writers make the stories, they need to make it interesting.
Blaming the writers for Morpheus's departure? No matter how well something is written if the actor doesn't fit, he/she doesn't fit. Fish has been great in many things, but not CSI.
I tried to give Laurence a chance, but with Grissom gone, CSI was never the same. I don't watch it anymore... not sure about Ted Danson... won't be watching, but wish him luck anyway.
I don't necessary agree with this decision at all. What happened with considering the master mind from Law and Order: Criminal Intent? Regardless who you go with, NO ONE will be able to fill Grissom's shoes.
This is going to be fantastic! Ted Dansen is an amazing acter who can be believable in any role. Loved Laurence Fishbourne but it was a VERY dark season. can't wait until September!
Haven't watched since Grissom left. I love Laurence Fishburne, but it just didn't seem to be CSI without Grissom. I'm guessing that Danson will be the "Jump the Shark" moment.
The 'Patron Saint of Shark Jumping', Ted McGinley, must have been busy
I have really no idea why I am reading this (watched a few CSIs back in the Grissom days), but have to admit the Ted McGinley comment was funny as hell.
not a good decision...are they trying to cause the downfall of the show??
Bad Choice – CSI has gone down hill since Grissom left – May be last season for CSI
I agree. The series has not been the same. I would have preferred an "unknown" as well - allows more opportunity for an actor to really create and inhabit the character....
I agree with Andy, an unkown should be cast. I am getting to the point that I don't want to watch TV
LOVE Ted Danson, but not sure about the role. It's gonna be either REALLY weird or REALLY great. Hoping for the latter. Writers better step it up!
I very much liked the Laurence Fishburne character. He added quite another great personality to the show when Grissom left. Ted Danson is a very weak actor. I just cannot imagine him fitting into the CSI: Miami group. Bring Laurence back, I say.
Bring Fishburne and Peterson back! Why have one awesome character, when you can have two?
well that makes ONE vote.....
This isn't CSI Miami. It's the Vegas one.
You've quite obviously never seen the show, have you?
I agree on LF, the best character ever on CSI, such depth, such exxperience, such a powerful presence.. damn he was good.. and so missed... and now Ted Danson a total "dork" and so boring, not a fit for CSI, in any way, shape or form. a total embarassment. CBS why?
Danson is the perfect actor, indeed.
He was perfect in Damages. I'm not sure people realize how versatile and compelling he is in every role. (I've been a fan of his ever since seeing him in "Body Heat") I guess I'm going to have to start watching CSI now.I haven't watched it in a long time.
Totally agree.
I agree totally – Ted is really a talented actor and will do well.
Would have to agree that Ted Danson was fab in Damages! Can't wait to see how his character plays out in CSI....
I think Ted Danson will do well on CSI. He is a very good actor and should not be viewed as a comedian only. He is much more diverse than that. Of course no one fits the show like William Petersen did. His character, his portrayal of the character, the story lines – all perfect. I'm glad Marge Helgenberger is reducing her role. I'm just not to fond of her acting or the role written for her. LOL just had a thought – can you imagine Hugh Laurie on CSI?
Why not do an episode about Barry Jennings?
http://michaelfury.wordpress.com/2008/09/17/barry-jennings-speaks/
isn't he too good for a stupid serial like CSI....
Cheers...!
Very bad decision. He has too much acting baggage and will not be believable in the roll of a CSI. Should have gone with an unknown.
I wholeheartedly agree!
agree.... that is a particular roll, and no one will replace Grissom.. need to bring back all the original team... it has been a very weak show since they got rid of the two major players...writing isn't that great any more either...
I agree – they should bring back the old crew...I've stopped watching it – the writing is awful with their stupid puns and comments....there characters have gotten too snotty – use to could watch and at least get a laugh every now and then but all the characters are way too serious. I enjoy watching CSI: Miami and CSI: NY. They've lost the
What negative, glass-is-half-full nellies. Why not give the guy a chance,, see how he does after a few shows, and THEN trash the casting decision if he sucks?
Good hair, Ted . . . .
But his face has turned into a banana bicycle seat.
i think he'll do great!
I think so too. And I don't think his best role was with Cheers; I think his best was John Becker! He was great on that show!!!
is he still going to work at the cheers bar too ? lots of people are having to take on 2 jobs these days.
They should bring Woody Harrelson on as his sidekick. That would be some entertainment.
Kirsty Alley would be a better sidekick. If she can lose a few more pounds that is.
I don't know about this decision
Yeah I am a little hesitant as well. I was excited for Lawrence, but he was sort of a disappointment for me. I will just have to wait and see.
agree,, Danson is very type cast.... Fishburn was awful..... and Wm Petersen is still the only one for the job... pay him what it will take and bring him back....
Will his character be a white actor playing a black actor?
@jk – William Peterson is an Executive Producer of the show. I'm guessing if he wanted the big bucks, he'd write himself a check.
is he going to be a stand in for a cadaver? while a nice guy he is going to be DOA on this gig
he has no serious acting ability he is best at supporting real actors and being a bleeding liberal for causes no ratiponal human being gives a hoot about
maybe he can get a gig being Charlie Sheen's dad on his new show
time for last call on his career at Cheers
Cliff and Norm should be added to the CSI roster would have included Kristy but they would have to widen the studio doors so she could get to the set I suppose they could as her to hang around if they need some shade for a particular scene hope they have the wide angle lens
So Danson will play the "grave shift supervisor", because the last time I checked Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) is the "night shift supervisor". Dr. Raymond Langston (Laurence Fishburne) wasn't a supervisor he was a CSI Level 2. Not sure why the show doesn't put a female lead in the show. Are they doing this just for the ratings which went down after Grissom left.
@SKORPI057
http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/08/laurence.fishburne.csi.ew/index.html
"The contract for "CSI's" other high-profile star, Marg Helgenberger, also expired in May but she is expected to return to the drama next season - albeit in an abbreviated way.
She told People earlier this year she's planning to do only "a few episodes" next season."
They will probably have to replace both of them. Danson is the big name, so that's why the story is about him. The fact that he's male has nothing to do with it, and I find it kind of amusing, in a pathetic sort of way, that you bring gender into the question anyway. They need big name talent, they think, and they're trying to do it on the cheap.
I too am a fan of "CSI". But, I hope I can forget "Cheers" when I see Danson.
Anyone who doubts Ted Danson's range should go back and watch the first season of Damages. The guy is brilliant. CSI is lucky to get him.
p.s. And let's not forget Body Heat.
We shall see. As far as I'm concerned, Grissom cannot be replaced.
what, is CSI a sitcom now?
Perhaps there going to use him as a cadaver or corpse for murder scenes?
Ted needs to go back to CHEERS, ....CSI he is NOT
And exactly how would you know this?
"He that doth protest too loudly..."