CBS Cancels ‘C.S.I. Miami’

Nytimes.com - The “C.S.I.” franchise, probably the most lucrative television concept ever produced, has begun its inevitable departure from the television landscape with the news Sunday that CBS has cancelled the original spinoff, “C.S.I.: Miami.”

The crime drama, which lasted 10 seasons, most likely became the victim in this case because it was more expensive than its newer, and lower-rated, sister show, “C.S.I.: New York.” That drama is expected to be back on CBS’s schedule, which the network will announce Wednesday.

The original “C.S.I.,” set in Las Vegas and still the highest-rated of the three shows, is sure to return after a season in which it bounced back with Ted Danson as its latest star.

CBS released a statement about the decision to end the Miami show:

"C.S.I.: Miami” leaves an amazing television legacy — a signature look and style, global popularity and as a key player in CBS’s rise to the top over the past decade. We thank all the producers — led by Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman and Ann Donahue — and its talented cast, led by David Caruso, for 10 outstanding seasons. Viewers around the world will continue to enjoy rebroadcasts of “C.S.I.: Miami” in syndication and on key digital platforms for many years to come.

“C.S.I.: Miami” was a top-rated show for most of its run and was one of the biggest sellers to international broadcasters around the world, generating hundreds of millions in revenue for CBS.

It also created one of the most imitated (and mocked) signature moments of recent television seasons: the ritual removal of the sunglasses by Mr. Caruso as he delivered an especially portentous line of dialogue.