Start spreading the news: CBS is launching a third "CSI" to be based in Gotham and overseen by Anthony Zuiker.

As development for 2004-05 kicks into high gear, CBS is expected to formally announce Saturday the long-expected third installment in the "CSI" franchise. Zuiker, who created the original "CSI," will create the series and write its pilot with his fellow "CSI" and "CSI: Miami" exec producers Ann Donahue and Carol Mendelsohn.

All three -- as well as Jerry Bruckheimer -- will be exec producers on "CSI: New York," with Zuiker serving as showrunner. Donahue continues to run "CSI: Miami," while Mendelsohn retains day-to-day oversight of original recipe "CSI." CBS Prods., Alliance Atlantis and Bruckheimer Films will produce the spinoff.

There's been talk of a third "CSI" almost from the moment "CSI: Miami" launched to spectacular Nielsen numbers two years ago. Numerous cities were considered for the new installment, including New Orleans.

It's unclear if the new "CSI" will follow the same formula as the first two series, though there's been buzz producer may want to introduce a twist into the franchise. CBS declined comment.

NBC is preparing plans for a fourth installment of "Law & Order," though the net hasn't yet made an announcement of the expected spinoff.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040117/tv_nm/leisure_csi_dc_1


LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - CBS is planning another spin-off of U.S. television's most watched show, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," with a third edition of the forensic drama set in the Big Apple, a network spokesman said on Friday.



"CSI: New York" is slated to premiere on the Viacom Inc.-owned network this coming fall. A formal announcement is to be made Saturday by CBS President Leslie Moonves at the network's annual winter showcase for television critics.


Like the original show, the new "CSI" is being created by Anthony Zuicker, who will assume day-to-day supervision of the drama. The series will be jointly produced by CBS Prods., Toronto-based Alliance Atlantis Communications Corp. and the production company of Hollywood mogul Jerry Bruckheimer.


A third edition of "CSI" has been anticipated since the first spin-off, "CSI: Miami," starring David Caruso (news), debuted to stellar ratings in 2002, with considerable speculation about where the next show would be based.


The first "CSI" series, which premiered in the fall of 2000, is set in Las Vegas, and like its "Miami" companion follows the work of police crime scene investigators who use high-tech forensics to crack tough cases. It was not immediately clear how closely the show's third incarnation would follow the original formula.


"CSI" and "CSI: Miami" currently rank as No. 1 and No. 5 in household ratings, respectively, among all prime-time shows on U.S. television. The original series averages 26 million viewers per week.


In another sign that crime does pay on prime time, especially when it is part of a hit TV brand, NBC reportedly has a fourth incarnation of its popular "Law & Order" franchise in the works.


If that proves true, "CSI" and "Law & Order" together would account for a total of seven hours of first-run programming every week in prime time.


NBC is owned by General Electric Co.

I have always said that if the networks would treat their viewers as intelligent human beings, they would make a bundle. I think the thing I like best about both the L&O franchise and now the CSI franchise is that they are not only good drama, but they make you think. I look forward to both franchises' new additions. I just hope NBC and CBS don't ever put these crime dramas back to back.... I can't tape one and watch the other with a satelite dish.... cause there is always reruns.... LOL

Cudos to both the producers of these fine shows and their spinoffs!

I wonder who the actors will be?

I was wondering if maybe Nick would go to NY since he's being promoted...