CSI

CBS Studios launched the original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation on October 6, 2000, creating a new standard for procedural drama. The series ran for fifteen seasons and concluded in September 2015 with 234 episodes. It built its narrative around forensic analysis rather than police interrogation, featuring lead characters like Gil Grissom and Catherine Willows who drew inspiration from real Las Vegas detectives Daniel Holstein and Yolanda McClary.

The brand expanded into a global empire with three direct spin-offs: CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, and CSI: Cyber. These additions brought the total episode count to 838 across five distinct series. A revival titled CSI: Vegas premiered on CBS in October 2021, reuniting William Petersen and Marg Helgenberger to continue the legacy of the franchise.

Ownership remains centralized under Paramount Global through its CBS Studios division. Recent developments include the May 2026 announcement of Cinemalistics, an AI-driven true-crime application designed by creator Anthony E. Zuiker to offer interactive storytelling experiences. The franchise continues to generate revenue through international licensing, streaming rights on platforms like Paramount+ and Hulu, and merchandise sales. [edit]