Danson is new 'CSI' lead (EW, DH, VAR)
By Nancy Tartaglione
With the departure of Laurence Fishburne, CBS has set Ted Danson to take over leading man duties on "CSI" for the show's 12th season.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Danson's casting caps an exhaustive search to find another star to help return some luster to the aging "CSI" franchise. EW also said it had learned that offers went out to actors like Tony Shaloub, Robin Williams and John Lithgow.
Deadline reported that talks with Danson only started about two weeks ago and closed late Tuesday.
Danson's arrival comes as longtime female lead Marg Helgenberger is transitioning off the show, but will appear in the bulk of next season's episodes. The season begins in the shows new time slot on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 10pm.
Danson will continue his role on HBOs "Bored to Death,' Variety noted.
Related Links
Ted Danson takes over 'CSI' (EW)Ted Danson Surprisingly Takes On 'CSI' (DH)
Ted Danson moves to 'CSI' (VAR, sub)
Jaume Collet-Serra set to direct 'Akira' (VAR)
Editorial: Why Netflix Doesn't Owe You Cheap Movies (COLL)
Sarah Michelle Gellar to return to 'All My Children' in farewell appearance before show leaves ABC? (TVG)
Schwarzenegger still shopping memoir (SIX)
Mila Kunis agrees to accompany US Marine to Corps Ball after YouTube invite (FOX)
FBI to probe News Corp 9/11 hacking allegations (REU)
Murdochs Now Say They Will Appear Before Parliament (NYT)
