The Key Element CSI: Vegas Misses From the Original Series That Defined the Franchise's Success in the 2000s

CSI:Vegas, now in its third season, has included various characters from the original CSI series through cameo appearances or recurring roles. However, there is one element that the revival cannot recreate from its predecessor. The show initially started as a reboot of Crime Scene Investigation with William Petersen returning as Gil Grissom and Jorja Fox as Sara Sidle. Despite this, CSI:Vegas has developed its own identity and no longer heavily relies on the legacy characters. David Hodges, Jim Brass, and Catherine Willows have also made appearances in the sequel series.

The cast of CSI: Vegas features Paula Newsome as Maxine Roby, with the majority of its current cast consisting of new characters specifically created for the show rather than returning faces from the original CSI. Nevertheless, the return of familiar characters from CSI has always been a major draw for CSI:Vegas. By incorporating "Vegas" into the title and bringing back beloved CSI characters, the revival naturally invites comparisons to the original series. However, there is one aspect that CSI:Vegas will never be able to replicate from its predecessors.

CSI: Vegas Can’t Have Crossovers With Other CSI Shows (Because There Aren't Any)

CSI: Vegas is the only CSI show currently on the air

A composite image of the cast of CSI Vegas season 4 - CSI: Vegas is the only CSI show currently on the air - CSI: Vegas Can’t Have Crossovers With Other CSI Shows (Because There Aren't Any)

CSI: Vegas cannot do crossover episodes with other CSI shows like the original series and its spinoffs did in the past. This is because there are currently no other CSI shows on TV. Since Vegas is the only show in the franchise airing now, it can only crossover with different TV series. Even though characters from CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, and CSI: Cyber could appear in Vegas, it wouldn't be a true crossover since their shows have already ended. As a result, Vegas is missing out on one of the original shows' most exciting aspects.

CSI:Vegas debuted in 2021, marking a five-year gap since the cancellation of CSI:Cyber, the last installment in the original CSI series. Prior to that, CSI:Crime Scene Investigation had wrapped up in 2015, followed by Miami and NY in 2012 and 2013. Unlike its predecessors, CSI:Vegas has established its unique style and storyline without relying heavily on characters from the earlier shows. However, crossover episodes are always a treat for fans in a TV universe filled with such collaborations. As of now, there have been no appearances from characters of CSI:Miami or CSI:NY in CSI:Vegas.

CSI’s Crossover Episodes Were Some Of The Franchise’s Best

CSI had plenty of crossovers across all shows

Horatio Caine in CSI Miami, Mac Taylor in CSI NY, and Avery Ryan in CSI Cyber - CSI had plenty of crossovers across all shows - CSI’s Crossover Episodes Were Some Of The Franchise’s Best

The original CSI universe had seven main crossover arcs during its time on air. These crossovers included standalone episodes, two-parters, and even a three-part event involving Crime Scene Investigation, Miami, and NY. Long before teaming up characters became popular in shared universes like the Arrowverse or Netflix’s Defenders, CSI had already created a connected world where characters could move between shows. Some of these crossovers were actually backdoor pilots, introducing new characters who would later star in their own spinoff series. This strategy is still used by many shows today.

CSI: Miami and CSI: NY have both been off the air for more than ten years, while CSI: Cyber was canceled eight years ago.

The backdoor pilots were an interesting way to introduce CSI’s spinoffs, but the best crossovers were when familiar characters came together. For instance, in "Felony Flight," Horatio Cain and Mac Taylor worked together to catch a serial killer. This episode was part of a two-part event that concluded with "Manhattan Manhunt." Another memorable crossover was in "CSI: Trilogy," where all the CSI teams joined forces for a three-part event, marking the peak of the franchise’s success as a shared universe.

Each phase of the original CSI series featured some memorable team-ups. During the "Grissom era," when Gil Grissom was in charge of the Las Vegas lab, there were backdoor pilots for Miami and NY, along with a crossover with Without a Trace. In the following seasons with Ray Langston as a main character, there was the notable "CSI: Trilogy" crossover. In the D.B. Russell era, there were team-ups between CSI and CSI:NY in episodes like "In Vino Veritas" and "Seth and Apep," as well as the backdoor pilot for CSI:Cyber.

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation ran for 337 episodes.

Will Other CSI Shows Ever Be Revived?

Miami, NY, and Cyber never got a revival

Custom image of Mac Taylor and Horatio Caine in CSI - Miami, NY, and Cyber never got a revival - Will Other CSI Shows Ever Be Revived?

CSI:Miami and CSI:NY have both been off the air for over ten years, while CSI:Cyber was canceled eight years ago. It only took seven years for Crime Scene Investigation to make a comeback with CSI:Vegas, which was a sequel to the original series in many ways. Each CSI show brought something unique to the franchise, but the original series will always be the most famous and recognizable part of its history. It seems unlikely that CSI will revisit the other spinoffs.

CSI: Vegas season 3 airs new episodes on Sundays on CBS.

STREAM CSI: VEGAS ON PARAMOUNT+

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the unique identity of CSI: Vegas while acknowledging the absence of crossovers with other CSI shows. It effectively highlights the challenges faced by the revival in replicating the interconnectedness of the original franchise. The author provides a comprehensive overview of the crossover history within the CSI universe, emphasizing their popularity and impact.

However, the article could benefit from exploring potential reasons for the lack of crossovers in CSI: Vegas. Are there logistical or creative hurdles? Has the franchise moved away from the crossover format due to changes in audience preferences or storytelling techniques? Additionally, the author could speculate on the possibility of future revivals of CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, or CSI: Cyber, considering the success of CSI: Vegas.