CBS’ Fall 2021 offering CSI: Vegas was an unexpected treat for fans of the long-running CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, the go-to crime drama of the aughts, originally running from October 6, 2000, to September 27, 2015, and spanning a more-than-respectable 15 seasons.
Vegas seemed to offer fans a return to form, with 10 smart and punchy new episodes airing weekly, and a new case involving CSI stalwarts Gil Grissom (William Petersen) and Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox).
The fan favorites were joined by capable and intriguing newbies Paula Newsome, Matt Lauria, Mel Rodriguez, and Mandeep Dhillon. Even David Hodges and Jim Brass put in an occasional appearance over the course of the show’s successful first season.
When a second season was ordered in December of 2021, fans were initially excited. However, the renewal came with one sour note. Petersen had only signed on to reprise his role over the course of the first season, and was not coming back for a second round as Gil, despite remaining with the production as an executive producer for Season 2.
Jorja Fox’s contract allowed her to continue as Sara Sidle if she chose to, with the series’ producers “hopeful” the star would return.
On Jan. 25 2022, Fox addressed her decision to also step away from the upcoming second season of the show, telling fans that after much deliberation she would not “Sidle up” for more CSI: Vegas.
“For me, CSI has always been a love story,” Fox tweeted. “The story that people can find love in the darkest of places and times. And the story that love, even in the darkest of places and times, can expand and grow roots and endure. I personally just can’t split Sara and Grissom up again. So goes Grissom…..So goes Sara. Wherever they go, they belong together.”
Fox’s departure from the show comes during a busy week of changes for CBS. On Saturday, FBI: Most Wanted star Julian McMahon announced his departure from the CBS drama. The actor, who has been with the series since its January 2020 premiere had reportedly been anxious to leave for some time.
“Over the past few months, the producers of FBI: Most Wanted and I have had discussions about my departure from the show in favor of additional creative pursuits and the transition of my character Jess LaCroix,” McMahon said in a statement. “These ongoing conversations have given us an opportunity to orchestrate a seamless and productive way for me to leave the show.”
On January 18, CBS announced its decision to cancel lawyer drama Bull following series star Michael Weatherly’s decision to move on.
I’ve decided it’s time to pursue new creative challenges and bring his story to a close,” tweeted Weatherly.
