CSI: Vegas is being sold as both a sequel and a soft reboot to the original series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. It retains all legacies from the original, lives in the same universe and introduces new elements and characters. As a sequel, the show respects and builds upon the storytelling of the original series, which ran 15 seasons and set the template for this genre.
It is deeply based on its predecessor, featuring guest appearances by characters such as Gil Grissom (William Petersen), Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox), Wallace Langham (David Hodges), and Paul Guilfoyle (Jim Brass). They bring their rich backgrounds and relationships into the show, ensuring consistency and familiarity for long-time viewers.
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The show introduces a contemporary batch of characters and new plotlines. Paula Newsome plays Maxine Roby; Matt Lauria portrays Josh Folsom; Mandeep Dhillon is Allie Rajan and Mel Rodriguez plays Hugo Ramirez—a new cast that expands and finds new dynamics within the Vegas Crime Lab team. This mix of familiarity and novelty is nostalgic enough for long-time fans to become engrossed while being fresh enough to be equally compelling for new viewers.
By finding a delicate balance between sequel and reboot, CSI: Vegas retains some old charms while still marking its territory toward the future. It is, thus, a continuation that respects the past while embracing the future of the franchise.
Why is it named CSI: Vegas when the original series was set in Vegas?
CSI: Vegas is named thus, to distinguish it from the original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, even though both series are set in Las Vegas. This choice serves several purposes. Firstly, it acts as a reboot, signaling to audiences that this is a fresh take with new storylines and characters while maintaining a connection to the original.
Secondly, from a branding and marketing perspective, adding Vegas to the title conveys the iconic setting of the CSI franchise, attracting both old fans and new viewers interested in Las Vegas as a backdrop. Additionally, the name follows the franchise's consistency, aligning with spin-offs like CSI: Miami and CSI: NY, each named after their respective locations, making it clear that CSI: Vegas is part of the broader CSI universe.
The new title also signifies an evolution and continuity of the original show, reflecting changes in the cast, technology, and storytelling approach, while honoring its roots. Overall, the show helps honor the legacy of the original series and introduces a new chapter in the franchise.
CSI Vegas: A Sequel and a Reboot
CSI: Vegas is set in the same location as the original series, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. While many actors from the original series returned, the reboot also introduced several new characters to the franchise. CBS commented,
“Old friends meet new enemies—and the latest forensic techniques—in CSI: Vegas”.
With the return of existing characters, all events from CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, and CSI: Cyber are canon, positioning CSI: Vegas as both a sequel and a spinoff from these series. CSI fans reunited with beloved characters, with William Petersen and Jorja Fox reprising their roles as Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle.
First reported by Deadline, CSI: Vegas was referred to as an event series sequel to Crime Scene Investigation. At the time, the wording indicated the new version was going to have one season, timed to the original series' 20th anniversary. It ran for 3 good seasons and managed to bag a 7.7 rating on IMDb. To see how it all unfolds, to have all of your questions answered, stream it on CBS or stream on Paramount+
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