While the previous CSI spinoffs have focused on other Crime Scene Investigation units across the country, the next spinoff will focus on a particular criminal underworld - cybercrime. Creator Anthony Zuiker and his team are working on a planted pilot for CBS, which will air this spring.
Zuiker is writing the pilot with the other members of his CSI team, Carol Mendelsohn and Ann Donahue. The trio will executive produce with the Jerry Bruckheimer TV team of Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman. Mary Aiken, whose work as a cyber-psychologist provided the inspiration for the project, is also an executive producer, notes The Hollywood Reporter. CBS Television Studios will also co-produce.
Avery Ryan, Special Agent in Charge at the Cyber Crime Division of the FBI in Quantico, will be the main character of the project, reports Deadline. She is tasked with investigating crimes that happen in the online world but have real-life consequences.
CSI, which is in its 14th season, has produced two other successful spin-offs, with CSI: Miami lasting 10 seasons and CSI: NY going to nine seasons. CBS could have the option of using CSI to launch this new show, but drop the CSI name, since it is poised to be a very different type of crime drama.
CBS loves opportunities to spin-off its two greatest assets, CSI and NCIS. Earlier this month, it was reported that another NCSI spin-off is also in the works, this one starring Scott Bakula. In 2013, CBS tried to launch NCIS: Red out of NCIS: LA, but the network ultimately passed on the show.