CSI: Vegas returned to screens in 2021, and these are all the characters who have returned for the CBS revival. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation first premiered in 2000 and introduced the world to forensic science. This series went on to spawn three more CSI-themed series including CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, and CSI: Cyber. In the end, the series ran for a total of 337 episodes across 15 seasons until it was canceled by CBS. However, in 2020 CBS indicated they were developing a six-part revival to mark the series’ 20th anniversary. Consequently, Covid-19 delayed its plans and the revival was pushed to an October 6, 2021 premiere. Additionally, CBS increased the number of episodes from six, to an undetermined full-season count.
Nonetheless, CSI: Vegas has already revealed new and returning characters from the original series. It has also provided a strong glimpse into the trouble the CSI team will be dealing with. Set in real-time, six years after the original series ended, CSI: Vegas will feature a crippling threat to the Las Vegas crime lab. This threat calls into question thousands of cases closed by the CSI team which could result in the release of deadly criminals. Moreover, it puts the reputation and legacy of former CSI members at risk. Therefore, in order to preserve justice in Las Vegas, the new CSI recruits will utilize the latest technology in forensic science and call in original CSI team members for additional support to uphold previous convictions.
In the era of television reboots and revivals, CSI: Vegas appears to have figured out how to reinvigorate a canceled series while still incorporating the heart of the original series. By putting reputations on the line, the series organically pulls in original cast members in a way that feels authentic to the show’s premise. It will also give these cast members a tangible goal and legitimate purpose for coming back to the job. Obviously, over the course of a 15-year series, there are many characters who regularly appeared on the groundbreaking series. Here are all of the characters in the revival who have returned from the original. These characters will likely hold the key to unraveling this season’s mystery.
Gil Grissom
William Petersen has reprised his role as forensic entomologist and audience favorite CSI team leader, Gil Grissom. Grissom appeared in a total of 199 episodes, having been a series lead in the first 8 seasons of CSI. In fact, over the course of the first 8 seasons, Grissom appears in all but five episodes of the hit series. The Sherlock-esque character is often remembered for his often-quirky behavior and witty sense of humor. Ultimately, Grissom ended the series by riding into the sunset with his on-again, off-again love interest Sara Sidle. Given his important role with CSI,it's no surprise that William Petersen’s Grissom plays a vital role in CSI: Vegas as all his work comes under scrutiny and the risk of serial killers being set free rises.
Sara Sidle
Sara Sidle, played by Jorja Fox, also returned for the CBS revival as a series regular. Over the course of 15 seasons, Sara appeared in over 290 episodes of CSI and continues to be one of the most beloved characters of the series. Audiences latched on to her strong personality and ability to overcome whatever comes her way. Nevertheless, Sara has been a source of considerable controversy among fans and heated online debates. Many have argued the romantic relationship with a returning Gil Grissom became a distraction from forensic science. Nevertheless, before riding off into the sunset with Grissom in the CSI finale, Sara was able to prove herself to be a capable investigator in seasons 11-15, after Grissom had retired. She is once more part of the show's heartbeat in the revival.
David Hodges
Among the notable CSI cast members who has returned for the CBS revival is Wallace Langham who once again portrays David Hodges. The sometimes annoying Lab Technician may be best known for his quirky aversion to germs, blatant superiority complex, and constant need for approval. Unlike the first two returning characters, Hodges did not appear in CSI until halfway through the third season when he transferred to Las Vegas from Los Angeles. He remained a series regular for the remainder of the series. By the end of season 15, Hodges had appeared in 247 episodes. When the series ended, Hodges stayed with the CSI team to continue his work as a Trace Analyst.
Jim Brass
The last of the returning characters who returned in CSI: Vegas is homicide detective Jim Brass played by veteran CSI actor Paul Guilfoyle. However, unlike his fellow returning cast members, Guilfoyle was only ever confirmed to appear in two episodes of the revival series. Detective Jim Brass was a staple of the original series and was loved by audiences for being a straight shooter, quick to assist the CSI team. Brass was a series regular for 14 seasons before being written off the show. Fortunately, the character did return for the series finale, as many others did prior to Dexter's reboot. In the end, the stand-up detective appeared in 317 episodes of CSI. Given Brass’ close relationship with Grissom and Sara, the character will likely still always be looked to for advice as the team deals with the inside threat.
CBS could very well have rebooted the CSI franchise without inviting back any of the series' original cast members. Fortunately, the network understands the importance of honoring what has come before as it embraces the future of the series with new characters. Moreover, by putting the reputation of the team on the line, the returning characters are given a unique goal to ensure their previous convictions remain intact. A task that will be difficult as the CSI team comes under investigation. For now, these are the only four original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation characters who have returned for the revival, CSI: Vegas. However, there will likely be an opportunity for additional cameos throughout the series.