What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas.
Our beloved CSI team is set to be back soon on CBS with a third round of criminal forensic studies, but not in September.
So when? Keep reading!
Prior to the uproar and unbridled support CSI: Vegas garnered over its course of two Seasons, CBS’ loyalties were tied to the O.G. mother series called CSI(Crime Scene Investigation), which debuted in the year 2000, which stamped a new identity to crime investigative television. It escalated the regular trajectory of criminal investigative stories and added an extra oomph to it, so much so that its widely accepted popularity catapulted it to weave new patterns of CSI magic into the old fabric through the lens of spinoff series such as CSI: Vegas. Although ardent CSI stans had trouble wrapping their heads around the possibility of a spinoff series that would spike their adrenaline as the mother series did, CSI: Vegas caught everyone by surprise. Why?
Major spinoff series that have been written off as widely successful have added strong elements of their mother series to keep the viewers connected to the series they trusted. CSI: Vegas knew what their assignment was when they retained a few of the cast members from the original CSI series, such as William Peterson, Jorja Fox, Marg Helenberg, Wallace Langham, and Erie Szamada.
Their ethereal presence invoked positive feedback from the viewers, and the ratings shot up, so much so that CBS has decided to make the series a broadcast staple. It is in this spirit that 21st February 2023 saw a renewal of CSI: Vegas for a Season 3 to the relief and delight of their viewers.
However, ever since then, the ardent CSI fans have been surfing the net in a frenzy, anticipating any shred of update that might come their way about the potential release date of the new Season. So, we are here to quench your inquiries on the potential release date of the third season of CSI: Vegas, as well as some other information that goes with it. So, continue reading!
CSI: Vegas Season 3 Is Not Coming In September
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but by judging the current scenario of the fate of the scripted series, it does not look like CSI: Vegas Season 3 will be joining us in September 2023. The reason behind this is two-fold.
Reason 1: CSI: Vegas was renewed by CBS for a Season 3 on February 21st, 2023. Viewers were overjoyed at the prospect of a new season arrival, and the writers went to work. The intended date of arrival for the new Season was announced to be within the fall 2023 schedule parameters, which automatically raised the anticipation radar. However, before the dust could settle, arms were fired again in the form of the WGA strikes, sending the writers into a hiatus. Anticipating a simmer of the protests within the next two or three months, CBS, much like its competitor network, released its fall 2023 schedule to keep the audience engaged amidst uncertain times. Sure enough, CSI: Vegas was there on Thursdays at 10 p.m. every week slot!
However, this period was short-lived because before we knew the actors went on strike too! So, the WGA and the SAG AFTRA formed a united front to protest against the AMPTP and its unjust ethics towards its writers and actors. A strike of this grave magnitude was last detected 63 years ago! And now again, it has Hollywood by chokehold and will not loosen the grip until the AMPTP and production houses comply. Hence, scripted shows, productions, and web series have gone into an indefinite hiatus, not leaving much wiggle room for us to determine their arrival.
Reason 2: In light of this incessant fatwa declared on Hollywood by the strike, CBS and other competitor networks had to go back and revisit their fall release plans. They have now realized that this being the fourth consecutive month of the double strike, the new Seasons that were set to feature in fall would not happen. So, they decided to shift the entirety of the fall schedule releases to a 2024 mid-season schedule. CBS instead will turn towards game series and reality shows that are not scripted. Additionally, in place of the new release slots, they have decided to host reruns of the same on the CBS network to give the viewers something to reminisce upon. Unfortunately, CSI: Vegas did not make the cut even in the rerun schedule.
Deadline recently ran a piece in which it offered an alternate release month, which is also likely to happen only if, without a resolution or meaningful movement between AMPTP and WGA by October, the new 2023–24 series might be delayed until autumn 2024, putting certain sophomore and bubble shows—even beyond broadcast—in jeopardy!
Until then, we’ll just have to wait and see what direction the writers and crew will take going forward! In the meantime, check out the official announcement as shared by the show’s Twitter handle, confirming the renewal of the series, quoting, “Vegas hasn’t seen the last of me yet. #CSIVegas #SeasonThree”
Vegas hasn’t seen the last of me yet. #CSIVegas #SeasonThree pic.twitter.com/i6jhsP7mNx
— CSI: Vegas (@CSICBS) February 21, 2023
So, it looks like CSI: Vegas Season 3 has been postponed to a mid-2024 potential release timeline, which means it might reach the CBS network anywhere in the first quarter of 2024. Until further updates brew on the strike situation and possible negotiations take place, it is safe to assume that CSI: Vegas Season 3 will be experiencing a mid-2024 release.
CSI: Vegas Season 3 Episode Count: Will This Be A Potentially Shorter Season?
When it comes to the episode variation of each Season of CSI: Vegas, it has been observed that a non-linear pattern is followed. This means that Season 1 of the show had 10 episodes, while Season 2 landed with a whopping 21 episodes. So, it is difficult to predict how many episodes the third season will bring to the table. For this, an analysis of the current strike situation and the narrowing production window will suffice.
Given that the ongoing strikes are at a four-month mark and no favorable negotiations have been reached yet, the production timeline is severely crunched, coupled with budgetary issues. This automatically means that a 21-episode third season is highly unlikely. It is safer to predict an episode count between 12-15 episodes instead. Now, if the strike does not get resolved within the next month or two, the production window gets cut even shorter than anticipated, now giving rise to the possibility of a 6-8 episode Season.
It is imperative to note that nothing is set in stone until the production for Season 3 begins after the strike situation simmers. So, for prediction’s sake, let’s keep the 12-15 episode trajectory alive until further confirmation.
CSI: Vegas Season 3 Cast: Who Will Reprise Their Roles For The Next Season?
CSI: Vegas is revered for bringing a mixture of the O.G. cast members from the mother series and a school of new cast members. There can be some new characters introduced in the next season, but for the time being, we are certain that the main cast members from the second season are all set to reprise their roles in the new season, which are as follows:
- Paula Newsome as Maxine “Max” Roby
- Matt Lauria as Joshua “Josh” Folsom
- Mandeep Dhillon as Ahalya “Allie” Rajan
- Ariana Guerra as Serena Chavez
- Jay Lee as Christopher “Chris” Park
- Lex Medlin as Beau Finado
- Marg Helgenberger as Catherine Willows
Moreover, there are many recurring cast members from the second season who are also anticipated to join the principal cast like:
- Kathleen Wilhoite as Dr. Diane Auerbach
- Sara Amini as Dr. Sonya Nikolayevich
- Joel Johnstone as Jack Nikolayevich
- Sherri Saum as Jodi Wallach
- Katie Stevens as Lindsey Willows
- Derek Webster as Dr. Milton Hudson
- Rob Morgan as Daniel Jordan
- Eric Szmanda as Greg Sanders
- Judy Kain as Dr. Heather Chumani
- J.P. Manoux as Gene Farrow
- Lolita Davidovich as Jeannette Folsom.
Lastly, the series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television. Jason Tracey, Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman, Kristie Anne Reed, Anthony Zuiker, Carol Mendelsohn, Ann Donahue, Craig O’Neill, William Petersen, Cindy Chvatal, Steven H. Kram, and Steven H. Blume serves as executive producer.
Any new updates on new cast members and writers who will be joining the CSI franchise will be noted here, so stay tuned to Web News Observer so you don’t miss out on any updates.
CSI: Vegas Season 3 Plot: What Can We Expect In The New Season?
*Spoilers*
Parties, casinos, alcohol, and substances. Vegas is brimming with these. Where good times brew, bad crime scenes erupt. CSI, or the Crime Scene Investigation of the Vegas branch, is a team of specialists who solve heinous and mysterious crimes by deciphering the events through forensic evidence. Classic, yet timeless!
While no details have been emphasized on where Season 3 of CSI: Vegas will pick up from, we have a good guess that it will surround the basic premise of the show, which reads, “Facing an existential threat that could bring down the Crime Lab, a brilliant team of forensic investigators must welcome back old friends and deploy new techniques to preserve and serve justice in Sin City.”
Season 3 is expected to continue from the second season’s finale episode, “Dying Words,” which ended on a massive cliffhanger and showcased Folsom spiraling into an emotional frenzy when his mother is found murdered inside a warehouse. After reuniting with Trey, they both set out to hunt for the killer. Later, we learn that the episode ends when the main suspect is found dead in a dumpster. Josh surrenders and is arrested. To provide a more solid ground to the potential plot for Season 3, take a look at the episode break-down of Season 2 of CSI: Vegas:
S2.E1 ∙ She’s Gone
Thu, Sep 29, 2022
The CSIs investigate the murder of a dominatrix found near her secret sex dungeon.
S2.E2 ∙ The Painted Man
Thu, Oct 6, 2022
As Halloween descends in Sin City, the CSIs investigate when a creepy mannequin prop inside a popular haunted house turns out to be a real dead body. Also, Catherine enlists the help of Folsom to search for her friend who disappeared.
S2.E3 ∙ Story of a Gun
Thu, Oct 13, 2022
The CSI team investigates after a group of teens discovers a dead woman behind the wheel of an abandoned car in a Nevada ghost town.
S2.E4 ∙ Koala
Thu, Oct 20, 2022
When three masked assailants invade a home and murder an entire family, including a pregnant woman, the CSIs are called to the scene to investigate. Catherine leads the team through the emotional case, which intensifies her own longing to reconnect with her estranged daughter, Lindsey.
S2.E5 ∙ In Harm’s Way
Thu, Oct 27, 2022
After all the guests attending an upscale fundraising soiree for the science department at a local university fall ill, the CSI team gears up to investigate. Also, Catherine enlists Grace’s roommate to help her find clues after Grace disappears.
S2.E6 ∙ There’s the Rub
Thu, Nov 3, 2022
Max leads her team to investigate the death of a prestigious Michelin-starred chef found hanging in his restaurant’s walk-in freezer.
S2.E7 ∙ Burned
Thu, Nov 10, 2022
A mysterious big foot-like footprint found near a crime scene puzzles the CSI team as they work to uncover who or what killed a father and son.
S2.E8 ∙ Grace Note
Thu, Dec 8, 2022
Catherine’s frustration intensifies when a lead suspect in Grace’s disappearance is found murdered. The team exhausts all their skills to figure out who killed the suspect and if his death will lead them to Grace.
S2.E9 ∙ In the White Room
Thu, Dec 15, 2022
When the bodies of two Regency Romantic Festival attendees are discovered, the CSI team uncovers a shocking link between their murders and previous cases.
S2.E10 ∙ Eyeballs
Thu, Jan 5, 2023
A social media influencer party ends with the brutal murder of a popular guest. Chris Park’s side hustle makes him uniquely qualified to lead the CSI team in their investigation.
S2.E11 ∙ Trinket
Thu, Jan 12, 2023
When a young, non-verbal boy is found hiding in a stranger’s garage, the CSI team searches for his missing mother. Also, Max receives a strange letter with symbols in silver ink that Folsom and Allie recognize from prior crime scenes.
S2.E12 ∙ When the Dust Settles
Thu, Feb 2, 2023
Catherine’s day off with her granddaughter gets interrupted when a woman wakes up from a four-year coma and remembers details from the night her sister died.
S2.E13 ∙ Boned
Thu, Feb 9, 2023
The CSI team investigates the death of an archaeologist found near the breakthrough discovery of an ancient civilization. Also, Max locates another cryptic note written in familiar silver ink after a woman kills her attacker.
S2.E14 ∙ Third Time’s the Charm
Thu, Feb 16, 2023
The CSIs investigate the mysterious death of a competitive eating contestant, and Chavez partners with Allie to prove where the mysterious silver ink notes have been coming from.
S2.E15 ∙ Ashes, Ashes
Thu, Mar 2, 2023
A silver ink note threatening Maxine Roby’s life is found at the crime lab, sending the entire CSI team to crack who is behind the notes and how they connect to other murder cases.
S2.E16 ∙ We All Fall Down
Thu, Mar 9, 2023
Medical examiner Sonya’s life is in jeopardy when she is exposed to a mysterious poison as the CSI team races to find the antidote and the Silver Ink murderer, who appears to be targeting the Crime Lab.
S2.E17 ∙ The Promise
Thu, Mar 30, 2023
When the body of a young girl who was killed over 40 years ago is discovered at the bottom of Lake Mead, Max Roby promises her mother, Raquel Williams, that the CSI team will finally find justice for her daughter.
S2.E18 ∙ Fractured
Thu, Apr 13, 2023
The CSI team investigates a bomb that detonated during a masquerade party for wealthy investors at the site of a new casino.
S2.E19 ∙ Dead Memories
Thu, May 4, 2023
When wrongly accused former suspect Gene Farrow enters the Crime Lab covered in blood, wielding a cleaver, and looking for Allie Rajan, the CSI team investigates his peculiar story about a macabre party with a fatal ending.
S2.E20 ∙ Shell Game
Thu, May 11, 2023
The CSI team investigates a case where an ambitious investigative reporter is found dead at a pistachio factory. Also, everyone in the crime lab buzzes over who Max will be promoted to day shift supervisor.
S2.E21 ∙ Dying Words
Thu, May 18, 2023
The CSI team investigates a murder case that hits close to home for Folsom – when he is forced to sit this investigation out, he does his own digging with help from Trey.
Judging by the episode run-down of Season 2, we can determine that amidst a major story arc, weekly investigative cases pop up, which the members of the team dexterously solve. Season 3 will be similar to this premise, with maybe more sophisticated and organized crimes, which get more and more complicated for the team to decipher. As more and more clues about what is to come in the new season pop up, we will be sure to update this space and inform you of the same.
CSI: Vegas Season 3 Where To Watch
When CSI: Vegas Season 3 premieres, it will most likely be available on all prior platforms that have the rights to stream the series, as well as on-air on the CBS website and app. The series is currently available to stream on:
- Apple TV
- Paramount+
- FuboTV
The series is also available to rent or buy on:
- iTunes
- Amazon Instant Video
- Google Play
- Vudu
One can view them depending on the viewer’s location, with preferred membership plans that the users can choose from. If you don’t have access to the content because of geo-blocking, we recommend trying out any suitable VPN to stream the series.
CSI: Vegas Season 3 Trailer: Is It Available?
Unfortunately, at the time of writing this, a new trailer for Season 3 of CSI: Vegas is not available, given that the release dates for the new Season have not been announced as of yet. Once it has been announced, the months leading up to its premiere will feature teasers, first looks, and trailers for the same, so stay tuned to this space.
In the meantime, take a look at the trailer for CSI: Vegas Season 2 instead:
Catch up on the previous seasons of CSI: Vegas until new updates are underway, and stay tuned to Web News Observer.