Television: Murder in Six Easy Steps

CSI arrived in 2000 with little attention. Now it's killing the competition. Let us count the reasons

Las Vegas is one of the fastest-growing cities in America. That may come as a surprise if you watch CSI (CBS, Thursdays, 9 p.m. E.T.), which kills off a few Sin City denizens each week in a fashion bizarre enough to interest America's newest favorite geeks: Gil Grissom (William Petersen), Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) and their fellow crime-scene investigators--forensics wizards who can see a culprit in a speck of blood. Despite having a high-profile godfather in movie blockbuster-maker Jerry Bruckheimer, CSI made its debut in fall 2000 with little notice. In some recent weeks, though, the stylish crime show has unseated...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!