William Peterson Leaving ‘CSI’ For Now
Actor William Peterson is leaving the acclaimed TV show ‘CSI’ after eight years starring as Gil Grissom on the CBS hit. The decision seems mutual by both parties but not extremely permanent. He will leave sometime towards the middle of the upcoming season.
“Billy is leaving,” confirms the show’s executive producer, Carol Mendelsohn. “But he will remain throughout the run of the series an executive producer. And he will, whenever CBS asks, come back. I don’t think you’ve seen the last of Gil Grissom.”
Neither does Petersen. In fact, in an exclusive interview conducted on July 11, the eight-year CSI vet seemed almost reluctant to characterize his departure as, um, a departure. Citing both his ongoing role as an executive producer and his intention to return on occasion as a (very special) guest star, he said, “I’m in a great place in terms of knowing that I’ll be more free to make choices. And I’m responsible enough to not do it in a way that would hurt [the show].
The show will survive but will face a challenge in maintaining its ratings dominance with Peterson’s depature coupled with those of Jorja Fox and Gary Dourdan.
CBS has to be concerned about that, too. Although no one expects ratings to nosedive when Petersen leaves, the network’s top-rated show is staring down its biggest challenge ever. His sorta swan song, coupled with Jorja Fox and Gary Dourdan’s exits last season, brings to three the number of original cast members CSI will have lost in a year’s time.
Peterson has made so much money off of this franchise that it is hard to believe that he will stay away from it too long. He probably wants to devote his time to other projects or perhaps even a movie. He could retire now and live the high life off of the ‘CSI’ residuals for the rest of his life. I say he is back sometime in 2010 on a more regular basis.
Actress Lauren Lee Smith, from The L Word, has been added to the upcoming season of ‘CSI’.
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Posted under Celebrities, T.V.
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If William Peterson (Grissom) leaves the show, I will stop watching. He IS CSI. It was bad enough that Warrick (Gary Dourdan) was killed off because of his inability to stay away from drugs in his off the screen life. He was a great actor and very sexy. He will be missed badly. But the show will survive without him. Sara was getting boring and will not be missed. But Grissom leaving will spell murder for the show. I enjoy the rest of the investigators, but I don’t think their presence can keep the ratings up. There have been too many actors leaving in such a short time, I don’t think the viewers will accept much more, especially Grissom leaving. Why does a hit show always do this? It’s a hit because of the way it is, not because of what it could be. It is going to be a hard decision for me, but I may end up watching Grey’s Anatomy again. Please don’t leave Mr. Peterson, I kinda got a crush on you.
I liked the story line with Sarah & Grissom… wanted more of it. But I too will probably lose interest when Peterson leaves unless they come up with another truely gripping character. I respect his need for change or wahtever his reasons are but am nonetheless dissapointed.
I too will be finished with CSI, without Petersen, the show is mediocre at best.
He made it what it became. #1, now watch it plummet.
With Fishburne coming on board, it could be just as interesting… I’m willing to give it a shot and not pass judgement beforehand.
If Petersen is a co-producer of the show, he won’t be for long, because
without his role on the show the ratings will plummet to the point
that it will be discontinued next season, mark my words, also with-
out Jorja Fox and Gary Dourdan the show will be totally boring, just
like a lot of the other Forensic Scene shows presently on TV. The
constant implications of Grissom and Sarah Sidle being romantically
involved kept the show interesting. I too will no longer be watching
the show.
with william peterson leaving the show , i too will no longer be watching the show. this makes me sad as i have never missed an episode. gil grissom is the glue that holds the team together.
i sorry but i am not a fan of lawrence fishburn and i think he will be a very poor substitute for
william peterson. its also a shame the show had to lose gary dourdan i reallly liked his character.
i think the hire-ups have really screwed up big time this time. never fix something that
aint broke. this show will no longer be around in 2010.
This is a very sad day for a lot of fans. My girlfriend is loyal fan and only time will tell if she remains dedicated to the series.
My girlfriend just loves Gil Grissom and is very saddened by this news. Time will tell if she remains a dedicated fan. She’d really like for him t stay.
I love William Peterson. Please Gil don’t leave the show. I have watched CSI forever. Every Thursday night at 9pm EST I have a date with Gil. I look forward to it. I will be so sad if he leaves. Nothing comes between me and my Thursday night CSI. I really need you guys to rethink this. Please!!!!!!!!!!! NO ONE could possibly be a bigger fan than me. I even watch the reruns. Who does that? ME ME ME
If petersen is ON we’re ON TOO - if not… we’re OFF.
I agree with many others. If, Gil Grissom (William Petersen) leaves CSI, then I will stop watching, espicall if the intended replacement if Lawrence Fishborne. The entire CSI series revolves around the CSI leader(Grissom). Too bad it was such a great series, with two other spin-offs.
GRISSOM RULES!!!