10 Filming Secrets about the CSI show

CSI is one of the most iconic crime series of the 2000s, and with a revival in the works, uncover 10 filming secrets you may not have known.

Another name for Gil

Originally, the character played by William L. Petersen was called Gil Scheinbaum. The actor renamed it Gil Grissom in homage to the astronaut Gus Grissom he admires a great deal.

The show was initially turned down by another channel

Prior to landing on CBS, the detective series was first shown on ABC in 1999, but the channel canceled it because they found it "too confusing for the average viewer."

Las Vegas? Logical choice!

Crime Scene Investigation is set in Las Vegas, and that is no coincidence. Among US criminal labs, it is the second most active in the country, surpassed only by the FBI laboratory in Quantico.

A little problem of timing

While most techniques and technologies used in the series are true to reality, the writers admitted that they cheated on the duration of tests and results. While they take a few seconds in the show, it goes completely different for actual tests, as they can take days or weeks in real life.

Real autopsy studies

Marg Helgenberger, who plays Catherine Willows, attended real autopsies during the production for personal research. And for her, the most striking thing about this whole experience was the stench of bodies. We are willing to take her word for it.

Inflated expectations in reality

Real-life prosecutors have complained of a "CSI effect." That is, juries came to have unrealistic expectations from forensic science, expecting an abundant amount of evidence as seen on TV, even in routine cases, or an unrealistic level of accuracy and specificity from any test provided.

Two actors fired then rehired

In July 2004, George Eads and Jorja Fox were fired (by direct order of Leslie Moonves, the CBS boss). The channel said they were using delay tactics (by not showing up for filming) in order to force a pay rise at the start of season five. But they were quickly rehired, without a salary increase. Both actors then denied the existence of a contractual dispute.

Inspired by real crimes

Much like the other CSI shows, many of the featured cases are based on actual crimes. The writers bring some changes like names, location, and other details for obvious reasons, but some details like how the victims died and how the crime was committed echo the real crime.

A Hollywood star could have replaced William Petersen

John Malkovich was approached to replace William Petersen after the latter left the series. The star was very interested in the role, but after discussions with the interpreter of Gil Grissom, he decided not to take it due to the length of filming, which would take several months.

A record of appearances

Of any CSI member, George Eads holds the most appearances record with a total of 323 episodes and 12 where he is credited but does not appear. However, he is not in the concluding TV movie, because his character leaves the show after Season 15.