Another CSI: Vegas Cast Member Is Exiting Ahead of Season 2
CSI: Vegas‘ Season 2 shakeup is extending to the morgue.
Just days after franchise vet Jorja Fox confirmed that she would not be returning for the CBS procedural’s forthcoming second season, TVLine has learned exclusively that fellow cast member Mel Rodriguez is also exiting the sequel series.
A CBS rep declined to comment, but a source close to the show confirmed that Rodriguez — who co-starred as Chief Medical Examiner Hugo Ramirez — would not be back as a series regular (presumably leaving the door open for an occasional guest appearance).
CSI: Vegas wrapped its inaugural 10-episode season back in December.
In announcing her departure on social media earlier this week, Fox revealed that her decision to bow out ahead of Season 2 was directly tied to the previously-announced exit of longtime leading man William Petersen (whose initial commitment did not extend beyond Season 1).
“For me, CSI has always been a love story,” Fox explained to fans on Twitter. “The story that people can find love in the darkest of places and times. I personally just can’t split Sara and Grissom up again. So goes Grissom…..So goes Sara. Wherever they go, they belong together.”
Aw, crap. He was about the only new CSI character that I really liked!
He was the character I did not care for LOL. I wonder what else they will be doing to for Season 2 in terms of the cast.
same. i didn’t like his character at all.
Right there with you. That’s disappointing. He always adds an interesting dimension to the characters he plays which is something the show could really use.
Oops, my comment crossed with Stacey’s. I’m agreeing with 69 Road Runner. I’m sorry to see Rodriguez go.
The early renewal of CSI Vegas by CBS for Season 2 has been baffling IMHO from the time it was announced.From the premier to the end of Season 1 it’s ratings and total viewership was lackluster. There has not seemed to be much buzz about streaming interest.Perhaps one day the Showrunners/CBS might reveal details on why it would be profitable other than being a filler to justify such an early renewal. Note–this is in no way a criticism of the actors, but questions about the circumstances.
I don’t know about “baffling”…
* Ties or beats Blue Bloods, FBI: I, NCIS LA, SWAT, Magnum, NCIS Hawaii, Bull (and Good Sam) in the demo.
* Draws larger audience than 4 of 6 CBS sitcoms, plus Amazing Race (and Good Sam)
* Improved its time slot
* Biggest L+7 DVR gains of any new fall drama.
And not really “early,” it was renewed after its finale. When do full-season shows get renewed? Before or around time of finale.
Thanks for your prompt reply–my choice of wording could have certainly been better.By early–I meant so early in the 2021-2022 Season ,not early in the show’s own airing. If it picked up much stronger in L+7 DVR then good for them!
I did like Hugo, but he was underutilized so not sure I will miss him that much. There’s a lot of talented actors out there and I’m looking forward to seeing who they will cast in these open positions. The CSI formula works with the right ensemble. I’ll be checking it out for sure.
It was renewed after season 1 aired. Not really an early renewal. The ratings were good and CBS had already stated that it was the highest playback among all new TV dramas this season
Building a night of CSI? To go with FBI night. Waiting of NCIS: LA to land Mondays at 8 for NCIS night. Just one iendless blur of sameness…
Fortunately, I never started watching Season 1, so these departures will not stop me from starting with Season 2.
The show needs to flesh out the new characters to create a sense of comradery. It was great having Grissom and Sara back for a while; but it was obvious why they were back and now everything can go back to the new normal.
That’s too bad. I really enjoyed his off-beat approach the the character.
I watched because of the two them (+ character of David Hodges). Without them, I will not watch. Just didn’t feel engaged by the new cast members.
I also find it admirable from a fan perspective that Jorja is foregoing an easy & steady paycheck to honor the character/storyline!
Dead Show Walking
Yup was dead since the annoccment of Peterson leaving.
He never seemed a fit for me with the cast.
Will miss him, Mel was fantastic in his role – been a fan snice “Last Man on Earth”.
Mel was great on Last Man on Earth; he was one of the reasons I watched it.
I’ve really liked Mel Rodriguez in prior roles (Last Man on Earth, Getting On), but I did NOT like this character. Good riddance.
He knows what’s up he’s jumping a sinking ship.
I don’t even remember him. I hope they cast someone interesting.
It really doesn’t matter too much who leaves (or is added) if Grissom isn’t going to be part of the show.
In its first run, altough the show lasted for several more years but was never the same without Grissom
Whats the use of having this CSI Vegas is the lead character Grissom and Sara leave. Don’t think it will last after season 2.
I think the entire cast needs to be recast. Other than Grissom and Sarah along with Hodges none of this group works. Too many accents impossible to understand and personalities that don’t work either. Time to recast it all or it won’t be around after season 2 starts. You can thank Dish for it’s high ratings as well because our Chicago 3 weren’t able to be watched throughout the season on nbc. We’ve also missed Law & Order SUV and Stabler. Programming these days is such a mess I’m surprised any shows make it far.
EXACTLY. I needed subtitles to understand the new female CSI.
Yep. Ebonics for dummies.
Sara and Grissom were the reasons I watched. I don’t even recall the other two CSI’s names they are so uninteresting. Trying to pair them up is so forced and the woman is reduced to acting like a teen aged girl fawning over the guy.
Why have the revival show if anyone wasn’t going to stick around for a while longer? It just doesn’t feel like the same.
I came back to csi vegas because grissom was going to be there. I dont like Katherine H. So I think this is the end of csi for me.