Ted Danson is making his return to broadcast television by joining the cast of ‘CSI’ in a leading role, TV Guide is reporting. The former ‘Damages’ star will play the new grave shift supervisor. CBS has confirmed that Danson’s character will move to Las Vegas from Portland, and “he comes to the team as they are still grappling with the professional and personal fallout from last season’s take-down of serial killer, Nate Haskell.”

The ‘Cheers’ actor will be replacing Laurence Fisburne, who announced that he would be leaving ‘CSI’ after two and a half years. Danson goes to ‘CSI’ after he finished filming season three of HBO’s ‘Bored to Death,’ which returns in October. With the deal he made with the hit CBS crime drama, he’ll be able to remain a regular on the cable comedy series.

‘CSI’s executive producer Carol Mendelsohn reportedly created a character for Danson that’s more light-hearted than Fisburne’s Ray Langston character. “You can create a new character on the page, but until the perfect actor comes along and breathes life into it, it’s just words. We’re very excited (Ted) Danson came along,” she added.

The network considered bringing another major film star into the role, but then decided to hire a more well-known television actor. Danson will make his debut on ‘CSI during its12th season premiere on Wednesday, September 23 at 10pm.

Written by: Karen Benardello