CBS is putting “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” into the record books.
Declaring March 4 “World CSI Day,” the network has embarked on a global effort to help its iconic procedural series break the Guinness World Record for “Largest Ever TV Drama Simulcast.”
CBS will simulcast the “CSI” episode “Kitty” in more than 150 countries at 4 p.m. ET. This will break the previous record set by the 50th anniversary episode of “Doctor Who,” which was simulcast in 98 countries in 2013.
The episode originally aired last April as a planted spinoff for the network’s upcoming computer-focused franchise “CSI: Cyber,” which debuts at 10 p.m. on Wednesday. Oscar winner Patricia Arquette stars on the new series, the fourth in the franchise. James Van Der Beek, Peter MacNicol, Shad Moss, Hayley Kiyoko and Charley Koontz co-star.
“’CSI’ blazed a trail when it introduced the world to ‘feature’ television with its unique storytelling and innovative production values,” Nina Tassler, Chairman, CBS Entertainment, said in a statement. “This groundbreaking show introduced the field of forensics into the cultural zeitgeist, and it’s a tribute to the vibrancy of the franchise that 15 years later, it can evolve yet again and dive into the cutting-edge field of cyber crime with ‘CSI: Cyber.’”
“When ‘CSI’ premiered, I had no idea it would become the sensational global franchise it is today,” Anthony Zuiker, creator of the ‘CSI’ franchise, said. “’CSI’ has taken on Las Vegas, Miami, New York and now, with ‘CSI: Cyber,’ we dive into the vast world of cyber crime, where we can instantly be connected to anyone, anywhere in the world at any time. I can’t think of a better way to kick off ‘CSI: Cyber’ and celebrate 15 years of international success than with a worldwide simulcast.”
To commemorate World CSI Day, the network has also commissioned exclusive art for each of the franchise’s series (“CSI,” “CSI: Miami,” “CSI: New York” and “CSI: Cyber”) and will unveil them on the shows’ social media accounts.
See some of the art below:
The “CSI” episode “Kitty” airs Wednesday, March 4 starting at 4 p.m. on CBS.com and the simulcast will occur at 7 p.m. on CBS; “CSI: Cyber” debuts at 10 p.m. that night on the same network.