CBS Developing Cyber Crime CSI Spin-Off

CBS is upping its commitment to Anthony E. Zuicker and CSI.

According to Deadline, the network has just ordered a new spin-off pilot of his popular franchise, this time, focusing on cyber crimes rather than forensic science. The pilot will air this spring as part of CSI's season. Zuicker, CSI showrunner Carol Mendelsohn, and former CSI: MIAMI showrunner Ann Donahue will pen the script.

The proposed spin-off will follow "Avery Ryan, Special Agent in Charge at the Cyber Crime Division of the FBI in Quantico, VA, who is tasked to solve major crimes that start in the mind, live on-line, and play out into the real world."

Previous CSI spin-offs included CSI: NY and CSI: MIAMI.

CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION is a fast-paced drama about a team of forensic investigators trained to solve crimes by examining the evidence. They are on the case 24/7, scouring the scene, collecting irrefutable evidence and finding the missing pieces that will solve the mystery. D.B. Russell, the CSI supervisor for the grave shift, is a family man and scientist, but not a nerd. Son of hippie parents, he's a left-coast Sherlock Holmes who devours crime novels and looks at every crime scene as if it were a story waiting to be told. The team's other members include CSI Julie Finlay, a blood spatter expert who always speaks her mind, regardless of the consequences; Nick Stokes, the conscience of the team, often driven by his emotional connection to the victim to always get the job done; Sara Sidle, aka "Mrs. Grissom," relentless in her pursuit of criminals and the moral compass of the team; Greg Sanders, once an off-beat tech analyst and now an experienced and intuitive crime solver; and Morgan Brody, an exile from the Los Angeles Crime Lab and the daughter of Undersheriff Ecklie. She's a natural-born investigator who still has a lot to learn about politics and family. The CSI team members also work closely with Captain Jim Brass, a seasoned detective and protector of CSI, sometimes to a fault; Dr. Albert Robbins, the ever-professional medical examiner; his wise-cracking assistant, David Phillips; and the CSI Lab Technicians: David Hodges, a tech of many talents who often rubs people the wrong way, but never fails to deliver, and Henry Andrews, the DNA specialist, who always cracks the code.

Photo by: Michele Paniz/CBS