Ted Danson, star of Cheers and Three Men And A Baby, is set to take over the lead role in the CBS drama, CSI.
The show, which is now moving into its 12th series, having shown 251 episodes, began in 2000 with William Petersen as the lead. He was replaced in 2008 by Laurence Fishburne.
Carol Mendelsohn, executive producer of the show, said: “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.”
Entertainment Weekly reports that Robin Williams was offered the role before Danson, as was Monk star Tony Shalhoub and Third Rock From The Sun‘s John Lithgow.
The actor has recently found a new audience with television shows Damages and Bored To Death. He has also appeared regularly on Curb Your Enthusiasm, going to-to-toe with Larry David.
For his role as Sam Malone in the huge hit comedy Cheers, Danson was nominated for an Emmy Award every single year between 1983 and 1993.
He recently won a Golden Globe for his role in Damages.