Throughout theCSIfranchise’s 39 seasons and 838 episodes, there have been plenty of memorable moments, but the one that stands out the most happens over the course of three episodes. TheCSIfranchise debuted in October 2000 whenCSI: Crime Scene Investigationpremiered, and it quickly became a hit. Millions of people watched theCSIshow, inspiring CBS to expand its universe. Its success resulted in the network ordering the first spinoff,CSI: Miami, in 2002, and the second one,CSI: NY, in 2004.CSIwas a cultural phenomenon that forever changed the course of TV(in numerous respects).
As of the writing of this article, theCSIfranchise has no current shows airing, as the latest,CSI: Vegas, ended with its season 3 finale in May 2024.
Every series in the franchise revolved aroundaCSIteam, consisting of forensic scientists, detectives, and medical examiners who work together to solve murders. However, as one could tell by their titles, each show took place in a different city. TheCSIfranchise started in Las Vegas before heading to Miami, and then New York City. Given the series' varying locations, crossovers were difficult, but the producers made it work forone game-changing event that transpired for three episodes, one from eachCSIshow.
CSI’s “Trilogy” Crossover Is When The Crime Procedural Franchise Peaked
“Trilogy” Was The First Time All 3 Shows Crossed Over
Although “Trilogy” wasn’t the first time somecharacters from theCSIuniverseinteracted, it was the first time all three TV shows crossed over with one another.CSI: Miami’s backdoor pilot aired duringCSIseason 4, bringing the two series together. A couple of years later,CSI: MiamihostedCSI: NY’s backdoor pilot.CSI: MiamiandCSI: NYdebuted another crossover shortly afterward, as well. However, everything was different in"Trilogy" as it was the first (and only) crossover between all three shows,and nothing has been the same in the franchise ever since.
Peter M. Lenkov and Pam Veasey
David Weddle and Bradley Thompson
July 26, 2025
“Trilogy” began onCSI: Miamibefore continuing onCSI: NYandending onCSI: Crime Scene Investigation.Laurence Fishburne’s Ray Langston was at the center of the crossover’s story.Ray searched for a lost girlwho was dragged into a human trafficking ring, and the case led him to Miami and New York before heading back to Las Vegas. It was beyond exciting for the audience to see characters from three of their favorite shows interact with one another in “Trilogy.” Given the franchise’s success and popularity at the time, no other crossover event could ever come close to it.
The Best CSI Episode Aired 19 Years Ago And Was Written & Directed By A Hollywood Legend
CSI’s season 5 finale wasn’t like an ordinary episode, but its subversive style and a surprising guest director made the two-parter an iconic outing.
“Trilogy” Confirmed CSI As The Best Shared Universe On TV At The Time
Since the airing of “Trilogy” in 2009, big crossover events between TV series and their spinoffs have only gotten more common. Beforehand,something as big as a three-show crossover was unheard of.Years later, though, theArrowverseandtheOne Chicagouniverseoften followed/followCSI’s model. However, nothing could beat the original, and “Trilogy” only confirmed why theCSIfranchise is and always will be one of TV’s best shared universes.
CSI
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is a multi-media franchise that began with the self-titled original series developed by Anthony E. Zuiker. The series follows various detectives as part of the CSI teams as they work behind the scenes (and in the field) to uncover the truths behind unsolved murders. The series has also enjoyed an extensive collection of simulation-style video games over the years as companions to ongoing television shows.
