The CBS police procedural Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) was not only wildly popular, it was a cultural phenomenon. Airing for 15 seasons, from 2000 to 2015, CSI redefined the the procedural drama for the 21st century. It's, then, no surprise that franchise's first spinoff, CSI: Miami was also successful. Although CSI: Miami aired for a solid 10 seasons, it was ultimately canceled in 2012. But why?
What Was CSI: Miami About?
CSI: Miami followed a group of detectives and forensic scientists working with the Miami-Dade Police Department. Led by Lt. Horatio Caine (played by David Caruso), a forensic analyst and former bomb-squad officer, and Det. Calleigh Duquesne (Emily Procter), a ballistics specialist, the highly skilled team consisted of Lt. Megan Donner (Kim Delaney), Det. Eric Delko (Adam Rodriguez), LAPD transfer Jesse Cardoza (Eddie Cibrian), Det. Ryan Wolfe (Jonathan Togo), and former FBI agent Natalia Boa Vista (Eva LaRue). They were aided by others, such as Horatio's sister-in-law, Det. Yelina Salas (Sofia Milos), Medical Examiner Alexx Woods (Khandi Alexander) and Miami-Dade Police Sgt. Frank Tripp (Rex Linn). After 10 seasons of forensic investigations involving heinous crimes, CSI: Miami wrapped in April 2012 with the series finale, "Habeas Corpse."
Why CBS Canceled CSI: Miami
CSI: Miami was incredibly popular during its decade-long run. In fact, at one point, it was named the World's Most Popular TV Show in a study of ratings across 20 countries. But, despite numerous awards and nominations, CBS ultimately canceled CSI: Miami due to a decline in ratings and the climbing cost of production.
During its final season, CSI: Miami ranked Number 27 out of all broadcast TV series. That was a stark contrast to its usual spot in the top 10, where it reigned for its first four years. But as seasons went on, the ratings began to slip, indicating the crime drama was on its way out.
The rising cost of production certainly didn't help matters. Long-running shows tend to be more expensive to produce over their lifetimes. That's because the longer the series goes, the more contracts have to be signed, and pay renegotiations must be undertaken. With long-running shows that continue to bring in high ratings and revenue, it's often worth continuing to produce episodes. But in CSI: Miami's case, the mix of poor ratings and growing expenses wasn't doable. Thus, CBS canceled the show after Season 10.