Ted Danson joins CSI

Ted Danson has joined the cast of 'CSI' after Laurence Fishburne's contract was not renewed amid falling ratings.

Ted Danson will replace Laurence Fishburne on 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'.

The former 'Cheers' star will play the new supervisor for the Las Vegas based investigative team after Laurence left the show last month when his contract was not renewed due to falling ratings.

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." 

Executive producer Don McGill added: "From the moment we all started talking about the role, it was clear he couldn't be more perfect. Intelligence, wit, warmth, depth of character and emotion, he brings it all. And now he'll have to bring latex gloves, too."

It has been reported that both Robin Williams and John Lithgow were offered the role before 63-year-old Ted accepted.

'CSI' will begin its 12th season in America on September 21.

Laurence - who played Dr. Raymond Langston - joined the programme two years ago to fill the void left by William Petersen, after he quit his role as Gil Grissom.