How Well Do You Know CSI?

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It's hard to believe that there's a certain police procedural drama franchise out there that lasted 17 seasons. A franchise that has spawned three different spin-offs, the last one (for now) of which just ended. And no, Law & Order fans, I'm not talking about your show! The which you should already know anyway, as it has been almost 30 years since the original NBC Law & Order aired. No, I'm talking about a slightly younger CBS relation we know collectively as the CSI franchise.

Yup, CSI is getting a little long in the tooth. The original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (or CSI: Las Vegas) started up in 2000 and ended in 2015. In that time the franchise also rolled out CSI: Miami, which ran for 10 seasons and CSI: New York which ran for nine. CSI: Cyber wasn't quite as successful, only airing for two seasons from 2014-16 but I'm willing to bet we haven't seen the last of the franchise.

Anyway, there's been an awful lot of police work done on air by all those forensic specialists over the years and an awful lot of fun trivia has come out of the show as well. Do you think you're a CSI expert? Do you think you have the investigative tools and deductive nature to ace our CSI quiz and come to all of the correct conclusions from the evidence given you? If you do I'll even make it a little bit easier for you. This quiz will focus only on the original CSI series. But don't worry- with fifteen seasons of information to sift through I don't think you'll solve all of these questions quite as quickly as you might want to!

Question 1

What Was It?

CSI had a very famous theme song, one that was written and performed by one of the biggest classic rock bands in history. I can tell you that the song was written by two guys from a hugely popular British band that came to fame in the Sixties but hey, a bunch of huge bands started off from England back then and are still going strong. Then again, if you can't get this one it begs the question why you are even bothering with this quiz...

Question 2

Who Was It?

Here's another gimme for you to start off the quiz. This actor basically made his bones playing the lead character of the show, Night Shift (the "Graveyard Shift" which is eerily appropriate). If you don't get this one right then you must like Bones or Cold Case better, I guess. The character's name was Gil Grissom and he was the driving force behind the show for the first nine seasons. He did come back as a guest star in a few later seasons and was featured in Immortality, the series ending TV movie.

Question 3

Who Was It?

CSI always seemed to attract big stars for its major roles, even if those big stars didn't always last for the entire show run. It wasn't just big time TV stars either, like that guy who played D.B. Russell. Nope, there were also instances where former movie stars (we're talking guys who made their careers on the silver screen) moved into major roles. One such actor was the man who played Dr. Raymond Langston for the ninth through 11th seasons. Who was it?

Question 4

Who was the first major production company to opt into CSI?

There were an awful lot of big names attached to the CSI project right from the very beginning- famous directors from Hollywood, famous executive producers from both TV and the big screen. So it's no surprise that there were also a ton of big-time production companies involved with it right from the very beginning. Because the showrunners and network execs thought they might have a hit on their hands (they had no clue how much of one!) a lot of companies wanted in. Who was the first major production company to opt into CSI?

Question 5

The character had a very unique attribute that wasn't always noticed by everyone. What was it?

Dr. Albert Robbins was the character played by Robert David Hall for the entire series run. He started off as a recurring character but became a full on series regular by season three. Which makes sense, I suppose, since the character was the Chief Medical Examiner for the CSI team and the Las Vegas County Coroner, kind of important positions in a show about forensic specialists..Anyway, the character had a very unique attribute that wasn't always noticed by everyone. What was it?

Question 6

Who was the musical guest?

This heavy metal legend guest appeared onscreen performing in the episode "Skin in the Game." That episode was the season 13 finale and not only did the singer appear onscreen but so did his entire band, a metal band that's been together for years. The episode itself was spread out over two weeks and featured what else but a crazy serial killer. This serial killer was really into the book Dante's Inferno, which is way harder to deal with than listening to the special musical guest star's heavy metal stylings... Who was the musical guest?

Question 7

What sense did he specialize in?

Wallace Langham played David Hodges, yet another CSI technician (geez- how many of these guys are there?!!?) Hodges was an interesting character in that one of his five senses was almost super-powered. It was actually uncanny how often he was able to figure things out quickly simply by the use of this sense of his. I guess if you're going to be a lab technician for a CSI unit you might as well have one sense that is way more refined than the rest of them... What sense did he specialize in?

Question 8

Who Was It?

This actress played the first female lead character on CSI. Her role was that of Catherine Willows, the assistant Graveyard Shift supervisor. Her character actually started as a simple analyst in the CSI labs and steadily got herself promoted. She was on the show for the first 12 seasons and returned briefly in season 14 and for Immortality before the character left she actually took over for Gil Grissom when that character left but had to resign the position and become a FBI agent.

Question 9

When Was It?

CSI was on for 15 seasons, from 2000 until 2015. I'll give you a hint about this question, which asks when the series finale, the TV movie Immortality, aired. The hint is this- CSI was always a regular running network drama. It didn't ever show as a midseason replacement or have a summer schedule of new episodes or only play half a season in the spring or late fall. Nope, it ran at the normal times for normal network shows its entire existence as a first-run program. So even though the finale was only a two-hour movie it ran when you would expect it to.

Question 10

He was the specialist for a particular branch of forensic science- can you guess what it was?

Remember Henry Andrews, the major character played by John Wellner? Well, OK, he was just a recurring character for seven seasons before becoming a regular in season 13 so maybe he wasn't a "major" character. But still, you ought to remember this guy because he had a very unique skill set, one different from all of the other forensic technicians he worked with. He was the specialist for a particular branch of forensic science- can you guess what it was?

Question 11

What crime did this character commit?

One character, played by a well-known actor in the later seasons of the series, particularly in seasons nine-11, if you're scoring at home, was instrumental in causing a huge departmental scandal in his wake. The character had often discussed with other characters his fears that he was not a "good guy." Well, he kind of proved that he wasn't a good guy (or at least wasn't a guy who could control his impulses) when he committed a major crime and was subsequently fired from his job. What crime did this character commit?

Question 12

Where was this?

The series was set in Las Vegas, of course, but principal photography took place in many locations. One region in particular was used quite a bit for an awful lot of filming, especially in season one. And no, I'm not talking about the lot at Universal Studios as a "region" even if Universal itself might like to believe it is and the show happened to film there often. Instead this area proved itself so versatile and "Vegas-like"for the filmmakers that they kept returning to it long after the first season was in the can. Where was this?

Question 13

What position did Nick Stokes take that caused him to leave CSI?

George Eads played CSI Level III analyst Nick Stokes for the show's entire run, all the way through the final regular episode in season 15 (although he did not return for the ending TV movie the next fall). Nick was an affable, well-liked character on the show who made a lot of friendships with the other characters. therefore it was pretty hard for him to accept a new, better position elsewhere at the end of the series but he did. What position did Nick Stokes take that caused him to leave CSI?

Question 14

Who Was It?

This Singer-songwriter appeared in the Episode "Built To Kill, Part I." That's kind of funny because there are a few songs out there with that name but none of them were written or performed by this artist. I think there might even be an entire band with that name, actually. Anyway, this guy is a pop superstar who has won seven Grammys although he has made some very interesting professional choices recently. He didn't just appear on CSI, he performed on it- who was it?

Question 15

Who Was It?

After William Peterson became a superstar playing Gil Grissom for nine seasons on CSI he was replaced by a guy who was already a superstar. and believe me, Peterson was huge! I know because I'm a fellow Chicagoan and I'm telling you, that guy is still absolutely worshipped around here. He'll never have to buy another drink in this town... Anyway, this other actor played the new Graveyard Shift Supervisor, D.B. Russell for the last four seasons and in the movie.

Question 16

There was one modern band whose music was often used during forensic tests- who was it?

One of the thing that CSI was always famous for was providing high quality incidental music- you know, the stuff they play while the camera pans lovingly over dead bodies and lab equipment. An awful lot of really big bands contributed their sound over the years, including Radiohead, Linkin Park, and Nine Inch Nails. Other more classic acts like Tears for Fears, The Cocteau Twins, and Electric Light Orchestra contributed some of their hit songs to various episodes. There was, however, one modern band whose music was often used during forensic tests- who was it?

Question 17

how long was this character on the show?

The character of Nick Stokes was around for a very long time. In fact, this character appeared in more years of CSI than any other character. Stokes was a CSI level III, a position he gained in the pilot episode of the series. He never really was comfortable in any other role, even when he was assistant supervisor of the Graveyard Shift. The question is, though, just how long was this character on the show? Take a stab at it, why don't you?

Question 18

Who Was It?

This actress came in relatively late to the game starring in seasons 12-15. However, she was another big Hollywood name who found a lot of success with CSI after watching her movie career flag somewhat. Her character was a "blood spatter specialist" who had worked for D.B. Russell previously and she became the assistant supervisor. Unfortunately for the character she ran afoul of one of the main bad guys on the show and ended up in a horrific Kill Bill-type situation. Who was the actress?

Question 19

When Was It?

Long-time regular cast member Jorja Fox, who played the character of Sara Sidle, a CSI Level III specialist, was rumored to be leaving after many seasons on the show. Fans instantly organized grassroots "protests" begging CBS to keep her on the show. some of these stunts were created by an online community of fans who went by the title Your Tax Dollars at Work. The forum raised $8,000 from its members to do things like send CBS executives chocolate covered bugs that read "CSI Without Jorja Bugs Us." What years did this campaign happen?

Question 20

Actress Marg Helgenberger won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama series twice as well. In what years did she take home the award?

As we've said before, CSI has been nominated for more than its fair share of Primetime Emmys and has even won a fair amount of them- nine to be precise. Now a few of those have been for technical achievement (and one weird Outstanding Direction For a Drama Series that went to Quentin Tarantino, of all people) but it has also won for Outstanding Drama Series twice, in 2002 and 2003. Actress Marg Helgenberger won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama series twice as well. In what years did she take home the award?

Question 21

Who Was It?

This is the scriptwriter who originally pitched his idea for CSI to Hollywood executive producers (and the studio head at Touchstone Pictures) as a TV series. He had a revelation about the idea for CSI while watching The New Detectives on Discovery. He didn't have any background at all in script writing but he did have college classes background in forensics. He ended up becoming the executive producer for the entire CSI franchise so I suppose he must have done something right.

Question 22

She was only a regular on the show for one season. See if you can guess which one it was.

One of the cool things about CSI is all of the strong female characters. they may come and go but there are always a few. One such character was that of Wendy Sims, who was one of the DNA techs in the CSI lab. The character, played by actress Liz Vassey, was a recurring character for four years and a special guest star in another season. However, she was only a regular on the show for one season. See if you can guess which one it was.

Question 23

Who was the actor who played the character?

This actor played series regular Warrick Brown. Brown was a character who was on the show for the first nine seasons. He was a CSI Level III who specialized in audio-video analysis and was also a crazy ass recovering gambler. He was a native of Las Vegas who majored in chemistry at UNLV. Everyone thought he was really quite good at what he did except (or especially???) Sheriff McKeen, who killed him in season nine. Who was the actor who played the character?

Question 24

What Was It?

The character of Dave Phillips, played by David Berman, was the Assistant Coroner/Medical Examiner for all of Las Vegas County and a guy with a very dark sense of humor- duh. He was a recurring character for years until finally becoming a regular in season 10. He was also infamous for saving a person's life during an autopsy. Because of that act he came up with a nickname for himself that was then used by him as the series went on. What was the nickname?

Question 25

Who Was It?

This bigshot producer of both television and movies was one of the first to believe in the idea presented by scriptwriter Anthony E. Zuiker. He was the one who introduced Zuiker to the head of Touchstone Pictures which then led to that guy showing the script to all four of the major networks. CBNS decided to take a shot on it and the rest is history. So Zuiker owes this guy a rather large favor I would say. The producer would produce the series for many years with CBS Productions

Question 26

When Was It?

Since CSI was a hit in its first season and since it aired in the 21st century you and I both know there was almost no way that the show wouldn't be turned into a video game. Well, make that nine (nine!) different video games for the original CSI series alone! The very first one had one of the awesome titles that make video games so cool. That's right, it was called CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Wow- where did they come up with that particular gem of a title? When was the first CSI video game released?

Question 27

What is the total number of Emmys it has won?

Like many similar shows that are both critically and publically well-received CSI has been nominated for numerous Primetime Emmys, Golden Globes, and People's Choice Awards. I'm sure it doesn't hurt that the show spent fifteen years on air, most of that time in the top 10. Also like many other shows, CSI hasn't actually won anywhere near as many Emmys as it has been nominated for. In fact, the show has been nominated for 39 Emmys but has taken home less than half of those statues. What is the total number of Emmys it has won?

Question 28

She was only on for one season- which one was it?

Lauren Lee Smith was a regular cast member who played the character of Riley Adams, who was a Level II CSI specialist. The character was also a former cop who had made her bones in St. Louis. By the way, isn't it weird how many CSIs become cops and vice versa in this show? According to all of my research real CSIs rarely have any desire to become cops. And real cops are way too busy to think about how to become a CSI analyst. Anyway, she was only on for one season- which one was it?

Question 29

What Was It?

Remember when we were talking about how so much of the early part of the show's run was filmed in Santa Clarita, California because the exteriors there were very adaptable and looked a lot like Vegas? Well, here's a nice little stumper for you. The Santa Clarita shoots were usually filmed at a corporate campus owned by a huge American company, one that specializes in building vehicles. If it's any help for those of you not Wiki'ing the answers the campus is located in the Valencia neighborhood of Santa Clarita. Which company?

Question 30

When Was It?

In the 15 years of CSI's run it cracked the Nielsen top 10 11 times- let me amend that; it cracked the Nielsen top 10 11 straight times! It finished 10th twice, bookending the run with those numbers. It also finished 2nd three times, 3rd once, 4th twice, 8th once, 9th once and finished 1st just once. I would have thought that number would have been higher. Anyway, in which season do you think it came in 1st?

Question 31

Who Was It?

This actress played the character Sofia Curtis. Curtis was a a dedicated CSI specialist who had an interesting career turn, deciding to become a detective with the Las Vegas Police Department after being demoted in the CSI ranks. the character quickly rose up in the ranks of the LVPD instead and ended up being Deputy Chief of the whole department. The actress herself is also known for being in CSI: Los Angeles as well as The Lottery, based on that classic Shirley Jackson short story. Who is she?

Question 32

What Was It?

We've mentioned the TV movie that acted as the series finale a few times. Immortality was filmed for almost three weeks in the summer of 2015 and almost all of the series regulars who had left the show came back for the big send-off. This included original main man William Peterson, who reprised his role as Gil Grissom for the movie. In the world of CSI Grissom had gotten very active in a very particular cause since leaving CSI. What was that cause?

Question 33

When Was It?

The first season ran from October 6, 2000 to May 17, 2001 and was a huge critical and commercial success. It was so big in fact that it made it into the Nielsen top 10 for the year. It continued to score well with viewers (and advertisers) for much of its run. That first season the show aired on Friday nights after The Fugitive, a failed drama that was supposed to be a hit. It was CSI, though, that averaged 20.8 million viewers. What ranking did it finish with?

Question 34

What Was It?

CSI became so immensely popular over the course of its run that it spawned video games and even books. One such book was titled True Stories of CSI and came out in 2009. What was it about? Was it about the real life on-set interactions and bickering between the stars? We all know that Hollywood egos can get very invested in themselves and create difficult filming issues. Or was it about something else entirely different? Look below for your choices.

Question 35

When was the premiere?

CSI premiered in 2000. It was supposed to gain ratings by being placed after a show called The Fugitive (based on the popular old TV show) on Friday nights. CBS was looking for the older stay-at-home demographic that drives Friday night programming, which is a huge cash cow for the networks. You and I never stayed home to watch CSI on a Friday night though, did we? Nah, we were too busy being out and about acting all hip and cool. We never made "appointment TV" on Fridays- no way. When was the premiere?

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