USA Scores CSI Rights

NEW YORK: USA Network has shored up a deal for the rights to CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, beginning this December with seasons one through ten.

USA has the non-exclusive rights for the first ten seasons as of the end of this year. In fall 2011 the top-rated cable network will have the exclusive off-network rights for seasons 11 and beyond. By September 2014, NBC Universal—USA’s parent company—will be the exclusive home of the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation catalogue.

Jane Blaney, USA’s executive VP of program acquisitions and scheduling, stated: "We’re proud to add one of the most successful television series of the last 20 years to our programming slate. CSI fits perfectly into our already powerful collection of procedurals, including NCIS, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, House, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and eventually NCIS: Los Angeles," which launches on USA in September 2011. "CSI, one of only two shows to spawn two successful spin-offs, is an iconic series that reflects USA’s commitment to quality storytelling and unique characters."

The show is produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television and distributed in the U.S. by CBS Television Distribution.