CBS Looking to Break Record for Largest Ever TV Drama Simulcast with CSI

By Kristin Brzoznowski for WorldScreen.com

CBS is looking to break the Guinness World Records achievement for “largest ever TV drama simulcast,” declaring March 4 as World CSI Day.

The current record for the largest TV drama simulcast was set by the special 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who, which was broadcast in 98 countries across six continents in November 2013.

The global event will feature a worldwide simulcast of the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode “Kitty.” The episode aired as the planted spin-off for CSI: Cyber.

The broadcast will go out in more than 150 countries at 7 p.m. and will be streamed in the U.S. on CBS.com from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.

“When CSI premiered, I had no idea it would become the sensational global franchise it is today,” said Anthony Zuiker, creator of the CSI franchise and co-creator and executive producer of CSI: Cyber. “CSI has taken on Las Vegas, Miami, New York and now, with CSI: Cyber, we dive into the vast world of cyber crime, where we can instantly be connected to anyone, anywhere in the world at any time. I can’t think of a better way to kick off CSI: Cyber and celebrate 15 years of international success than with a worldwide simulcast.” 

“CSI blazed a trail when it introduced the world to ‘feature’ television with its unique storytelling and innovative production values,” added Nina Tassler, the chairman of CBS Entertainment. “This groundbreaking show introduced the field of forensics into the cultural zeitgeist, and it’s a tribute to the vibrancy of the franchise that 15 years later, it can evolve yet again and dive into the cutting-edge field of cyber crime with CSI: Cyber.”

“CSI has taught us over the years the evidence does not lie,” added David Stapf, the president of CBS Television Studios. “The kind of success the franchise has accomplished is a feat achieved by few and we are so proud of the cultural impact it has made, not just in the U.S., but around the globe.”

“The CSI franchise has been a centerpiece of television schedules around the world for the past 15 years,” said Armando Nuñez, the president and CEO of CBS Global Distribution Group. “We are thrilled to celebrate this anniversary through a global simulcast event, supported by the licensees who have made the original series such a powerful brand in their markets.”

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