TV Show review
Review basis: 3 seasons, 41 episodes · through May 19, 2024
October 6, 2021 · 43 min · TV-14 · Canceled
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
CSI: Vegas is a revival of the original CSI crime show that follows a new team of forensic investigators solving murders and conspiracies in Las Vegas using science and evidence. Season one brings back original characters to fight a threat against the crime lab. Later seasons focus on the new team handling cases and personal stories. The new lead is a Black woman as head of the crime lab and other non-white actors fill prominent CSI roles. Reviews and marketing noted the more diverse cast as a change from the original.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for CSI: Vegas.
Woke representation / casting
Prominent new team led by Black woman as crime lab head and South Asian immigrant in key CSI role. Reviews and marketing described the cast as more diverse than the original. Some viewers complained about emphasis on these choices.
Woke political dialogue
No activist or political speeches. Stories focus on evidence, lab work, and standard investigations.
Identity-driven story themes
Cases involve murders, conspiracies, and personal crimes. No central plots built around identity, representation, or social justice messaging.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Occasional Vegas elite or corruption cases fit typical crime drama. No reframing into modern activist critiques of institutions or norms.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. Original characters returned with the same actors and consistent portrayals.
Production
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Scattered social media and Reddit posts accused the show of being too woke or DEI-focused due to casting. Volume stayed low with no major news coverage.
Creator track record context
Jerry Bruckheimer shows conservative leanings. Mario Van Peebles has prior social commentary work. Most other writers and producers have standard procedural credits with only mild signals from a few.
