Ted Danson to take up lead role on 'CSI'

In what the TV trade calls a "shocker," Ted Danson will join "CSI" next season in the lead role on the hit series, replacing Laurence Fishburne, who departed at the end of last season, the 11th.

CBS announced the move Tuesday night, saying Danson "will play the new CSI Supervisor for the grave shift after heading the crime lab in Portland." The network statement continued: "He comes to the team as they are still grappling with the professional and personal fallout from last season's takedown of serial killer, Nate Haskell."

Danson was Sam Malone, one of the best known (and loved) characters in TV history, in "Cheers," then continued in sitcom roles ("Ink," "Becker") before his successful dramatic run as the evil Arthur Frobisher in "Damages." CBS said he'll continue on HBO's "Bored to Death" (as the rakish ex-magazine editor).