Logo

TVWeek

CBS Sets Its Sights on a World Record for TV

Mar 2, 2015  •  Post A Comment

CBS has taken the wraps off plans for an event that the network hopes will set a Guinness World Record for the largest TV drama simulcast in history.

The network is billing the effort as “World CSI Day.” Wednesday, March 4, marks the day CBS will mount the large-scale simulcast in celebration of 15 years of the “CSI” franchise and as a kickoff for the latest edition in that franchise, “CSI: Cyber.”

The episode of the “CSI” mothership that contained the planted “CSI: Cyber” spinoff will be the focal point of the initiative, airing simultaneously in more than 150 countries. The “CSI” episode, “Kitty,” originally aired April 30 of last year.

“CSI” is one of the most successful TV drama franchises worldwide in history. Patricia Arquette stars in the spinoff.

The record for largest TV drama simulcast is currently held by the 50th anniversary episode of “Doctor Who,” which aired in 98 countries on six continents in November 2013, CBS notes in its announcement.

The “CSI” episode will air worldwide at 7 p.m. ET, streaming in the U.S. on CBS.com from 4 p.m. to midnight PT. The premiere of “CSI: Cyber” is set for the same night at 10 p.m. ET on the broadcast network.

In a statement, Anthony Zuiker, creator of the “CSI” franchise and co-creator and executive producer of “CSI: Cyber,” said: “When ‘CSI’ premiered, I had no idea it would become the sensational global franchise it is today. ‘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.”

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)