Laurence Fishburne will not return to “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” next fall, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because CBS had yet to announce Fishburne’s departure.
Fishburne joined the “CSI” cast as Dr. Raymond Langston midway through the 2008-09 season as a replacement for departing star William Petersen.
The person says CBS and the show’s producers are taking Fishburne’s departure in stride, aware that his movie career made a long TV tenure unlikely. His big screen credits include “The Matrix” films, and he’s in the upcoming “Contagion” with Matt Damon.
“CSI” returns for its 12th season this fall and continues to rank among the 20 top-rated shows.
