Telemystery: CBS To Use CSI Episode as Backdoor Pilot for a Potential Series on Cyber Crime

CBS is planning to use an upcoming episode of CSI to be a backdoor pilot for a spin-off centered on cyber crime.

The lead character is Avery Ryan, Special Agent in charge of the Cyber Crime Division of the FBI, who is tasked with solving crimes that start in the mind, live online, and then play out into the real world. CSI franchise creator Anthony E. Zuiker will co-write the episode screenplay with Carol Mendelsohn and Ann Donahue, which is expected to air later this Spring. No casting was announced.

At this point it isn't clear that if a series is ordered whether it will bear the "CSI" name or be be given a unique title (as NCIS was when it was spun off from JAG).