Why After 10 Seasons CSI is Still the Best Show on TV

Most shows start to die out in their old age. Much like 7th Heaven after Jessica Biel left, once the principal characters depart the series tends to hang on by little more than a thread.
Shows like Smallville only stick around because they are on networks that value EVERY audience member, especially the small cult-followings that keep them running well past their expiration date.
Thus CSI is obviously the exception and not the rule. In its 10th season on CBS, the show has lost multiple lead characters (Warrick, Sara, and Gil Grisson have all left their regular roles) and exhausted multiple plot twists (the miniature killer, for example)... yet it still remains fresh and enticing, and thus one of the best shows on television.
Even with spin-offs trying to snag some of its viewers (CSI: Miami, CSI: New York), and similar crime-driven dramas looking to steal its spotlight (NCIS, NCIS:LA, Cold Case, the Mentalist)-the series continues to plow ahead as if there were no competition at all.
For proof I give you 10 Reasons why after 10 seasons, CSI is still the best show on TV:

1) When it loses a main character, it fills the void in a BIG way. Case in point... by William Peterson, hello Lawrence Fishbourne.

2) Even the characters who leave the series can't stay away... Sara Sidle left, but makes a multi-episode guest stint to start season 10...and it's good to have Jorja Fox back in Sin City.

3) GEORGE EADS. Need I say more? Besides his one bad season sporting a mustache, this man has been perfect in every way, shape, and form. He's hot, talented, and a killer crime-solver. When he almost died a few seasons back I almost stopped watching the series all-together. Thankfully he's still alive and well, and thus my support of the series continues.

4) Best season premiere opening sequence ever. I don't want to go into too many details because this you need to see for yourself. Talk about staying fresh and forever reinventing the series... the opening sequence is proof that it's being done on this show. No other series I've seen this season opened with such an explosively powerful visual element.

5) The cliff-hanger. Normally season premieres tie up lose ends, not unravel more of them. But, in the case of CSI, the season premiere continued to keep audiences hooked by leaving you with a question that will burn through your brain until (hopefully) it is answered in the next episode. It isn't over the top. And it isn't obnoxious... because the episode did provide enough conclusions to make you feel you got your money's worth as well. This is just brilliant writing.

6) 10 seasons and the crimes still never get old. I don't know how they do it. I thought they'd run out of clever ways for people to die. But, once again, I am totally wrong. Which each death there is a plausible twist that keeps you on your toes.

7) Syndication hasn't killed the series, but rather prolonged its life. More people have gotten hooked from the countless episode reruns on Spike than have lost interest. Syndication has also meant you can go back and revisit classic episodes that you haven't seen in a while considering the show's 10 year run. It's like watching the series all over-again... and falling in love all over again at the same time.

8) It hasn't ever jumped the shark. Some series creators get bored with their material (7th Heaven) or too cocky in their own abilities (Heroes) and go off on weird plot tangents that cause the series to jump the shark. Never in its 10 seasons has CSI been guilty of either of those two things. At no time have fans been left in shock because of crazy off-beat story lines. The show has stayed true to its purpose and as a result is being rewarded with another season in a top-spot in CBS's lineup.

9) Special effects lead the way. Other shows wish they could do in one season what CSI does in one episode. For television they have an incredible special effects budget. The use of computer generated material isn't overwhelming, and the added bonus of real scientific strategies makes the audience feel as though you are learning something while watching.

10) It has some of the most unique characters in television. Hodges. Grissom. Case in point. Each character is given just enough exposition that you learn their quirks and often their backgrounds, but you are never smothered with characterization to the point that it deprives you from a murderous storyline. Often times the characterization comes as a result of the murder investigation and you don't realize you've even gotten it until all is said and done.

What to Watch This Week

Having been out of the country for a week I was feeling a little TV deprived (I should get used to it considering seasons are coming to a close and soon I'll be avoiding the medium all together). This week is sure to deliver some hits.
Monday: Gossip Girl got juicy last week with Serena's decision to leave the country, the introduction of Rufus and Lily's son (sort of), Chuck and Vanessa's affair, and Nate and Blair's second chance at romance. These last few episodes should be amazing especially leading up to the introduction of the show's spin-off. Remember Michelle Trachtenburg is due for a repeat guest appearance (they hinted at it last week).
Tuesday: I'm not an American Idol fan (I know right?) so I won't spend much time dwelling over that over-extended phenom. Instead I'll head back to the CW where there is a brand new episode of 90210. Last week's episode felt like it may have been jumping the shark, but look for a strong comeback this week when the characters can pull it back together. Dixon and Annie's relationship issues are enough to drive the show which makes Naomi's presence an added bonus. Also remember Tori Spelling is on her way back...so original fans of the series are in for a treat.
Wednesday: This is really the only off-night of the week in my opinion. There is nothing here I HAVE to watch...but Scrubs fans will be happy to note there is a brand new episode airing on ABC. If that doesn't float your boat there are some great cable movies on Wednesday night that could be equally worth your time. If you're lucky enough to have On Demand I suggest you check out the WB section and watch a classic episode of Veronica Mars instead.
Thursday: This is by far my favorite night of television...and the one I'm never around to watch live. CSI and the Office are both brand new. CSI's 200th episode was a total let-down, in my opinion. But I have a feeling this week Lawrence Fishbourne and crew will make amends.
***I just wanted to point out of the irony of the fact that the Disney Channel in preparation for the Hannah Montana Movie premeire is going back to the franchise that started it all with the airing of the Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Friday: This night belongs to CBS. With new episodes of Ghost Whisperer AND Numbers if you don't have plans these are the shows to watch. The good news is that if you plan on being at the bar like me you can watch Numbers On Demand the next morning!

The Buzz

* Reject gets to try buying love again
-The Bachelor's DeAnna Pappas couldn't keep the "love" that she and Brad Womack had going...so ABC has decided to let her give it a second go. May 19th Pappas will be introduced to 25 hot single and incredibly shallow men in this season's Bachelorette. I guess ABC couldn't find any other incredibly desperate and insincere women to fill the role.

* Jay-Z and Beyonce getting legit....like FOR REAL YO
- According to People.com, Rapper Jay-Z and singer Beyonce have taken out a marriage license. The couple got the license in New York and it will be good for 60 days (plenty of time for either of them to get cold feet).

* Janet Jackson feeling gay over award
-I'm sorry. My play on words was semi-inappropriate, but kind of funny. Janet Jackson is being honored by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Saturday, April 26. Question: Why are they honoring Janet Jackson? They are honoring Ellen Degeneres but that makes sense...so what has Jackson done for GLAAD?

* CSI is da sh*t
-The original CSI is set to produce a 9th season and star and executive producer William Peterson is already on board. He reportedly signed a contract for a whopping 600,000 dollars AN EPISODE!!! The star will, however, not appear in as many episodes due to his role in the Chicago play Dublin Carol. It's ok... I bet even in the episodes where Gill is away the rest of the Las Vegas crew will STILL totally nail the bad guy!

*Daniel Craig: Looks Can Kill
-Ok, so Daniel Craig's looks might not be able to kill, but they HAVE earned him the top spot on GQ's list of "Britain's Best Dressed Man". Maybe it's just me...but I prefer Craig WITHOUT clothing.

*Jennifer Aniston creates film corporation so she'll have more to star in
-The former Friend's star has hooked up with partner Kristen Hahn to create Echo Films. The new company has already snagged a first-look deal with Universal Pictures and has already acquired a number of projects for which Aniston can star. Seriously, could she not find work elsewhere? Was it necessary for her to create her own production company to keep her name in lights? I love Jennifer Aniston, but even I think this is borderline ridiculous.

*90210 gets '1'
- The first cast member for the new 90210 spinoff has been officially cast. The CW's Justin Milligan will play a, "likeable, genuine...star athelte" says the show's producers. Yeah what an original role. I wonder what sport he'll play. My money's on Basketball or Football. His picture has him pegged as more of a basketball guy, but One Tree Hill totally already has that covered. Maybe he'll branch out and play something sweet like lacrosse!

*Britney is trying to time travel...hasn't figured out it isn't possible
-Poor Britney Spears thinks that time travel is possible. She has re-hooked up with former manager Larry Rudolph in an attempt to bring back the success of her "Hit Me Baby One More Time" days.

* I'd wear Patrick Dempsey...oh wait it's just a perfume
-I never would have thought I'd associate Patrick Dempsey with Avon, but McDreamy is set to be the new face of the company's latest fragrance. According to ETOnline, "Dempsey will launch his own men's fragrance this fall, even acting as creative director for the new scent." Yum. Dempsey will be smelling a little green too, as he'll reportedly make between five and six million dollars for his work.

*Steve-O may be insane but he has sobering outlook on life
-Having been hospitalized in the psych ward at the Cedars-Sinai medical center has given Steve-O time to establish a new outlook on life. The star has been dealing with reckless behavior issues and drug and alcohol abuse. Imagine that? I don't know about you but most NORMAL people I know attempt bodily harm to themselves and others on a daily basis...NOT! Steve-O has been blogging from the hospital and expects he'll complete his treatment by April 8th.