Location, Location, Location

When it comes to the CSI franchise, the cities are more than just the backdrop.

In the beginning, CSI:Crime Scene Investigation was meant to take place in Las Vegas, but the crimes were supposed to seem as though they could happen anywhere. Over time, however, Las Vegas "organically crept in as a character," CSI executive producer Carol Mendelsohn told The Washington Post. From the dominatrix Lady Heather (Melinda Clarke) to boxing matches, Las Vegas became a big part of the show. "I do think Vegas and CSI have become married to each other," Mendelsohn said.

Miami was chosen for the second show in the franchise. "The sky is different, the clouds are different, the air is like cotton," said CSI:Miami's executive producer Ann Donahue. The different setting affected the appearance of the show as well as the cases themselves. Miami has sharks in the ocean and alligators in the Everglades. "You could not do that in any other city and have that kind of fear," Donahue said.

New York was an immediate part of the third CSI show, from the density and diversity of the human population to the iconic landmarks. The look of the show, however, took some time to establish. "When we first started out, it was dark and very grainy and felt like an independent film," said Melina Kanakaredes (Stella Bonasera). When viewers didn't tune in, the show lightened up. The difference reminded Kanakaredes of living in the city early in her career and being able to move to a different apartment when she began to make money. "I could see a whole 'nother New York," she said.

To read the entire article, please visit the Washington Post.

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