C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation (2000-present) is a popular CBS television show that started its series about forensic detectives in Las Vegas. The television franchise later added Miami and New York to its show locales, but the original C.S.I. is the brainchild of longtime Las Vegas resident Anthony Zuiker.

A former University of Nevada, Las Vegas student and Mirage resort tram operator, Zuiker researched his idea for C.S.I. on twenty-four-hour "ride-alongs" with the Las Vegas forensics force, called Field Services. He saw a different side of his city, finding that, "There are predators out there. Hopefully, our show communicates that, and lets audiences know our C.S.I. people are helping."

Zuiker believed the show would gain distinctive qualities through its Las Vegas setting on the graveyard shift. Audiences picked up on this different approach and the show quickly shot to number one in the ratings, turning cast members William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, Jorja Fox, Gary Dourdan, and George Eads into internationally recognizable stars.

C.S.I. also highlights locations specific to Las Vegas, though most of the show is shot on stage in southern California. Quarterly shoots in the neon capital have highlighted the Strip's escalators, the Venetian lobby, Mandalay Bay, the Hard Rock Café, and the Liberace Museum. C.S.I. leader Gil Grissom (Petersen) works out stress at the Sahara on Speed–the Ride, a roller coaster. Scripts, often written by Zuiker, include touches emphasizing the Las Vegas setting, ranging from crimes such as a casino heist to a type of "trick roll" Zuiker witnessed on one of his ride-alongs. Character backgrounds feature careers in stripping and sportsbook "running."