TV network CBS has marked the 15th anniversary of the first broadcast of the hugely popular crime show CSI in record-breaking style by setting the Guinness World Records title for the largest ever TV drama simulcast.

To commemorate what CBS had declared World CSI Day, the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode “Kitty”,originally shown in the States last April, was broadcast in 171 countries at the same time on Tuesday March 3 at 7:00 PM, ET (12:00 GMT).

Jerry Bruckheimer, Anthony Zuiker and Jonathan LittmanExec producers Jerry Bruckheimer, Anthony Zuiker and Jonathan Littman (pictured above) received the official Guinness World Records certificate (Pic: MICHAEL YARISH, 2015 CBS STUDIOS INC).

The record had previously been held by the special 50th anniversary episode of Doctor Who, which was broadcast in 98 countries across six continents in November 2013.

Having first hit screens in October 2000, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has gone on to accumulate 300 episodes spanning 15 seasons, seven of which ranked as television’s #1 drama.

Originally set against the bright lights backdrop of Las Vegas, the show has gone on to spawn two spin offs: CSI: Miami starring David Caruso, and the gritty CSI: New York which featured Gary Sinise.

The 15th anniversary saw the launch of the latest show in the franchise - CSI: Cyber, which stars recent Oscar winner Patricia Arquette.


The CSI: Crime Scene Investigation “Kitty” episode’s plot serves as introduction to some of the characters from CSI: Cyber, which had its debut episode premiere in the US straight after the record-breaking broadcast.

“When CSI premiered, I had no idea it would become the sensational global franchise it is today,” said Anthony Zuiker, creator of the CSI franchise and co-creator and executive producer of CSI: CYBER. 

“CSI has taken on Las Vegas, Miami, New York and now, with CSI: CYBER, we dive into the vast world of cyber crime, where we can instantly be connected to anyone, anywhere in the world at any time. I can’t think of a better way to kick off CSI: CYBER and celebrate 15 years of international success than with a worldwide simulcast.”