CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’s 15 Best Episodes, Ranked

After 15 seasons, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has amassed many fantastic episodes, but only a few stand out as the best of the television show. Since the show ran for so many seasons, there weren’t many characters that lasted until the end, but characters like Gil Grissom (William Petersen), Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger), and Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) are frequently present in the greatest episodes of the series. The series is set in Las Vegas, and the crimes frequently incorporate different aspects of the city’s history and legacy.

The reason behind the series’ success is that CSI did things better than other crime procedurals. Both the show’s creators and actors were consistently shaking up the formula of a traditional crime drama, and the most memorable episodes involved a compelling twist. Whether that was by keeping the audience guessing who the killer was until an episode’s final moments or by unpacking the inner workings of team members. Additionally, the dedication to science and solving crimes through evidence and analysis kept the show moving at a thrilling pace.

15
Cockroaches

Season 8, Episode 9

“Cockroaches” is a hugely significant episode of CSI because it marks the beginning of the end of Warrick Brown’s (Gary Dourdan) time on the show. The case the team solves personally impacts Warrick and causes him to get involved with a suspect, crossing a line. Any CSI episode that focuses on the character development of a team member is going to be excellent, and the story explores the inner workings of Warrick’s mind in a way that furthers the investigation. Although the lasting impacts of the case lead to Warrick’s downfall, it’s still exciting until the very end.

14
Anonymous

Season 1, Episode 8

One of the first episodes of the series, “Anonymous,” sheds light on what captured the audience’s attention from season 1 and how well the series worked from the beginning. It’s the first instance of Grissom going after a serial killer, and he has a chance to illustrate what an analytical and intriguing character he is. CSI was still discovering itself and establishing what made it different from other crime dramas on TV, and episodes like “Anonymous” are what elevated it above the rest. Additionally, the team has a chance to do unbelievable scientific work that introduces the series’ tone.

13
After The Show

Season 4, Episode 8

Tensions arise between the team members as a high-profile case makes them more concerned with gaining notoriety than catching the killer. Catherine is assigned as the lead on the case because the suspect becomes obsessed with her, and this garners the jealousy of Catherine’s colleagues. Although the CSIs usually help and support each other, professional envy arises, while Catherine remains dedicated to the case despite the swipes from the team. Additionally, “After The Show” is significant because it discusses how men are allowed to abuse their power, which is juxtaposed by how Catherine uses the suspect.

12
Justice Is Served

Season 1, Episode 21

The last few episodes of season 1 were pivotal in propelling CSI into an even more successful season 2. In “Justice Is Served,” cultural pressures and beauty standards are explored. CSI was unafraid of tackling difficult subjects, especially ones that related to the current societal conversation. It turns out that the killer in the episode is a woman drinking her victim’s blood in a desperate attempt to stay young and attractive. While this is an extreme example of the lengths people will go to meet societal norms, it communicates to the audience that CSI will weigh in on these conversations.

11
Slaves Of Las Vegas

Season 2, Episode 8

Though there are many harsh realities of rewatching CSI, the treatment of Lady Heather (Melinda Clarke) and her introduction in season 2 isn’t one of them. In “Slaves of Las Vegas,” the audience meets Lady Heather, a dominatrix, for the first time, and due to her chemistry with Grissom and the energy she brings into every scene, she becomes a semi-recurring character. While later episodes with her have more exciting cases, the first is the most exciting because it sets up her complex relationship with Grissom and sets the tone for how CSI will deal with sex work.

10
Cello And Goodbye

Season 11, Episode 21

One of the best characters added later in the show was Dr. Raymong Langston (Laurence Fishburne), who lent his medical experience and leadership skills to the team. However, his tenure on the show ended on a particularly explosive note in the season 11 finale when he goes head-to-head with the serial killer Nate Haskell (Bill Irwin), whom he’s been chasing all season. Langston is unable to keep his cool and follow protocol after Haskell kidnaps his ex-wife, and Langston’s actions change his trajectory forever. The episode is an example of how CSI maintained high levels of drama in later years.

9
Lost & Found

Season 10, Episode 21

Captain Jim Brass (Paul Vincent Guilfoyle) usually serves as a voice of reason in the series, but in “Lost & Found,” his desire to help a woman find her missing family clouds his judgment. Despite spending many years with him, Brass is still an enigma on CSI before this episode. Brass becomes unsure of where he stands in the case as evidence piles up against the woman, making it appear she killed her family. However, the truth is even worse than the team could imagine, and the brutal case ends on a somber note for everyone involved.

8
Toe Tags

Season 7, Episode 3

“Toe Tags” changed CSI forever because it opened the door to the afterlife and allowed the victims to speak to the audience for the first time. Much of the episode takes place in the morgue, as the victims of several different cases that the team is working on talk to each other and discuss what happened to them that led to their deaths. Grief and the struggle to make sense of something terrible that happens to a person are spoken about with tact and empathy, and the spin of the traditional episode format is a welcome change.

7
Gum Drops

Season 6, Episode 5

In a heart-wrenching case, Nick Stokes (George Eads) becomes emotionally involved when he believes that the young girl in a family that was killed is still alive. “Gum Drops” is an example of how the series attempted to humanize its characters because they can sometimes come off as overly cold and objective. Additionally, the science and investigative work is on full display in this episode because all the bodies are missing, with only blood as evidence in their home. The team has to be more innovative and creative in their exploration than usual because so much is at stake.

6
Living Legend

Season 7, Episode 9

The history of the mafia in Las Vegas is uncovered in “Living Legend” when the car of an infamous mob boss, Mickey Dunne, is found many years after both he and the car went missing before he could be arrested and charged. After they find the car, people start turning up dead, and there seems to be a connection between them and Dunne. The team soon suspects a conspiracy and that Dunne might be at large. The episode is a hallmark because of how interesting the villain is and how Catherine Willows proves her investigative skills once again.

5
Frame By Frame

Season 14, Episode 5

For the 300th episode of the series, CSI pulled out all the stops and gave a satisfying conclusion to a fourteen-year-old cold case. When a young woman is found dead in the home of a man who was suspected of a similar crime fourteen years ago, the team works tirelessly to put him away this time around. The episode incorporates flashbacks to the cold case from many years before, but something doesn’t add up. There are so many twists and turns within the case it’s difficult to keep track of them, but in the end, the CSIs unravel the mystery.

4
What’s Eating Gilbert Grissom?

Season 5, Episode 6

Seeing Gil Grissom lose his cool is an unexpected and brilliant way to expand his character and give insight into how he copes with leading his team. What pushes him to the edge is how lost he feels when he comes up against a killer who’s outsmarting him at every turn. The characters on CSI are defined by their intelligence and abilities, especially Grissom, and it’s shocking to witness him struggle to find answers. However, it’s an effective shock that reminds the viewer anything is possible on the show and that even the most mythic characters are human.

3
Built To Kill Parts 1 & 2

Season 7, Episodes 1 & 2

It’s impossible to overlook both parts of “Built To Kill” as standout episodes because of how well they unpack the serial killer arc in a new and innovative way. Other episodes deal with serial killers, but the season 7 opener introduces one of the most notorious, who becomes essential to the season-long arc. It’s always significant when a procedural commits to a season-long arc, and it often highlights that season as one of the best in the show. Additionally, it utilizes the setting of Las Vegas to its full potential, elevating the mystery.

2
For Warrick

Season 9, Episode 1

Warrick’s arc wraps up, and his character says goodbye when Gary Dourdan exited in season 9 of CSI. It’s a hard loss for the team, but they are brought closer together as they have to solve the mystery surrounding Warrick’s death and bring his killer to justice in the name of their fallen friend. Emotions run high throughout the episode, and the twist of who killed Warrick makes his passing even more brutal.

However, these intense plotlines helped make one of the best season premieres of the series and kick off a strong season 9, even though Warrick won’t be present for it. “For Warrick” is an example of how well CSI handles the comings and goings of different characters and actors. Even though his death is a big change, the series takes it in its stride and makes it necessary for the series’ progression.

1
Grave Danger Parts 1 & 2

Season 5, Episodes 24 & 25

Quentin Tarantino directed the two-part season finale of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation season 5, but it’s not only his doing that it’s the show’s best episode. Time is running out as the team races to find Nick, who has been abducted and buried alive. Every aspect of this episode is engineered to be the most heart-pounding and compelling story possible, and it captures how well the series performs when it’s at its best.

Each character is given time in the spotlight, and their skills are put to the test. In a case with a time limit revolving around one of their own, this is the perfect way to cap one of the show’s best seasons. Almost all of the original cast is present in the episode, and Gil has to work harder than ever to protect his team and keep them investigating as if they have nothing to lose.