George Eads Leaving 'CSI'

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is saying farewell to the last of its original cast members.

George Eads, who has played Nick Stokes on the CBS procedural for nearly 15 years now, will be leaving the show at the end of Season 15. The character's exit will reportedly be tied to the Gig Harbor Killer case, although that doesn't necessarily mean he's going to be killed off or anything. Granted, it doesn't mean he's safe either.

Eads has had a tempestuous relationship with the powers behind the scenes on the show, from a brief break following a heated argument with a pregnant show writer last year, to his brief firing in 2004 following a contract dispute. However, Eads remained a fixture, outlasting every other original cast member on the series. His departure could coincide with the show's final bow, as the series has had its episode order reduced from 22 to 18 for this season. Is this the end for CSI? That remains to be seen. But it's almost certainly the end for Eads, provided his exit doesn't leave the door open for a cameo down the line.

Via: TV Guide