'CSI: Cyber' in jeopardy as Ted Danson exits for new sitcom

Ted Danson is on the move.

The Fargo actor is leaving CSI: Cyber and joining a new NBC sitcom along with Kristen Bell.

The series is called Good Place and it’s been ordered for 13 episodes from writer-producer Mike Schur (Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Good Place is about a New Jersey woman (Bell) “who comes to realize that she hasn’t been a very good person. She decides to turn over a new leaf by learning what it actually means to be ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ and then trying to make up for her past behavior.” Danson plays Michael, who “comes to be Eleanor’s guide through her self-designed self-improvement course.”

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But what does this mean for the ailing CSI franchise?

Danson joined CSI in 2011 to replace Laurence Fishburne. When the flagship was canceled last year he deftly leapt to the latest spin-off, CSI: Cyber, which launched last spring and has struggled with soft ratings. CBS’ entertainment president Glenn Geller confirms Danson won’t be returning to the show. Could this signal the end of the 16-year-old crime drama franchise?

“We wanted to see it in another time period, which is why we’re giving it a couple special airings on Wednesday,” Geller said. “It’s in a tough spot, Sunday nights at 10 is not easy, especially in the fall with football. There’s constant delays. The shows are not always airing on time. We wanted to give it a shot on another night to take a look. Again, it’s January, we don’t have anymore news on the fate of the show.”

Geller also confirmed comedy Mike & Molly was axed, though said the fate of Person of Interest was not yet decided.