CBS announces new contract extension for 'CSI:' star Ted Danson

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," the most watched show in the world, renewed for 2013-14 season

Series stars Elisabeth Shue, George Eads, Jorja Fox, Eric Szmanda, Paul Guilfoyle, Robert David Hall, Wallace Langham, Elisabeth Harnois, David Berman and Jon Wellner will also return next season

CBS has announced a new contract extension for "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" star Ted Danson and that the U.S. and global hit series has been renewed for the 2013-14 season. In addition, Academy Award nominee Elisabeth Shue ("Leaving Las Vegas"), original cast members George Eads, Jorja Fox, Eric Szmanda, Paul Guilfoyle and Robert David Hall, along with Wallace Langham, Elisabeth Harnois, David Berman and Jon Wellner, will also return next season.

" 'CSI' is synonymous with CBS, and we are so proud of the series' creative and commercial legacy and its continued success on our network," said Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment. "The writers and producers have done an amazing job evolving 'CSI,' reinventing the show around an incredible leading man in Ted Danson, the acclaimed Elisabeth Shue, and our beloved and talented core of original cast members."

" 'CSI' is one of the top global franchises and is seen in almost every country in the world," said David Stapf, president of CBS Television Studios. "It defined feature television and its 'whodunnit' storytelling captured audiences since the day it premiered. We are fortunate to have had Carol Mendelsohn's creative vision at the helm since the inception, as well as the talents of her partner Don McGill. The addition of Ted Danson has infused new energy into the series and we couldn't be more thrilled with its continued worldwide success."

Currently in its 13th season on CBS, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" wins its Wednesday at 10 p.m. period in viewers (11.85m), adults 18-49 (2.9/08) and adults 25-54 (3.8/09). It is also a global ratings hit, earning the International TV Audience Award for the "most watched show in the world" for the third consecutive year, and fifth time in seven years.