(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Ted Danson is joining the cast of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

CBS have announced the actor will play the new supervisor for the Las Vegas CSI team. It's the position originally held by William Petersen's character and later filled by that of Laurence Fishburne.

Despite starring in the American crime drama TV series, Ted will remain a series regular on the HBO comedy show Bored to Death.

CBS's executive producer Carol Mendelsohn has expressed her delight at welcoming Ted to the team.

"You can create a new character on the page, but until the perfect actor comes along and breathes life into it, it's just words," she said in a statement. "We're very excited Ted Danson came along."

Ted replaces Laurence who left the series in May after CBS declined to renew his contract. The actor portrayed Ray Langston for just over two years, but ratings dropped to an all time low after the departure of William, who played Dr. Gilbert Gil' Grissom.

Ted is considered "perfect" for the role. His character's name is yet to be released.

"From the moment we all started talking about the role, it was clear he couldn't be more perfect," said executive producer Don McGill. "Intelligence, wit, warmth, depth of character and emotion, he brings it all. And now he'll have to bring latex gloves, too."

Ted, 63, who first found TV stardom nearly 30 years ago playing Sam Malone on comedy hit Cheers, will be seen in CSI's twelfth season, and will be welcomed into the team on September 21. (C) Cover Media