David Caruso's Role and Departure from CSI: Miami
David Caruso played Lieutenant Horatio Caine on CSI: Miami from 2002 until 2012. He exited the series after season 10, which ended in 2012. CBS and the production team did not renew his contract for an additional season. The decision was framed as a mutual creative and business choice rather than a single public conflict. Forbes reported the exit as part of a broader cast reset.
During his tenure, Caruso became the lead face of the franchise and one of the highest-paid actors on a CBS drama. CSI: Miami consistently ranked among the top 10 scripted series on broadcast television in the U.S. Nielsen data showed the show remained in the top 20 through most of its run. The series finale aired in 2012, and Caruso did not return for any later revival or spinoff projects.
Contract, Salary, and Business Factors
Industry reports indicated that Caruso's per-episode salary was among the highest on network TV at the time. As the lead, he negotiated a multi-year deal that included backend participation and production incentives. When ratings declined and the studio sought cost reductions, renegotiation terms became difficult to align. Forbes noted that declining ratings and budget pressures influenced the decision.
CBS Studios managed the production and controlled the renewal calendar for CSI: Miami. The network evaluated cast costs against viewership data and advertising revenue. In 2012, the show's ratings had dropped below the top 20, reducing leverage for expensive cast extensions. Caruso's team and the studio could not agree on a new deal that matched both sides' financial expectations.
Post-CSI Career and Current Status
After leaving CSI: Miami, Caruso focused on select film and television projects rather than returning to a long-running series lead. He appeared in limited TV roles and independent films while maintaining ties to production companies in the U.S. and internationally. His public profile shifted toward executive and behind-the-camera work in entertainment.
Caruso has not reprised Horatio Caine on any new CSI series or official franchise continuation. The CSI franchise continues under different casts and production arrangements at Paramount and related studios. Paramount's official CSI hub lists current series and reboot developments. Caruso remains associated with the original Miami run in retrospectives and network archives.