‘CSI’s ‘Immortality’ finale draws highest ratings in nearly 4 years

“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” wrapped up the case Sunday with its highest ratings in nearly four years.

CBS broadcast a two-hour “CSI” finale movie -- dubbed “Immortality” -- that served as the finale for the smash hit series and delivered 12.2 million total viewers, according to Nielsen.

Those are the highest numbers for an original episode of the forensics drama since January 2012.

The TV movie was written by series creator Anthony E. Zuiker and reunited the stars of the original series, including William Petersen, who played gruff forensics investigator Gil Grissom.

Because the movie aired opposite in much of the U.S. against NBC’s NFL game (Denver vs. Detroit), the numbers are likely to climb considerably higher once delayed viewing is factored in.

From its modest beginnings in 2000, “CSI” grew to become one of the most popular and influential series in TV history.

Even in its sixth season, the show could deliver more than 30 million viewers per week. A total of four “CSI” franchises, including “CSI: Miami” and “CSI: Cyber,” have aired, producing a grand total of nearly 800 episodes.

Did you catch the final “CSI”? What did you think?

Twitter: @scottcollinsLAT

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