Ted Danson Joins 'CSI' Cast

Although he played a womanizing bartender back in the day on Cheers, Ted Danson is morphing his acting chops into a more grave role. Check that, a graveyard shift role. He'll play the Las Vegas crime lab's graveyard shift supervisor on CSI.

OK! NEWS: TED DANSON'S MARRIAGE SECRET — LAUGHTER...AND ANGELS

Ted will be moonlighting since he'll continue to star on HBO's hit Bored to Death as he takes on the CSI role to replace Laurence Fishburne. According to E! News, CSI executive producer Don McGill explained, "From the moment we all started talking about the role, it was clear he couldn't be more perfect. Intelligence, wit, warmth, depth of character and emotion, he brings it all.  And now he'll have to bring latex gloves, too."

OK! NEWS: TED DANSON RISES FROM THE DEAD!

Although it sounds like execs are thrilled Ted has signed on for the part, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, other actors were being considered at first, too. Tony Shaloub, Robin Williams and John Lithgow were among the mix of names but Ted ultimately snagged the role.

He'll make his debut in the new role when CSI's 12th season premieres on Sept. 21.