Melina Kanakaredes Quits CSI: New York when CBS Demands Pay Cut
CBS has been looking to cut the costs of a number of its dramas, and CSI: NY isn't the first show to feel the wrath of the cut paychecks. Criminal Minds, CSI, and CSI: Miami are all going to have cast shake-ups when they premiere in the fall, but this could be the biggest cast change of all the shows simply because Melina Kanakaredes has been one of the two main players on that show.
According to Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly, Kanakaredes already released a statement that said, "I made some amazing and lifelong friendships during my six seasons on CSI: NY, and I will treasure them forever." CBS released a statement of their own to say, "We hoped Melina would return to CSI: NY for another season, but we respect her decision to move on."
This certainly seems to be one of the most pleasant separations of a network and one of the stars of a hit show that we have seen, and it appears that maybe both sides were ready to move on. It's disappointing that CBS isn't taking more responsibility in this decision though, even though they basically pushed Kanakaredes to walk away from the show.
There could be more that comes out in the situation between Kanakaredes and CBS, but right now everything shows that both sides are willing to go in their own directions. There hasn't been an ill word from either side, and six seasons on a hit show had to make Kanakaredes quite a bit of money that is waiting in the bank for her. Kanakaredes had been on the show for 140 episodes over the first six seasons of the show before she walked away.
She will probably be making royalties off of the syndication for CSI: NY for quite a few years as well, so the money will keep coming in for her. She is also the type of actress that will probably catch on to another show pretty soon, unless she decides that the six years straight she has worked on CSI: NY has given her a great reason to take a break. The bad news for fans is that the final episode of CSI: NY with Kanakaredes in it has already aired in the spring.
Published by Ryan Christopher DeVault - Featured Contributor in Sports
Born in Seattle, Washington, I am a 31 year old college graduate working in the field of Education and Research. I am also a professional freelance writer and news content provider. I can be reached at... View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentI am so glad she left. She overacted so badly. I love Sela Ward even if her plastic surgery is showing a bit.
I am sorry that Stella has decided to leave the show. I always thought her and Mac were a good combination. I am sorry to say that I am not to keen on her replacement but its early days yet, maybe when I get used to her she may be ok
If this was a cost cutting measure, is Sela that much cheaper. I love Sela, but does this really make economic sense? This will probably end up about as successfully as getting rid of Jorja(sp?) Fox from CSI. Or Liz Vassey.
Same old, same old. I liked Kanakaredes but she was not the end all of the show. Her not taking a pay cut just shows shows selfishness and greed on her part. How much money do you need to make to be happy when those around you may not have any??? Sorry, no sypathy here. And Sela Ward will fit in just wonderfully.
I can't believe that one of the best on this show is going. Guess I can find another show to watch. I get really angry when good actors leave..Best of luck on your new adventure, Stella
The show just won't be the same without her!
Im bummed about this. She was my favorite character on the show. The time slot move was stupid... Friday is where shows go to die