Sela Ward joins 'CSI: NY' cast

After much speculation, the search for a new partner for Det. Mac Taylor is officially over.

CBS is now confirming reports that Sela Ward ("Once and Again," "House M.D.") will join the cast of “CSI: New York" to replace departing leading lady Melina Kanakaredes.  

Ward will play an investigator from Washington, D.C., “whose work is driven by her empathy for the victim,” according to a CBS release. A pretty far stretch from Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise).

"We are delighted to have Sela joining CSI: NY," said executive producer Pam Veasey in a statement. "With the exciting stories planned for Season 7, she'll be a dynamic addition to the cast and the team."

Kanakaredes, who has starred as Det. Stella Bonasera for six seasons, announced Monday that she will depart the series.

Ward will make her first appearance in the season premiere when the show returns in the fall at its new time, 9 p.m. Fridays.

In a statement, the Emmy-winning actress had this to say about her new role: "I am thrilled to be working with Gary and this terrific group of people. I'm a huge fan."

Show Trackers, what do you think of the new addition? Will you tune in?

— Yvonne Villarreal

Photo: Ward at a New York premiere in 2004. Photo credit: Peter Kramer / Getty Images.

Related:

Melina Kanakaredes leaves 'CSI: NY'

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Comments

[Dave K]

"A pretty far stretch from Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise)."

Not far enough to quality as a complete sentence. A verb might have helped.

[Elsie Manning]

I really like Sela Ward. I'll tune in. I'd like to see her and Mac develop a romantic relationship. They seem like they'd be a good match.

[KJ]

Sela Ward is beautiful, classy, and a fine actress. It will be interesting to see how her "Southern" persona plays in gritty New York. I'll miss Kanakaredes, though. She, too, is a class act.

[VJY]

This could be a fantastic opportunity to shake things up on CSI:NY and ensure that it remains the most gripping show of the franchise. Melina Kanakaredes has done a superb job and will be missed by many, myself included, but people need to accept that the show has to evolve in order to stay interesting. However, I have to disagree with Elsie Manning's suggestion about Mac and his new leading lady having a romantic relationship. The one 'in-lab' relationship we already have in Danny and Lindsay is quite enough. To pair off all four of the principal CSIs would be a big mistake. I look forward to the new season!

[Victoria Christian]

Really glad to see Melina leaving the show. She was often the reason I didn’t catch an episode.Sela Ward is lovely looking and also a much better actress. Ward and Sinise would be an excellent pairing.Melina left when CBS wouldn’t pay her what she thought she was worth. She’s the primary reason Providence drew such poor ratings and was cancelled, and also the main reason [other then the Danny - Lindsay bubblegum scenarios] that CSI: NY has lagged. This show has needed a very good looking woman figure. Melina tried with the low cut tops and such things, but she just couldn't achieve a sexy look. No problem with Sela Ward living up to that part and she's a much stronger actress whom can assume most any role well. Sela Ward replacing Melina is the best thing to happen to this show in a long time. Gary Sinise is the star of the show, he’s still there, better looking then ever, and the show will be even better now.

[Melissa]

Wow, this lady has won two Emmys and a Golden Globe! And I love to watch her when she's on. I can't wait! I've missed seeing her! Way to go CSI!

[Mike]

Yep if I am home in time. I am gonna watch it.

[annie]

I won't be watching the new season. I go out on friday nights and even if I didn't I still wouldn't watch it because I don't feel Sela Ward is a good replacement. she's about 11 years older than melina kanakaredes. They could have found someone talented and younger than sela.

[dee]

selna ward is a poor replcement. she was a bad accress on house and is worse in csi. I loved your show but will not be watching in the future

[Edmancole]

Wow! Sela Ward is beautiful, sexy, and smart. She fits in well on CSI but is almost "too smart" right off the bat. She is upstaging Mac in the crime analysis scenes and seems to be taking over. I love watching her, but hope the writers might give her a chance to "fit in" before showing too much intellectual muscle.

[roseadelaide]

I think this is probably the worst casting mistake I've ever seen! She is a non-being. Low key is one thing, but she is lifeless. Surely someone more actively involved in life and drama could have been found. She is a total loser.

[Erik]

I always loved Melina Kanakaredes's performances; not to mention she's anything but hard to look at!

Sela Ward was a perfect choice to give the baton . To use the line from the old Cheech and Chong movie, She's "exactly the same but different." She is so beautiful to me and the warmth she exudes and brings to her role continues to help make CSI:NY my favorite out of all the CSI permutations. She is both an anchor and balance within the show's framework of characters. They should keep the casting director for the show I think!

[shirlatta]

Watching Nov. 19th; yes, Sela Ward is terrible in this show.

[Sandy B]

While I do like Sela Ward very much, she does not fit into CSI NY. Very bland and no excitement at all. Why don't they try Tracie Thoms since Cold Case was cancelled? Sela is not a CSI type nor does she have what it takes for this part. She is a good actress in other areas but not this one. My husband and I are planning to stop watching CSI NY too boring! Thanks.

[Sam]

I miss Melina Kanakaredes. She gave a believable New York ethnic Greek mix for the show. Unlike Danny acting like he is a street smart Italian but looking like west coast flunky acting like a new yorker. Sela Ward has talent in certain ways too but not believable for this series... just doesn't work for me. would have accepted a replacement for the coroner and the damm stupid glasses!!!!

Maybe next season will be better.

[D]

We do not watch this show anymore because of the casting changes. Sela Ward does not make the team.

[Jaynie]

I am a UK view of CSI NY and I used to really enjoy this show. However since Sela Ward joined it has been ruined. She makes boring into an art form. I read recently that she is not averse to using Botox. Looking at her totally expressionless and wooden attempts at acting it would appear she's been bodily immersed in it.

[nancy]

Sela is a pretty woman but her eyebrows look so ridiculous I can't watch csi. I keep looking a the real ridge of her brow. she looks like an alien. how can the producers allow her to look so bizar ? They should have put her on star trek. DOSEN'T ANYONE NOTICE THIS PROBLEM. All of my friends think it strange.

[Nancy Christensen]

I am a faithful fan of CSI New York. I was dissapointed when Melina
Kanakaredes left the show & I understand it was a personal choice after 6 seasons. She was beyond fabulous. Happy, vivacious,
& had a definate roll she played in the episodes,

I have been watching since they replaced her with Sela Ward &
I cannot connect as to what her character brings to the series.
She is beautiful & has recognition for her previous work.
I just can't get how she contributes to the strength of the CSI New York
Cast
I am giving my personal opinion as a strong fan of the show.
Thanks