Anthony Zuiker recently revealed he would like New York's new vibe help distract people from the disastrous recent events.

"Everything is lighter and brighter and more accessible," the CSI creator told the New York Post. "After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita people want to be entertained... to forget about life for a while. This is just what the doctor ordered."

New York's new and improved look came about after critics, fans, and even the network complained that the show was too dark and cold. As a result, Zuiker decided to throw everything away and do a complete revamp. "We took [CBS president] Les Moonves' advice to lighten it up and built new, multimillion-dollar sets... with much more richness in color and lighting so we can be accessible to our audience - and those changes are paying big dividends.

We took the visual style of the show from wardrobe to sets to lighting to photography to the tone of the show, and we gave it a complete overhaul," Zuiker continued. "We have all new wardrobe people, a new wardrobe, new storylines and a new tone for the show - even down to hairstyles."

Changes are also occurring within the cast. Last week, character Aiden Burn was fired when actress Vanessa Ferlito asked to be written out of the show. Tonight, she'll be replaced by Anna Belknap, who will join the cast as Lindsay Monroe. According to the network, Monroe is new to New York but not to the job, as she's been working as a CSI for three years in Montana.

Described as "athletic" and "eager," Monroe's biography leaves no doubt that the character will fit right in. "Her Midwestern work ethic and willingness to roll up her sleeves and tackle any job is a welcome addition to the team where she is quickly put through rookie training by Mac on their first case. Excited and always willing to learn, Lindsay offers a fresh perspective to the lab, rarely hinting at the dark and devastating secret that originally motivated her to dedicate her life to being a CSI."

Belknap's first episode, "Zoo York," will air tonight at 10/9c, but Entertainment Tonight will be the first one to take a peek. In a segment that will air today, the news show will go behind the scenes to take a look at this thrilling new episode and bring audiences the first clips of Lindsay Monroe at work.

Visit Entertainment Tonight's official website for more information on tonight's segment. Zuiker's complete interview can be found at the New York Post (free subscription required).

Discuss this news item at Talk CSI!
 Add CSI Files RSS feed to your news reader or My Yahoo!
Also a Desperate Housewives fan? Then visit GetDesperate.com!