<span style='font-size:8pt;line-height:100%'>I like CSI because of a number of things.
The first is that there's not really anything like it on tv.
Most cop dramas like Law & Order deal with the whole police and legal side of things but not the forensic side.
Secondly, it is the elements of mystery. How did it happen?. Other shows just have cops turn up at the door, flash their badge make you sit through endless court cases each week and throw the bad guys in jail. Or they go oriental like Marshall Law.
With CSI, they get into the mind of the criminal. They have a more sobering take on reality. (It's not all about Mel Gibson in Leathal Weapon or like Michael Chiklis in the Shield).
There are some stories that show that things just happen by accident which is a new idea.
I guess I like it because of the characters too. There's always learning something new, and do make mistakes. They are human. (Warrick's gambling problems for example). There aren't many shows out there that put the 'heroes' on the same level as us.
Grissom is a great character. He's intelligent, inciteful, a little geeky but funny too.
He's a mentor to the rest of the team. He doesn't push them but still requires the highest level of work.
The other reason is that the show is educational. It might only be fiction but you can't help learn something - whether it's a quote from Gris or the nature of fire.
The cliffhanger prologues are great too. They drag you straight in.</span>