Laurence Fishburne Set to Leave 'CSI'

Oscar-nominee Laurence Fishburne is set to leave the television drama "CSI" after two and a half seasons, Deadline Hollywood reports.

Fishburne, who was at the end of his contract, chose not to renew and instead is focusing on returning to work in feature films full-time.

The veteran actor came on as a successor to William Petersen when he left the show in December 2008. Although landing a big name like Fishburne on the seasoned crime drama was a victory of sorts, not many people predicted a long stay.

"No one expected him to be on the show for seven years," an insider mentioned. "It's Laurence Fishburne."