CBS announced Monday that Laurence Fishburne is a go to replace departing actor William Petersen in its top rated drama series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”

The Emmy and Tony winner will make his first appearance in episode 9 of the forthcoming 10th season, reports the Associated Press.

“I am elated and delighted to be joining the cast of `CSI,’” Fishburne said in a statement, adding that he anticipated a “wonderful collaboration” with the other stars of the show.

Fishburne will play a forensics scientist who is also a college lecturer and former pathologist focused on the reasons why people commit violent acts. When Fishburne’s casting was still in the rumor mill, the character was described as having a genetic profile that has been identified in serial killers.

“This gentleman knows this about himself and is … in this journey to discover who his true character will ultimately become,” Tassler told TV critics last month about the character.

The air date for Petersen’s final episode has not been announced but will be early next year, according to the AP. His character, Gil Grissom, will be reappraising his life after years of high-tech forensics investigations with the Las Vegas Police Department and after facing personal turmoil. The actor will remain an executive producer on the series, the network said.