It seems that we will have to bid Gil Grissom adieu in the middle of next season. According to Entertainment Weekly, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation's William Petersen will be leaving the series after this upcoming season's 10th episode.

"Billy is leaving," confirms the show's executive producer, Carol Mendelsohn. "But he will remain throughout the run of the series an executive producer. And he will, whenever CBS asks, come back. I don't think you've seen the last of Gil Grissom."

Petersen added, "I'm in a great place in terms of knowing that I'll be more free to make choices. And I'm responsible enough to not do it in a way that would hurt [the show].

"I want it to work for the writers, I want it to work for the cast, and, most importantly, I want it to work for the audience," he added. "I don't want them to abandon the show."

CLICK HERE for more on Petersen's departure and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation's future plans for the show.