CSI: NY Casting Shake-Up: Melina Kanakaredes Out, Sela Ward In?

There's been another casting shake-up on a CBS procedural - though this one is unlikely to incur the sort of wrath aimed at Criminal Minds for jettisoning AJ Cook last month.

Entertainment Weekly confirms that Melina Kanakaredes is out of CSI: NY. Sources say the actress was asked to take a pay cut, declined and has already filmed her final scenes on the show.

“We hoped Melina would return to CSI: NY for another season, but we respect her decision to move on,” said CBS in a statement. “Her amazing talent and invaluable contribution to the success of the series are greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten. She will forever remain a friend to the network and studio and we wish her the very best.”

Kanakaredes released her own brief statement, which read: “I made some amazing and lifelong friendships during my six seasons on CSI: NY, and I will treasure them forever.”

All indications point to Sela Ward coming on board the drama in light of this development. A solid replacement, but we'll still miss Kanakaredes. Will you?

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.