Capitalizing on a Hit TV Show

Some followups:

Another article about high schools teaching forensics classes:

http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20021024/D7MRP8U80.html

and on Friday 10/25, Court TV offers 3 cases for free download for high schools to teach.

http://www.courttv.com/forensics_curriculum/

Prime TIme Live (ABC 10 P.M. EST Th 10/24) follows CSI's in Philadelphia as they try to solve murder cases.

48 hours (CBS 8 P.M. EST Friday 10/25) talks to forensic pathologist Elizabeth Devine, technical consultant for the series ``CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.''

> In the US, the crime drama series CSI is the
> most watched TV show, and this year's
> spin-off, CSI: Miami is the most watched new
> show.

> CSI stands for Crime Scene Investigators
> (Investigation), and both shows deal with
> the forensic scientists that process and
> analyze the crime scene evidence in order to
> hunt down criminals.

> There is a high school that created a
> science class that teaches these forensic
> sciences using a mocked up crime scenario
> (see link to news story). More than half of
> the students have to be turned away each
> semester.

> I was thinking that a profitable variation
> of this could be a CSI class for adults at
> night in which the class is taught basic
> techniques and then applies those techniques
> to slove a case. It would probably draw from
> the same crowd that likes going on those
> train, murder mystery parties, and of
> course, the demand is most likely amplified
> by the success of these two shows.

> Information products? Maybe a guide for the
> best colleges/universities for forensic
> science study along with a description of
> the different specialties and jobs
> available, and what kind of cases are
> handled...

> I was thinking about the fingerprint kit
> that I had when I was a kid. I don't know if
> tying anything in for kids would be
> appropriate or even advisable. The show
> deals with murder every week, and can get
> slightly gory for tv. I doubt many kids are
> watching it.

> Anyway, just a few ideas I had before
> falling asleep last night...

Hi Bill,

Thanks - interesting posts you wrote, and the articles you linked to too !

I think you've definitely uncovered a "hunger" here for more info about forensic science. It's certainly could be something you could probably create and sell a product about (after educating yourself about it). :)

- Dien Rice