Shad Moss (aka Li’l Bow Wow, or just Bow Wow), has been cast as a series regular on CBS’ "CSI" spinoff, "CSI: Cyber" – the 4th series in the "CSI" franchise, which, as the title suggests, will focus on cyber crimes.
Moss will play a 19-year-old hacker named Brody "Baby Face" Nelson. "Baby Face" is a genius hacker – one of the most well-known and prolific in the world – who, after being apparently busted, is ordered by a judge to work with Special Agent Avery Ryan (the star of the series played by Patricia Arquette), applying his skills on cyber cases. Further, we are told that he grew up without any parental guidance, and found a new family in a "hacktivist" group.
Moss joins an ensemble that also includes James Van Der Beek, Peter MacNicol and Charley Koontz.
"Bow Wow is a gifted young actor who will have the responsibility, through his character, to set an example for young people who watch the show to ‘do what’s right’ even when you know ‘nothing but wrong,’" said Anthony E. Zuiker, creator of the "CSI" franchise. "It will be a redemption story and a cautionary tale all wrapped into one. The role of Nelson required someone with deep acting chops and off-the-charts smarts. Shad Moss is a unique talent that possesses both."
Well, at least he’s not playing a gangster, or a drug dealer – roles that black actors are often asked to play in these police procedurals. And it’s not exactly often that we see hackers portrayed as young black men on TV or film. Not that hacking isn’t a crime (depending on how it’s used obviously), but you get my point… I hope. His brain is his weapon. Not a gun, and the like.
Carol Mendelsohn, Ann Donahue, Zuiker, Pam Veasey, Jerry Bruckheimer and Jonathan Littman executive produce the CBS Television Studios/Jerry Bruckheimer Television production.
Moss currently hosts BET’s interview talk show "106 & Park."