Fishburne joined the "CSI" cast as Dr. Raymond Langston midway through the 2008-09 season. He stepped in to replace departing star William Petersen.
The person says CBS and the show's producers are taking Fishburne's departure in stride, aware that his movie career made a long TV tenure unlikely.
"CSI" returns for its 12th season this fall and continues to rank among the 20 top-rated shows.
Fishburne's credits include "The Matrix" films, and he's in the upcoming "Contagion" with Matt Damon.