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Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 episode 10 aired on July 10, 2025, on Paramount+, but unfortunately, the anticipated explosive finale generated mixed feelings about the endings to the Voit, Serial Killer Network, and Disciple cases. While some enjoyed the Bau's takedown, others found it underwhelming and disappointing. If that didn't frustrate fans enough, Erica Messer confirmed another season-long unsub is in store for season 4.

Although I enjoyed the finale and seeing Voit flip the script, I can't ignore that it felt a little underwhelming than expected. After spending so much time focused on Voit, his story ended bleakly and predictably. The Bau deserves to be free of Voit, but in a twist of fate, they feel sorry for him in the end. Although I wished for this outcome for Voit, it still lacked the shock value that leads me to think Voit will end up killing someone else due to his wavering thoughts between good and evil.

After playing the role of Matt Simmons, former Criminal Minds star Daniel Henney had since become one of the stars of Amazon's fantasy series The Wheel of Time. With The Wheel of Time now declared to be canceled at Prime Video, fans may be speculating that Henney will return in the upcoming fourth season of Criminal Minds: Evolution. However, fans should not get excited, as the idea of that happening has been shut down.

Series showrunner Erica Messer commented to TVLine on the possibility of Henney returning as Simmons in Season 4 of Criminal Minds: Evolution, which serves as the 19th season overall for Criminal Minds. While the actor might have a more open schedule, the problem is that the season has already been mapped out. The door has seemingly been left open for a possible return beyond the new season, but Messer emphasized that it's just not going to be...

Criminal Minds: Evolution is heading into its 19th season. When the drama returned on Paramount+, it did so with a majority of the cast that had been with the show when Criminal Minds ended its 15-season run on CBS in 2020: Joe Mantegna as David Rossi, Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss, A.J. Cook as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia, Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis, and Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez. Matthew Gray Gubler (Dr. Spencer Reid) and Daniel Henney (Matt Simmons) didn’t return, with scheduling making it impossible for guest spots — until Season 18. Gubler returned in the third episode of the season, for the funeral of JJ’s husband Will (Josh Stewart). “We were so lucky to get him, that the stars aligned for him to be there and for such an important episode and such an emotional time. And I feel like that’s...

This post contains spoilers from Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 episode 10.

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 episode 9 was a rollercoaster of emotions as Nurse John fooled Dr. Ochoa and the Bau when he joined Voit’s two-week nurse rotation. On duty, he’s spying on Voit for the network, and off the clock, he’s tying up loose ends to run the Bau ragged. Meanwhile, Voit pisses everyone off trying to be the good guy using unhealthy habits. Then, he’s abducted after trying to keep him and Dr. Ochoa concealed from the hospital bloodbath.

Adam Rodriguez (Luke) and Aisha Tyler’s (Tara) collective warning about season 3’s finale being “explosive” had me nervous. They lead me to theorize if Dr. Ochoa was The Disciple or Tessa, while also wondering if Voit would turn evil. One of those predictions was extremely wrong, while others were correct. Episode 10 was packed with powerful and heartfelt scenes,...

Spoiler Alert! This story contains details from the season finale of Criminal Minds: Evolution.

Paramount+ just dropped the final episode of the 18th season, which saw the return of serial killer Elias Voit (Zach Gilford), a fan favorite who’s become more complicated than ever. And it looks like we haven’t seen the last of this bad boy just yet.

Here, showrunner Erica Messer addresses the big changes we saw in Voit this season, along with how she and the writers came up with The Disciple, and what to expect from Season 19, which was ordered in March. Criminal Minds stars Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, and Rj Hatanaka, Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster.

Deadline We’ve seen Voit go through such a transformation; he was very steadfast in his commitment to being good, even in the face of The Disciple. But there were moments, like when...

Criminal Minds isn’t a stranger to creating explosive endings that leave fans wanting more. Not only is the Bau hunting one unsub a week, but they’re also tackling a whole network of unsubs who teach each other to kill more effectively. For weeks, the episodes have left fans wondering if the Bau will take down the network, if Voit is still a bad guy, and how the team will emerge on the other side.

Criminal Minds stars tease season 3’s explosive ending

When Adam Rodrigez (Luke) told US Weekly that season 3 would be a wild ride, noting that fans will be distraught by the end until season 4 premieres, ahead of season 3’s premiere, we knew this season would destroy us. From Will’s sudden death to Tara’s shooting, fans have been distraught since episode 2, and according to Rodrigez, the finale packs a punch.

Season 3 has been setting...

This post contains spoilers from Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 episode 8.

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 episode 7 wreaked havoc from all angles. The Uncle Cyrus deepfake failed to turn Voit evil, but succeeded in breaking Penelope’s spirit when a keystroke results in a victim’s death. If Sicarius Spiders didn’t scare us enough, Tara lying unconscious with bullet wounds gutted fans. I’m still in shambles as the pain continues in episode 8 with Tara fighting for her life.

Episode 8 dove headfirst into Tara’s grief and discovered she had closed herself off from love and commitment after losing her mom to cancer. Fans learned more about Tara than ever before while sobbing over her impending battle. Meanwhile, the Bau was pulling an all-nighter to uncover answers on Tara’s shooting by the disciple known as Mr. Lonely Heart (who ironically was kicked off the network while Voit was running it). With each new clue,...

Believe it or not, but "Criminal Minds" actually had back in the day. The original series closed up shop back in the Spring of 2020, but not before sneaking a strange Niko Bellic reference in there. Pop culture mentions are not unheard of in "Criminal Minds," but with the release of "Grand Theft Auto 6" on the horizon, some people are stumbling upon this fun reference for the first time. Despite the fact it can't seem to get a film adaptation of its own off the ground, GTA has had many different versions since Niko explored the streets of Liberty City, and the same could be said of "Criminal Minds," with the original crew now making their home on streaming with Paramount+'s "Criminal Minds: Evolution."

Long before the series expanded into spin-off territory, David Rossi (Joe Mantegna) had to prove that he knew his way around a PlayStation to catch a...

This post contains spoilers from Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 episode 6.

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 episode 5 helped me see crime scenes through the lens of grief. JJ has dealt with grief since childhood, but it hardly affected her work until now. Having her retell the case to Dr. Ochoa and Voit not only helped Voit communicate with the Brutal Man, but it also uncovered information about the new serial killer network.

Two killers sit across from each other, as Voit taps into his evil side to make the unsub believe he’s his leader. Voit remembers more than the Bau knew about, but is later fact-checked by Penelope. The Brutal Man met Voit when he was a kid. Did this memory break Voit’s brain while almost having the unsub try to commit suicide in front of him? It’s a high possibility, which is jaw-dropping.

L-r: Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia...

Criminal Minds: Evolution star Aimee Garcia has revealed which of the original cast members she "fangirled" over meeting. Garcia joined the series in its currently airing third season as Dr. Julia Ochoa.

Speaking with Screen Rant, Garcia talked about being a fan of Criminal Minds and what it was like meeting some of the original cast members, in particular Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia) and Joe Mantegna (David Rossi). "Kirsten, because I'm such a goofball, and I'm a huge hugger, and so I completely fangirled when I met her," Garcia shared. "We're talking sweaty palms, possibly jumping up and down."

She went on to discuss her camaraderie with Mantegna, saying: "I was just so giddy to meet her and Joe, because he's a fellow Chicagoan and I'm from Chicago. He's a Cubs fan, and I just felt like he was so salt of the earth, which he is. He's a complete class act,...

Aimee Garcia, who plays Dr. Julia Ochoa in Criminal Minds: Evolutions season 3, explains how her character’s perspective on Elias Voit is complete oppositional to the Bau’s view of him, bringing a new source of tension to the show. Voit awakens from a six-month coma in the Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 premiere with complete amnesia, no memory of his past. Dr. Ochoa is Voit’s neuropsychiatrist who refuses to let the Bau influence her treatment of Voit. However, the Bau team members aren’t convinced Voit isn’t faking his amnesia.

Dr. Ochoa actress Aimee Garcia spoke to ScreenRant in an exclusive interview in which she offers insight into how her character sees Voit differently than the Bau does. Dr. Ochoa and the Bau disagree on whether Voit’s past should affect his current treatment as a patient with a traumatic brain injury. While the Bau only sees a sociopathic killer,...

This post contains spoilers from Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 episode 5.

JJ returns to work early in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 episode 4 with BAUGate evidence that has the team searching for answers. The new masked man is somehow connected to Voit, leading to the video unlocking his killer memories. Not only does it rile up Voit’s memories, but it also sends JJ into a spiral. Meanwhile, the Bau tracks down an organ-harvesting unsub who tries to heal his daughter by cutting women up. This case gave me chills.

Episode 5 explores the masked man’s case by JJ retelling the events to Dr. Ochoa (Voit’s doctor). The scenes flash from past to present as they analyze JJ’s reactions to her first official case in the field after Will’s death. She seeks to help Voit process his past by analyzing her grief so Voit can help with his serial killer network case.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 Filming Begins—Full Cast Details Inside (Photo Credit – Prime Video)

Season after season, some shows continue to deliver absolute thrill and entertainment to the fans. Criminal Minds is one such series. The crime drama has been a fan favorite for eighteen long seasons. As expected, the viewers get emotionally attached to the cast and the characters with time.

This is why each season, they want to know if any of the characters are exiting or if a cast member has been replaced. With season 19 officially filming now, here’s which cast members have been confirmed to return for the next edition while which might not be back for the upcoming edition.

Criminal Minds Season 19: Which Cast Members Are Returning For Next Edition?

The official Instagram account of the hit police procedural drama posted a photo to confirm that production on season 19 has begun. Per the caption,...

Criminal Minds, since returning for the revival Evolution on Paramount+, has been good about wrapping up season-long storylines in finales before setting up new mysteries. And it sounds like such will be the case again for Season 19. Criminal Minds: Evolution is currently four episodes into its 18th season, with episodes dropping weekly and the finale set for July 10. The premiere picked up six months after Elias Voit (Zach Gilford) was attacked in prison. His network of serial killers remains active, but now Voit has amnesia, his brain scans have shown that he’s changed and is no longer a psychopath, and the Bau has to figure out how to stop that group and deal with him. When TV Insider spoke with Kirsten Vangsness (who plays Penelope Garcia) recently, we had to ask how the finale set up Season 19. The Paramount+ drama was renewed for another season on March 5, ahead of this one’s May 8 premiere.

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 4's filming is officially underway, with many of the original cast members returning. Renewed ahead of season 3's premiere, the series continues to follow the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit as they combine methods of profiling to identify and catch serial killers. Premiered on Paramount+ on May 8, season 3 consists of 10 episodes, with one new episode dropping every Thursday through July 10.

Announced through a joint Instagram post shared by Criminal Minds and Paramount+ official accounts, the core cast is back on set for season 4. Joe Mantegna (David Rossi), Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss), Aj Cook (JJ Jareau), Adam Rodriguez (Luke Alvez), Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia), Aisha Tyler (Dr. Tara Lewis), and Rj Hatanaka (Tyler Green) can be seen in the photo. Check out the post below:

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Criminal Minds: Evolution (@criminalminds) What This Means For Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4 Criminal Minds: Evolution...

Warning: The following contains spoilers for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 1-3.

Aj Cook reveals how the Bau (Behavioral Analysis Unit) team will handle her character JJ's grief in Criminal Minds: Evolution. Following her husband Will Lamontagne's (Josh Stewart) sudden death in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 2, the third episode of the new season explores the immediate aftermath and sees JJ barely hold everything together while trying to come to terms with her own grief, planning a funeral, and being there for her two children and Will's mother.

In an interview with ScreenRant's Alisha Grauso, Cook teases what season 3 has in store for JJ, who has traditionally been the glue of those around her. The actor shares that JJ will "maybe be unhinged a few times" and "maybe not make some great decisions," but at the same time, she's around a team of profilers, who "know where you are...

Between Voit’s amnesia, the Zookeeper, and Will’s death, Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 episode 2 kept pain at the center. I was pissed Voit woke up but to worry about his amnesia in the same episode that JJ loses her husband was awful. Losing a parent hurts more than anything, so this plot hit close to home for me.

As I watched season 3 episode 3, "Time to Say Goodbye," I felt all Henry and Michael's emotions: lost, confused, and wondering how life can change so fast. The storyline shed light on grief within a family: Will’s spouse (JJ), his sons (Henry and Michael), his mother (Connie), his mother-in-law (Sandy), and his friends (law enforcement). Each person’s reaction broke my heart as I analyzed this week’s evidence in our recap and review. Spoilers Below.

L-r: Joe Mantegna as David Rossi, Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss, Rj Hatanaka as Tyler Green,...

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The prodigal son finally returns in Season 18 of the beloved police procedural crime thriller drama series, Criminal Minds. Yes, you heard it right, Matthew Gray Gubler is all set to finally reprise his fan favourite role of Dr. Spencer Reid in the upcoming season of the now Paramount+ series after more than five years. Created by Jeff Davis, Season 18 of Criminal Minds is set six months after the prison attack on the notorious Sicarius Killer, Elias Voit, and it will see the Bau members joining forces with the extremely unpredictable Elias to catch another dangerous killer.

Criminal Minds Season 18 – Episode Guide (When Will the New Episodes Come Out?) Credit – Paramount+

Criminal Minds Season 18 consists of ten episodes in total. Season 18 of the police procedural crime thriller drama series premieres on Paramount+, with its first episode on May 8, 2025, with...

I’ve been a Criminal Minds fan for as long as I can remember. Evolution season 2 left Voit’s fate in the balance, with the team begrudgingly agreeing to work with him to solve the serial killer case. In Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, we catch up with the Bau and Voit six months after the previous season, only to find Voit in a coma and the team on the hunt for their newest unsub. Without further ado, let’s dive into the evidence that makes the episode a memorably shocking premiere on Paramount+. Spoilers below.

L-r: Rj Hatanaka as Tyler Green, Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis and Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez in Criminal Minds: Evolution, episode 1, season 18 streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo Credit: Michael Yarish/Paramount+ What happened in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 episode 1

The new season started with a bang, jumping right into the serial killer’s storyline.

Criminal Minds: Evolution returns for the newest season on May 8 on Paramount+. The premiere of the long-running CBS show will take the squad of the Bau six months after the prison attack on the Sicarius Killer, Elias Voit (Zach Gilford). The crew of the Bau: Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Rj Hatanaka, Adam Rodriguez, andPaget Brewster all return. Season 18 will also eventually feature the return of Matthew Gray Gubler's Spencer Reid. The new season will air from May 8 through July 10. A new trailer has been released for upcoming season that takes the tangled dark web of Sicarius Killer's followers a bit too seriously. When the trailer opens, a woman is buried alive and doesn't make it. As the trailer progresses, things begin to get more and more grim with a voice-over from Brewster's Emily Prentiss explaining the real reason they do the job. The trailer is not for the arachnophobic,...

Criminal Minds: Evolution fans, we are that much closer to the anticipated return of the reboot’s third season. After a long wait since the events of season 2, what do we know so far about what we can expect in the upcoming season on Paramount+?

When we last saw the team at the end of season 23, Elias Voit had been sent to prison. However, when he was put into general population in prison, he was assaulted while in the laundry area on the grounds. Even though it may seem like this was completely unexpected, with Voit’s tendency to manipulate situations he finds himself in, one has to wonder if he was involved in setting up his own attack.

What do we know about Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3?

The series is also introducing a new character in the form of Dr. Julia Ochoa, played by Aimee Garcia. She is described...

After CBS ended the police procedural drama Criminal Minds in 2022, Paramount+ revived the series two years later, dubbing it Criminal Minds: Evolution. Although the series continued with many characters from the original, some fan-favorite characters didn't return, including Matthew Gray Gubler's Spencer Reid.

Gubler was a series regular on the original Criminal Minds series, which ran between 2005 and 2020. He didn't return for the first two seasons, but he is set to make his return in Criminal Minds: Evolution's Season 3, the show's overall eighteenth season, which is set to premiere on May 8. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, showrunner Erica Meeser confirmed Gubler's big return.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 will also feature a huge time jump, as the new season will take place six months after the events of Season 2's finale.

Matthew Gray Gubler is officially reprising his role as Spencer Reid, and he will return for one episode. "Without spoiling anything,...

The third installment of the revived Criminal Minds series arrives in less than a month, and with it comes the return of the ever-infuriating Elias Voit. Voit is one of several characters set to return in the new season, as revealed in an all-new teaser from Paramount+, hinting at the chaos ahead for the Behavioral Analysis Unit —Bau. Of course, the Bau is the center of attention in the clip, confirming the return of fan favorites: David Rossi, Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, Penelope Garcia, Dr Tara Lewis, Luke Alvez, Emily Prentiss and Tyler Green.

Kicking off with the somber-looking team (besides Penelope) at the beach, the Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 trailer progresses to Voit being shown pictures of a couple of murdered victims. Also, Prentiss is heard saying, “Can I tell you a secret? You think this job is about staring down evil, but it's not.” She is speaking to a confused Tyler,...

This next crisis will not escape the Behavioral Analysis Unit when Criminal Minds Season 18 (a.k.a Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3) premieres on May 8. The season features a time jump, and the team is forced to work with their worst enemy when killers strike in large numbers. Season 18 "picks up six months after prisoners attack the notorious Sicarius Killer, Elias Voit (Zach Gilford), leading his restless followers on the dark web to begin wreaking havoc all over the country. In order to stop this nefarious group from killing more innocents, the Bau is forced to work alongside an increasingly unpredictable Voit who has his own agenda," teases the official description. In anticipation of the new season, Paramount+ released character posters showing the team's eyes locked on the prize: stopping Voit's army of killers.

The posters below feature the main cast of Season 18, which includes Joe Mantegna (David Rossi), A.J. Cook...

Our favorite profilers are returning to the Criminal Minds: Evolution set sooner than fans expected after just announcing the season 18 release date and season 19 renewal. On March 5, the Criminal Minds official Facebook page surprised fans with a season 18 release date. According to the teaser photo, fans expect to see season 17 Bau profilers and their FBI consultant back on the case on May 8, streaming on Paramount+.

The first look photo for season 18 teases the return of six FBI Bau Profilers and their FBI consultant: David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Tyler Green (Ryan James), Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez), Dr. Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler), and Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (A.J. Cook). After all the chaos they endured in the first two installments of Criminal Minds: Evolutions, fans can expect the unexpected on and off the screen.

What’s in the box, Profilers?! ➡️ Unveiling your first look at...

Criminal Minds takes a lot of liberties when it comes to its characters. With its viewers keeping in mind that the series is based on fiction, it has easily become one of the most beloved crime shows on television. However, its lack of real foundations can make many of its solves seem more like miraculous displays of luck than detective work.

Criminal Minds | Credit: CBS

With this, one cannot help but wonder just how much of these miracles could be counterproductive. In fact, there is one gaping plot hole that could end up destroying years of detective work within the span of a few unveilings. Interestingly enough, it all connects to the beloved Penelope Garcia.

Criminal Minds and Criminal Police Officers?

Penelope Garcia has become a beloved part of Criminal Minds. On top of being a tech genius, she is also a character who played several roles within the series,...

L-r: A.J. Cook as Jennifer ‘JJ’ Jareau, Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis, Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez, Rj Hatanaka as Tyler Green, Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss, Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia, and Joe Mantegna as David Rossi in Criminal Minds: Evolution, season 18 streaming on Paramount+, 2025. Photo Credit: Michael Yarish /Paramount+ Exciting news for Criminal Minds fans! Paramount+ has confirmed the return of the Bau with the highly anticipated Criminal Minds: Evolution season 18, premiering May 8. Clear your schedules, because this 10-episode season is set to deliver weekly episodes every Thursday, promising edge-of-your-seat suspense. Picking up six months after the intense events of the previous season, the Bau faces a chilling new challenge. Elias Voit, the notorious Sicarius Killer, is attacked in prison, triggering chaos as his dark web followers emerge as a dangerous, nationwide threat. To stop the violence, the team must form an uneasy alliance with Voit himself.

A.J. Cook, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, Rj Hatanaka, Paget Brewster, Kirsten Vangsness, and Joe Mantegna in ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ season 18 (Photo Credit: Michael Yarish /Paramount+)

Criminal Minds: Evolution is confirmed to stick around for another season. Paramount+ has officially renewed the drama for season 19 ahead of its season 18 premiere.

Season 18 will premiere on Paramount+ on May 8, 2025, with new episodes of the 10 episode season streaming on Thursdays.

“Season 18 of Criminal Minds: Evolution picks up six months after prisoners attack the notorious Sicarius Killer, Elias Voit, leading his restless followers on the dark web to begin wreaking havoc all over the country,” reads Paramount+’s synopsis. “In order to stop this nefarious group from killing more innocents, the Bau is forced to work alongside an increasingly unpredictable Voit who has his own agenda.”

Season 18 stars Joe Mantegna as David Rossi, A.J. Cook is Jennifer ‘JJ’ Jareau, Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia,...

What’s in the box?! That’s our question for the first photo from Criminal Minds: Evolution‘s new season (above). Plus, there’s some really good news for fans. Criminal Minds: Evolution has been renewed for Season 19 ahead of its return for Season 18. In other good news, we now have a Season 18 premiere date: May 8, with the 10 episodes dropping weekly on Thursdays on Paramount+. Season 18 will pick up six months after prisoners attacked the notorious Sicarius Killer, Elias Voit (Zach Gilford), leading his restless followers on the dark web to begin wreaking havoc all over the country. In order to stop this nefarious group from killing more innocents, the Bau is forced to work alongside an increasingly unpredictable Voit who has his own agenda. The cast for Season 18 also includes Joe Mantegna (David Rossi), A.J. Cook (JJ Jareau), Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia), ...

This article discusses sensitive topics like violence, murder, assault, torture, and crimes against children.

Criminal Minds is one of the longest-running crime shows in TV history, thanks to its interesting look into the minds of serial killers. The series follows a team of expert FBI behavioral profilers as they track down the most prolific and disturbing criminals, leaving fans with many horrifying episodes to binge. Despite being a detective crime/thriller series, Criminal Minds often goes full horror with its dark cases and harrowing crimes.

Criminal Minds never pulls its punches, and many episodes have ended in tragedy after covering especially gruesome crimes. Many of the show's most memorable moments come from nightmarish and terrifying episodes that feel reminiscent of some of the best horror movies. And the knowledge that some of the scariest Criminal Minds episodes are based on a true story makes these episodes even freakier.

Updated by...

Over the years, Criminal Minds has cycled through a range of cast members, with very few still on retainer from the early seasons. When the show was rebooted as Criminal Minds: Evolution in 2022, fan-favorites including David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Jenifer Jareau (A.J. Cook), and Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) re-appeared, but the most notable missing face was that of Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler). After two seasons of the reboot, it has been announced that Reid will be returning in Season 3 as a part of one episode. This news should have left me jumping with excitement, but to my surprise, all I felt was a slight disappointment. To preface, like everyone else, Reid is my favorite character, but there is a reason his return isn't drumming up the fanfare we would expect.

This article contains mentions of murder, sexual crimes, and near-death experiences. It also contains Spoilers for Criminal Minds.

Criminal Minds is renowned as one of the greatest entries in the crime procedural genre, but arguably the best part of each episode was Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) and her sharp dialogue. The FBI technical analyst was the quintessential quirky character that added an air of levity and charm to even the most gruesome investigations. Even as the Behavioral Analysis Unit (Bau) encountered the most disturbing unsubs in Criminal Minds, Garcia was always prepared with a clever play on words or affectionate monikers for her coworkers.

Vangsness portrayed the character throughout all 15 seasons of Criminal Minds, with Penelope only absent from a single episode in the pilot season— even then she was still mentioned, a testament to how vital her presence in the series was from the start. Though Garcia underwent various arcs and personal storylines,...

Criminal Minds: Evolution, the Paramount+ revival of Criminal Minds, is finally bringing back Matthew Gray Gubler as Spencer Reid. The fan favorite character wasn't a part of the previous two seasons, but the actor previously hinted that he'd be returning as Reid in Season 3.

Further confirmation of Gubler's return as Reid has now come in from co-star Kirsten Vangsness, who has starred in both the original show along with Evolution. On her Instagram Stories, Vangsness shared a screenshot of a news article noting Gubler's return as the Spencer Reid character in the Paramount+ series. While she did not offer any additional comments, sharing the photo appeared to be a sign of excitement from Vangsness about the reunion in addition to confirming that the big return is happening. A screenshot of the post can be seen below, courtesy of Screen Rant.

Related Why Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders Was Canceled (& Why...

In 2020, fans experienced the heartbreaking news that one of their top series, Criminal Minds, had been canceled after fifteen seasons. When the show received a reboot two years later, not all of the cast returned.

Criminal Minds: Evolution brought back some of our favorite profilers, only one of whom had been with the show since the beginning and a few who replaced original team members who had left before the show ended.

One of the most significant losses in the show’s history was that of boy-wonder Dr. Reid Spencer, played by Matthew Gray Gubler.

(Cliff Lipson/CBS)

During the fifteen-year original run of Criminal Minds, Reid played the nerdy academic with an eidetic memory and a brilliance for profiling criminals.

Fans adored the awkward genius that was Dr. Spencer Reid, whether it was his close relationship with J.J. (A.J. Cook) and her sons, his bromance with former Bau...

Premiering in 2005, Criminal Minds is a police procedural series centered on the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, which consults on local crimes using psychological profiling to find and capture criminals. Actors like Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, Paget Brewster, and Joe Mantegna have starred in Criminal Minds for several years, and some continue to star in the revival series of Criminal Minds, Criminal Minds: Evolution. However, other stars, like Mandy Patinkin, starred on the show before leaving after only a few seasons.

While the original team was made up of seven core characters; Jason Gideon, Aaron Hotchner, Elle Greenaway, Derek Morgan, Spencer Reid, Jennifer Jareau, and Penelope Garcia, Criminal Minds' cast lineup has evolved over the years. One of those changes involved the seemingly abrupt departure in Season 3 of Senior Supervisory Special Agent Jason Gideon, played by Mandy Patinkin. This left a lot of fans wondering why Patinkin moved on from the show.

The world of Criminal Minds has brought forth several storylines and relationships. While some have been well received by fans, others have sometimes managed to raise a few eyebrows. One such dynamic was between Kristen Vangsness’s Penelope Garcia and Shemar Moore’s Derek Morgan. The duo had a platonic relationship on the show. However, this was filled with playful flirtations and humorous banters.

Kristen Vangsness as Penelope Garcia in a still from Criminal Minds | Credits: CBS Broadcasting

While fans obviously adored their unique dynamic, it often walked a fine line between lighthearted teasing and crossing certain professional boundaries. Garcia in particular frequently pushed the limits of the show with her comments that would be considered inappropriate or even workplace harassment in real life.

How Penelope Garcia’s Flirting with Derek Morgan Crossed a Major Line on Criminal Minds?

American police procedural drama Criminal Minds completely changed the crime genre...

For 17 seasons, Criminal Minds gave us chills with its dark cases, but let’s talk about the real mystery: the Bau’s baffling hiring policy. Profilers with zero field experience? Check. Team members with more personal baggage than the victims they chase? Double check. Somehow, this elite unit became a revolving door of brilliant-but-flawed recruits.

A still from Criminal Minds | Credits: CBS Studios

Serial killers stood no chance, but Hr? Oh, they really dropped the ball. From genius hackers with dark pasts to agents who barely survived the job interview, the Bau’s staffing choices were chaotic at best—and, honestly, the biggest crime the show never solved.

Bau or Bust: Criminal Minds’ Wildly Improbable Hiring Playbook A still from Criminal Minds | Credits: CBS Studios

Criminal Minds gave us gripping cases and unforgettable characters for 17 seasons, but folks, its most puzzling plot twist? The Bau’s “hiring policy.” Forget...

When Criminal Minds first premiered in 2005, it introduced audiences to a new side of the FBI. While its predecessors focused mainly on solving crimes, Criminal Minds took this premise one step further and delved deeper into the psyche of the killer. As such, it quickly became one of the biggest crime procedurals of the 2010s.

But as this department experienced a wealth of growth and expansion, fans were forced to say goodbye to some of their favorite agents. So, the team often had to learn how to adapt to the loss of one of their own. While some character exits can be easily explained, audiences still wonder why some actors chose to leave the series, especially when it was at its peak.

A Seasoned Agent Left After Just Two Seasons Mandy Patkin

As the Senior Supervisory Agent of the Bau, there's no denying that Jason Gideon had a lot on his plate.

Deadline reports that Matthew Gray Gubler is returning to television, but unfortunately, it’s not the long-awaited return to Criminal Minds: Evolution that fans have wanted. Instead, Gubler is set to play the great-grandson of Albert Einstein in a new crime procedural for CBS, which is going by the working title of Einstein.

The series is from Andy Breckman and Randy Zisk, best known for Monk. It will be a drama with comedic undertones. Matthew Gray Gubler plays Lew Einstein, the brilliant but directionless great-grandson of the famed theoretical physicist. He’s a popular professor at Princeton, when he actually shows up, but the burden of his genius and famous name frequently weigh on him. When his bad-boy antics find him running afoul of the law, he’s forced to help a local detective solve her most puzzling cases, which finally gives his life some direction and purpose. Breckman penned...

As Criminal Minds: Evolution continues on Paramount+, many hope that some of the show's original actors (e.g. Shemar Moore) will return, but it would be difficult for Moore to reprise his role as Derek Morgan in season 3. Criminal Minds: Evolution is a revival of the CBS police procedural crime drama and premiered two years after its series finale. Consequently, the world of Criminal Minds lives on as Evolution heads into its third season. While many original actors have returned for the revival and are expected to be in season 3, Moore, unfortunately, isn't one of them.

Production on Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 began in August 2024, and while Paramount+ hasn't announced a release date, many predict season 3 will be released in 2025.

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2's ending left many questions unanswered, including if Voit survived the prison attack. Thankfully, Paramount+ announced that the show had been renewed for a third season prior to its season 2 finale.

Penelope Garcia is one of the fan-favorite characters in Criminal Minds. The dark web hacker turned FBI agent is extremely skilled at digging out information. She makes connections between seemingly unrelated things, and she's able to find proof to back up her suspicions. Aside from her skills, Garcia is known for her humor and quirkiness which bring brief smiles to fellow profilers' faces during their highly stressful job tracking down serial killers.

Garcia makes the decision to exit from the Bau at the end of Criminal Minds. As someone who has dedicated so many years working for the FBI, the decision is quite sudden and leaves fans with many questions. Why did Garcia quit the FBI? The answer has everything to do with her relationship with the bureau.

How Did Penelope Join the Bau?

Unlike the rest of her colleagues, Penelope Garcia didn't join the FBI by choice. She was...

You know what they say: Opposites attract. We’ll have to see if such is the case with Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez) and a new character joining Criminal Minds: Evolution for its upcoming 18th season (the third of the revival). Aimee Garcia will appear in multiple episodes, Deadline reports. The Lucifer star will be playing Dr. Julia Ochoa. She is one of the country’s leading neuropsychiatrists and is helping a high-profile patient as he recovers from an injury-induced brain trauma. She comes at the situation in a gentle way, which will clash with Luke’s more aggressive one. With Garcia in multiple episodes, we can’t help but wonder if sparks could fly between Luke and Julia and if that might mean some jealousy from Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness); their day may not have gone well but it doesn’t seem like the door is completely shut on a potential relationship.

There really is no contest as to which relationship in Criminal Minds is the downright best, offering us the most deliciously flirtatious lines and wholesomely poignant friendship. The dynamic bond between the hunky Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) and tech-savvy Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) captured our hearts from the moment they graced our screen, even if their behavior has caused the bureau some headaches like a sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace seminar. When Moore left the original series in Season 11, we mourned not being able to see our favorite couple anymore, but Criminal Minds: Evolution gave us a heart-warming update on their friendship that we sorely needed.

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Viewers were shocked when it was announced that Criminal Minds was canceled and ending after its 15th season. The series has been on the air since 2005 and amassed a devoted fanbase over the nearly 20 years it was on television. With only ten episodes to conclude the series, the creative team behind Criminal Minds had to balance an entertaining and familiar series for fans while also concluding the persona; storylines centered around the main characters.

It wasn't known to the Criminal Minds team at the time, but the series would not end with Season 15. The series became a streaming success during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown period. The reinvigorated interest in the series promoted a revival titled Criminal Minds: Evolution, which serves as the 16th season of the series. With a 17th season now concluded, it can be helpful to check in on where...

Criminal Minds: Evolution showrunner Erica Messer confirmed Reid's sabbatical as a safe explanation for his absence. Gubler and Henney may return as long as schedules align with the show. Reid's sabbatical update leaves the door open for his potential return in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

Criminal Minds: Evolution showrunner Erica Messer explains the season 2 comment about Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) and his sabbatical. New episodes have followed David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) and other members of the Behavioral Analysis Unit amid increasing criminal activity, but Gublers character remains noticeably absent. Reid, whose brainpower and unique personality made him a fan favorite, appeared in 15 seasons of the original series as a fellow Supervisory Special Agent. However, in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, episode 7, Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster) revealed that he's temporarily away from the FBI.

During an interview with TV Insider, Messer explained why Reids nonappearance was described as a sabbatical.

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 hints at major changes for a controversial character, potentially shaking up their role at the Bau team. Tyler's romantic storyline with Penelope could intensify as he seeks to become an official profiler in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. The love triangle between Tyler, Luke, and Penelope must end to avoid dragging down their characters in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

Criminal Minds: Evolution is hinting at a big change for one of the shows most controversial characters in the upcoming season 3. The Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 finale featured multiple cliffhangers, some which viewers can look forward to, and one that could make a major storyline complaint even worse. When Criminal Minds was canceled and revived as Criminal Minds: Evolution not long after, new characters were introduced while familiar ones like Spencer Reid didnt make the jump over. Though some of these new additions were positive, one character has received great criticism from viewers.

The Emily Prentiss twist reveal in the Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 finale sets up a new character introduction in season 3. Emily's sister has never been mentioned before in Criminal Minds, which suggests they have a complicated relationship. Prentiss family dynamics could bring depth to her character in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

Over 15 years since her character was first introduced, an Emily Prentiss twist set up a new character introduction for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. The Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 finale revealed some interesting new information about the BAUs unit chief. Emily first appeared in Criminal Minds season 2 as a replacement for Elle when she left the show at the beginning of the season. Since then, Emily has become one of the most beloved Criminal Minds characters, with a complex backstory that just became even deeper thanks to the season 17 finale.

Prentiss had a darker arc in Criminal Minds: Evolution season...

Warning! This article contains Spoilers for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, episode 8.

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 pays homage to a classic episode, "L.D.S.K.," adding new layers to Jason Gideon's character. Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, episode 8 delivers a shocking plot twist, making it a standout installment in the series. With callbacks to past episodes and characters, Criminal Minds: Evolution keeps the suspense high, even after almost 20 years.

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 paid tribute to one of the shows best episodes, providing new context and meaning to a Jason Gideon line while honoring his character. Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, episode 8 featured a major plot twist at the end, making it an instantly memorable episode. Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 is also known as Criminal Minds season 17. Viewers dont have to watch the original 15 Criminal Minds seasons to follow along, but the frequent callbacks to past episodes and characters are a treat for those who did.

Criminal Minds: Evolution's love triangle between Tyler, Garcia, and Alvez is unnecessary and distracts from the main storyline. The show's office romance execution is problematic and doesn't add anything to the overall plot, especially as Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 deals with darker themes. The unresolved love triangle needs resolution before everyone, including Tyler, returns for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3.

With Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 entering its final stretch, I am so ready for the show to end Tyler Green, Penelope Garcia, & Luke Alvez's complicated relationship. As a loyal follower of the Criminal Minds franchise even when it was still on network TV, I know that romances aren't exactly its strong suit. The show never really fully delved into this particular storyline, even as its fellow police procedural dabbled into the same arc, with Law & Order: Svu doing its back-and-forth with Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler, as well as...

Spencer Reid, with his superior intelligence, is a key character who helps solve intricate cases in Criminal Minds. Reid's traumatic past contributes to his aloof demeanor, evident in various episodes throughout the series. Reid undergoes character development, facing personal struggles, addiction, and mental health issues, captivating fans.

Since its initial premiere in 2005, Criminal Minds has captivated audiences with its unique cases and intriguing character arcs. Yet, despite the wide array of alluring characters on offer, many fans would agree that Spencer Reid is their favorite. Alongside his boyish charm and complex backstory, Reid is best recognized for his superior intelligence, helping him to solve even the most intricate of problems.

Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler, has appeared in the show since the beginning, making him a pivotal part of the entire lore. However, he has not always been the same charming man throughout all 15 seasons. But how...