Written by Kristina Calhoun
“Criminal Minds” (2005-2020) is a show loved by millions. With quirky characters like Penelope Garcia and the nerdy Spencer Reid, it’s no wonder that the show is so popular. In fact, the popularity of the show has gotten to a point where it seems the series might never end.
Even though “Criminal Minds” aired its 15th and final season back in 2020, Paramount + is in the early stages of reviving the TV series for a Season 16! Given that it’s still early days for the project, fans shouldn’t be taking off work to watch the new season just yet. The revival will technically be a miniseries that could potentially lead to more seasons in the future, but nothing has been confirmed as of now.
The ending for the BAU characters of “Criminal Minds” was helpful in potentially growing the show, as the executive producer left the door wide open at the end of Season 15. Spoiler alert for those who haven’t seen the finale! Since the show left off on a happy note, with the whole cast still around and everyone but Garcia continuing their work for the BAU, it certainly makes it easy for the show to pick up right where it left off.
Sadly, there is no premiere date for Season 16 yet, as the project is still in the very early stages of development. Since the ending of the series, the cast of “Criminal Minds” has moved on to other projects – but with the new season being pitched as a continuation, there is no doubt that Paramount + will want all of the star players back.
The series ended with Matthew Gray Gubler (Spencer), A. J. Cook (J.J.), Joe Mantegna (Rossi), Kirsten Vangsness (Garcia), Paget Brewster (Prentiss), Adam Rodriguez (Luke) and Aisha Tyler (Lewis). Now that doesn’t mean that all of these characters will be returning for Season 16, but one can hope. Of course, the real surprise would be if the producers could get Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan) back on the show after he left to appear in his own series, “S.W.A.T.” Perhaps this new season could give the “Criminal Minds” writers an outlet to try riskier forms of storytelling that didn’t make sense in the final season.
