Criminal Minds Casually References Original Cast Members Following Their Departure
Criminal Minds manages to reference several beloved characters even after the departure of its original cast members.
In the episode aired on Thursday, July 9, J.J. (A. J. Cook) shared how Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) reacted to her son Henry’s acceptance into college. She noted that Reid, who serves as Henry’s godfather, offered to make a call to Caltech if necessary. The episode also brought up Witness Protection, a situation Hotch (Thomas Gibson) faced in the original series.
Criminal Minds: Evolution has previously recognized characters from its predecessor since moving from CBS to Paramount+. This series, which first premiered in 2005, introduced audiences to a team of criminal profilers employed by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.
Criminal Minds has consistently explored various fictional cases with each season, adapting as cast members have changed. After concluding in 2020, the show made a comeback, reuniting Cook, 47, along with Kirsten Vangsness, Paget Brewster, Joe Mantegna, Aisha Tyler, and Adam Rodriguez.
Gubler, 46, has openly expressed his desire to reprise his role after portraying Reid from 2005 to 2020.
“I would be honored. I would absolutely love that,” he shared regarding the series during an interview on Ireland’s The Six O’Clock Show in September 2023. “They did a newer spinoff, but it conflicted with my shooting schedule. However, I can’t wait — hopefully, it will work out soon.”
Showrunner Erica Messer revealed to Us Weekly in July 2024 that discussions with Gubler have taken place, stating, “We love [Matthew] and he’s always going to be part of the family. We would cherish the chance to bring him back. We’ve made efforts — and so has he.”
Messer highlighted that Gubler’s packed schedule has been a barrier to his return.
“It just hasn’t aligned timing-wise. I can’t comment on [season 3 of Criminal Minds: Evolution] as we are not there yet, but it’s not for lack of trying,” Messer noted, emphasizing that Reid is still referenced in the show. “I believe the characters will acknowledge it too.”
She added: “Even when [Felicity Huffman’s character] Jill Gideon asked, ‘How is everyone doing?’ she remembered those who have been absent for a long time — it’s who she knows from the team.”
Reid made a brief appearance in season 19 but did not remain. Gubler is set to return to television soon with CBS’ Einstein, a series centered around Lew Einstein, the great-grandson of Albert Einstein, who navigates life as a well-established professor. His rebellious nature, however, lands him in legal troubles, prompting him to assist a local detective with intricate cases.
“There’s only one person I remained connected with from Criminal Minds, and that’s everyone,” Gubler shared exclusively with Us at CBS Fest in April. “I feel fortunate to be back on TV again and hope they will all return.”
He added: “I’ve reached out to all of them. We have to get Shemar [Moore] back on there shirtless, right?”
Criminal Minds: Evolution airs Thursdays on Paramount+.
