Explaining Matthew Gray Gubler’s Return as Einstein on TV After Criminal Minds

TV enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating Matthew Gray Gubler’s return to television following Criminal Minds. However, why is his latest endeavor with CBS’ Einstein facing challenges even before its debut?

While Gubler has participated in numerous projects, it was his portrayal of Dr. Spencer Reid in Criminal Minds that truly catapulted him to notoriety. Despite the show’s darker themes, audiences tuned in regularly to watch the endearing genius crack cases.

Criminal Minds aired on CBS from 2005 to 2020, later being revived on Paramount+ with familiar faces like Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, and Paget Brewster returning to their beloved roles.

Gubler was among the few original characters who did not return, although he didn’t rule out a comeback.

“I would be honored. I would absolutely love that,” he expressed about the series during an appearance on Ireland’s The Six O’Clock Show in September 2023. “They created a new spinoff, but it coincided with my filming schedule. Nevertheless, I’m hopeful about making it work soon.”

Due to his packed schedule, Gubler wasn’t able to reprise his role, instead appearing in Dollface and films like Horse Girl and King Knight.

In October 2024, news emerged that Gubler would return in a scripted series focused on Albert Einstein‘s great-grandson. However, the CBS series has encountered multiple hurdles — even prior to its premiere.

“At one point, Einstein was slated for release,” CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach stated at the CBS Upfronts in May. “But we realized we had a unique opportunity with this show. Our experiences with long-term development have yielded excellent results. [At last year’s upfront press event], we announced Sheriff Country would go to series for 2025-26. They begin filming next week, the promotional efforts are in full swing, we have 12 scripts ready, and we’re optimized for production and scheduling.”

She continued, “We believe Einstein could greatly benefit from this approach, even if it requires a shift in strategy. We are open to such changes if it improves the show’s chances for success.”

Read on for an overview of Gubler’s TV comeback — and the early obstacles it has faced:

The Key Players

Gubler quickly became a beloved figure on Criminal Minds when it debuted in 2005. After more than 300 episodes, he opted not to participate in the Paramount+ revival. Instead, Gubler has concentrated on acting across various projects, both on television and in films. He has also authored children’s books, including The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand.

The Gist

After a three-year hiatus from television, it was announced that Gubler would briefly reprise his role as Spencer Reid in one episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution. His main focus now is a pilot for CBS with the working title Einstein.

The series follows Lew Einstein, a.k.a. the great-grandson of Albert Einstein, as he navigates life as a well-respected professor. Despite his scholarly life, his rebellious behavior often puts him in legal trouble, prompting him to assist a local detective in solving complex cases.

Although CBS picked up the show for a series, it has faced various delays. In April 2025, CBS announced the postponement of Einstein from its intended launch in the 2025-26 TV season to the 2026-27 season.

Why It’s a Big Deal

While this change allows the network ample time for production and an effective promotional rollout coinciding with March Madness 2026, it has also led to some behind-the-scenes adjustments.

According to Deadline, the process of hiring the writing team has been temporarily halted, and Rosa Salazar, initially cast to star alongside Gubler in the pilot, will not continue with the series. Salazar reportedly requested to be released from her contract upon learning of the production delay.

What’s Next

Salazar was set to portray Veronica “Ronni” Paris, a detective inspector for the New Jersey State Police who entered law enforcement following her husband’s death. The CBS synopsis described her as “sharp and disciplined, demanding a lot from her colleagues and even more from herself, while feeling conflicted about working with Professor Einstein.”

The role will be recast when production resumes on Einstein, which is anticipated to feature no more than two series regular roles in the pilot — a common approach for crime procedurals, echoing CBS’ Elsbeth, which has three.

Unfortunately, viewers will have to wait an additional year for Einstein to make its debut.