The world of crime dramas has been obsessed with the intricate minds of serial killers, and one show that has captured the hearts of millions is Criminal Minds. Since its premiere in 2005, the show has been a staple on television, following the lives of a team of FBI agents as they delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche to catch the most elusive and terrifying criminals. But, with the passage of time, fans have been left wondering: is Criminal Minds still running?
The Original Run and Its Success
Criminal Minds, created by Jeff Davis, premiered on September 22, 2005, on CBS. The show revolved around the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), a fictional team of FBI agents who specialize in profiling and capturing serial killers, rapists, and other heinous criminals. The original cast included Mandy Patinkin as Jason Gideon, Shemar Moore as Derek Morgan, Matthew Gray Gubler as Dr. Spencer Reid, A.J. Cook as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, and Thomas Gibson as Aaron Hotchner.
Over the years, the show became a massive success, attracting a dedicated fan base and critically acclaimed reviews. The show’s unique blend of crime solving, psychology, and character-driven storytelling made it stand out from other crime dramas. The show’s success can be attributed to its well-crafted storylines, exceptional character development, and the chemistry between the cast members.
The Evolution of the Show
As the show progressed, the characters underwent significant changes, and new agents joined the BAU. Joe Mantegna replaced Mandy Patinkin as David Rossi, a veteran FBI agent, and Paget Brewster joined as Emily Prentiss, an agent with a troubled past. The show also explored different themes, such as terrorism, cybercrime, and cults, keeping the narrative fresh and engaging.
One of the most significant changes occurred in 2016 when Thomas Gibson, who played Hotch, was fired from the show due to a physical altercation with a writer-producer. His character was subsequently written out of the show, and the storylines were rewritten to accommodate his absence.
The Revival and the End
In 2019, CBS announced that Criminal Minds would be ending with its 15th season. The final season consisted of 10 episodes, with the series finale airing on February 19, 2020. The finale, titled “And in the End,” wrapped up the storylines of the remaining characters, providing closure for the fans.
However, in a surprising turn of events, it was announced in July 2020 that Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) had ordered a 10-episode revival of Criminal Minds, titled Criminal Minds: Evolution. The new series will feature a mix of old and new characters, with Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, and Paget Brewster set to reprise their roles.
The Revival: What to Expect
Criminal Minds: Evolution promises to take the show in a new direction, exploring the impact of the pandemic on the BAU and the world of crime. The show’s creator, Jeff Davis, has stated that the revival will have a different tone and style, incorporating more serialized storytelling and exploring the personal lives of the characters.
The revival is expected to premiere in late 2022, with new episodes dropping weekly on Paramount+. While the original cast members are set to return, it is unclear whether other characters from the original series will make appearances.
Is Criminal Minds Still Running? The Answer
So, is Criminal Minds still running? The answer is a resounding yes! While the original series may have ended, the franchise is far from over. With the revival, Criminal Minds: Evolution, set to premiere in 2022, fans can look forward to more thrilling storylines, character developments, and the same level of intensity and suspense that made the original series a hit.
For those who may have missed the original series, Paramount+ will also be streaming all 15 seasons of Criminal Minds, making it the perfect opportunity to binge-watch and catch up on the BAU’s most iconic cases.
| Season | Year | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Series | 2005-2020 | 324 |
| Criminal Minds: Evolution | 2022-present | TBA |
In conclusion, Criminal Minds may have ended its original run, but the franchise is far from over. With the revival, new fans can join the BAU, and old fans can revisit their favorite characters. So, get ready to dive back into the world of crime dramas, because Criminal Minds is still running, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon!
Is Criminal Minds still on the air?
Criminal Minds originally aired on CBS from 2005 to 2020, spanning 15 seasons. The show’s final episode aired on February 19, 2020. Although the show is no longer in production, reruns and syndicated episodes continue to air on various platforms.
Fans can still catch their favorite characters, including Dr. Spencer Reid, Derek Morgan, and Emily Prentiss, as they solve complex crimes and unravel the mysteries of the human mind. Even though new episodes are not being produced, the existing episodes remain popular, and the show continues to have a dedicated fan base.
Will there be a revival or spinoff of Criminal Minds?
There have been rumors of a potential revival or spinoff of Criminal Minds, but nothing has been officially announced by CBS or the show’s creators. The cast members have expressed interest in revisiting their characters, but it would require a compelling storyline and a commitment from the network.
However, it’s worth noting that Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) has announced a new true-crime series, The Real Criminal Minds, which is inspired by the original show. The new series features a team of experts who delve into real-life crimes, exploring the psychology and motivations behind the perpetrators. While not a direct revival, it’s a nod to the original show’s concept and might satisfy fans’ cravings for a similar type of content.
What was the reason for Criminal Minds being canceled?
Criminal Minds was not canceled due to low ratings or poor reception. Instead, the show’s creators and CBS mutually decided to end the series after 15 seasons. The decision was reportedly made to give the show a fitting conclusion and allow the cast and crew to pursue other projects.
The show’s ratings had remained stable, and it continued to perform well in its time slot. However, the producers felt that they had told all the stories they wanted to tell, and it was time to bring the series to a close. The cast, including Joe Mantegna and Paget Brewster, expressed their gratitude to the fans and appreciation for the opportunity to be a part of the show.
Can I still watch Criminal Minds on Netflix?
Criminal Minds is no longer available on Netflix in the United States. However, fans can still stream the show on other platforms, including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount+. The availability may vary depending on your location and the streaming services available in your region.
If you’re looking to binge-watch the entire series, you can purchase individual episodes or seasons on digital platforms like iTunes, Google Play, or Vudu. Alternatively, you can buy the DVD box sets, which are available online and in-store.
Will there be any more books or novels based on Criminal Minds?
Yes, there are several novels and books based on Criminal Minds that are available for purchase. The books are written by various authors and offer an extension of the show’s storylines, exploring the characters and cases in more depth.
While there hasn’t been an official announcement about new books being published, fans can still explore the existing titles, which range from novelizations of specific episodes to original stories that expand on the show’s universe.
Can I attend a Criminal Minds fan convention?
There haven’t been any official Criminal Minds fan conventions announced recently. However, the cast members have participated in various fan events and charity functions over the years.
Keep an eye on the cast members’ social media profiles or fan sites, as they often announce their appearances and events in advance. You might get the opportunity to meet your favorite stars and attend a Q&A session or autograph signing.
Is it possible to visit the Criminal Minds set or filming locations?
The Criminal Minds set was primarily located at the CBS Studio Center in Los Angeles, California. While the show is no longer in production, fans can take a guided tour of the studio, which might include a visit to the show’s former soundstages and filming locations.
Additionally, some exterior scenes were filmed on location in various parts of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Fans can try to identify and visit these locations, but be respectful of private property and any restrictions that might be in place.