Criminal Minds‘ sudden ending seemingly came as a surprise to those working behind the scenes.
“It’s hard to put into words what Criminal Minds has meant to all of us who have been fortunate enough to be part of this extraordinary journey, first on CBS for 15 seasons and then on Paramount+ for five,” showrunner and executive producer Erica Messer said while breaking her silence on the shocking development.
Messer hinted the writers didn’t go into season 20 thinking it would be their last.
“While suddenly navigating the end of this chapter, I’m filled with gratitude for our remarkable cast, writers, directors and crew who have poured their hearts into this show, and for the incredible fans around the world whose unwavering loyalty has kept Criminal Minds going for two decades,” she continued. “We’re looking forward to sharing season 20 with everyone, and celebrating the legacy of this special show we’ve all built together.”
Criminal Minds originally premiered in 2005, following a group of criminal profilers who work for the FBI as members of its Behavioral Analysis Unit. The series was revived by Paramount+ as Criminal Minds: Evolution after its initial conclusion in 2020.
Many of the original stars returned for Evolution, with Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster reprising their roles. Other key characters — such as Matthew Gray Gubler‘s Reid — have also made appearances.
Following the show’s shocking ending, several Criminal Minds cast members have spoken out.
“This has happened. It’s being canceled. Then it says right there, it’s ending for now,” Vangsness, 54, who has played Penelope Garcia throughout the show’s 20 seasons, said in an Instagram video on Friday, October 30.
“You know that part in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory where Charlie gets the chocolate and it’s like a little bittersweet, because he’s like, ‘Thanks so much for the chocolate,’” the actress explained. “Look how long, that doesn’t happen ever. But I love my job and my boss Erica Messer says there’s so many more stories to tell. So, if we get to keep telling them somewhere, that would be amazing.”
She continued: “I know all of us feel the same way. … Everything’s OK. Aren’t we all in a death and rebirth cycle? Yes, so maybe this goes somewhere else? What an adventure.”
Criminal Minds season 20 is expected to premiere in 2027.
