The cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution has reacted on social media to the news that the long-running police procedural will end with its forthcoming 20th season. The season will be the show’s fifth since it adopted the Evolution subtitle and moved to Paramount+.
Kirsten Vangsness, who has played technical analyst Penelope Garcia since the series began, described the cancellation as bittersweet in an Instagram video. She noted the significance of reaching 20 seasons while also expressing hope that the characters’ stories could continue elsewhere. Vangsness said showrunner Erica Messer believes there are still many more stories to tell and added that the cast would welcome the opportunity to keep telling them.
Vangsness also said in the video’s comments that the cast learned about the cancellation at the same time as the fans.
RJ Hatanaka, who joined the series in season 16 as FBI agent Tyler Green, posted a photo of the cast with a message praising the group. A.J. Cook, who has portrayed special agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau since season one, reshared the image and wrote that the cast members would always have her heart. She later shared a Halloween photo holding a tombstone for JJ, captioned “Rest in peace JJ (for now).”
Paget Brewster, who plays special agent Emily Prentiss, posted a photo of herself with the words “Free Agent.” Aisha Tyler, who has portrayed Dr. Tara Lewis since season 11, also shared Hatanaka’s photo and described the cast as “Family for life.”
Criminal Minds: Evolution also stars Joe Mantegna as special agent David Rossi and Adam Rodriguez as special agent Luke Alvez. The show’s final season is scheduled to premiere in 2027.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.