The cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution is speaking out after Paramount+ confirmed the procedural will end with its 20th season, closing out two decades and two iterations of the franchise. Deadline reported the official cancellation on Friday, marking the first such decision under Skydance-appointed Casey Bloys, as recommended by the previous Paramount+ regime.
Paget Brewster, who plays BAU Unit Chief Emily Prentiss, posted a selfie accompanied by the words "Free Agent…" following the news.
Kirsten Vangsness, known for playing analyst Penelope Garcia, shared her reaction on Instagram, writing that her "heart fireworks in appreciation" for her time on the job and for her colleagues at what she called "fake murder camp." In a video, she pointed to Deadline's coverage and noted that it described the show as "ending for now." Vangsness said showrunner Erica Messer has spoken about there being "so many more stories to tell," adding that if the team gets to keep telling them somewhere, that would be amazing, and that she believes the rest of the cast feels the same way.
RJ Hatanaka, who plays Special Agent Tyler Green, posted a cast photo with the caption, "Just the finest group of people."
Criminal Minds originally ran for 15 seasons on CBS from 2006 to 2020 before Paramount+ revived the crime procedural with the Evolution continuation in 2022.
Showrunner Erica Messer said in a statement that it is hard to put into words what the series has meant to everyone fortunate enough to be part of the journey, first on CBS for 15 seasons and then on Paramount+ for five. She expressed gratitude to the cast, writers, directors and crew, as well as to fans whose loyalty has kept the show going for two decades, and said the team is looking forward to sharing Season 20 and celebrating the legacy they built together.
Season 20 is set to premiere in 2027, with production having wrapped earlier this fall — a timeline Deadline noted means the finale will doubtfully give fans closure for the show.
Sources: Deadline.