According to an article via Deadline Paramount+ has officially renewed Criminal Minds: Evolution for a fourth season, which will continue the thrilling crime drama starring Joe Mantegna (The Godfather, Godfather Part III), A.J. Cook (Final Destination 2, The Virgin Suicides), and Kirsten Vangsness (Rizzoli & Isles, The Chicago 8). The announcement comes before the premiere of Season three, set for May 8, with new episodes dropping weekly on Thursdays. There has been speculation around the show’s renewal began after the conclusion of production on Season three in December, with star Paget Brewster (Friends, DuckTales) sharing her optimism for a renewal, writing on social media, “we are optimistic we’ll get a season 19.”
The decision to renew Evolution for a fourth season comes after months of speculation and anticipation. The cast and crew were officially notified in early February, confirming that the renewal was “pretty much a done deal.” Showrunner Erica Messer (Alias, Charmed) also confirmed that Season three will feature a time jump, picking up six months after an attack on the notorious Sicarius Killer, Elias Voit, and introducing a chaotic new storyline. As Voit’s restless followers wreak havoc across the country, the BAU is forced to work with the unpredictable Voit to stop them. “Season three promises to deliver even darker stakes,” Messer told Deadline.
While the future of the show looks bright, one lingering question is whether original cast member Matthew Gray Gubler (500 Days of Summer, Suburban Gothic) will return as Dr. Spencer Reid. Gubler’s return is uncertain, as Deadline reports that he is currently involved with the CBS/CBS Studios drama pilot Einstein. Fans have been hopeful for Gubler’s return, especially with the storylines in Season three potentially leaving the door open for his character.
“The question of whether Gubler will return is one fans are eager to have answered,” Deadline noted.
As production ramps up, the Criminal Minds franchise continues to be driven by its talented cast and the expertise of showrunner Messer. Produced by 20th Television and CBS Studios, Evolution has garnered critical praise for its dark tone and modern take on the crime procedural. Executive producers also include Breen Frazier (Alias, Roswell), Chris Barbour (Criminal Minds, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation), Glenn Kershaw (Third Watch, Army Wives), and Mark Gordon (Grey’s Anatomy, The Rookie.)
With a significant time jump and new alliances forming under duress, Season three is set to introduce even darker twists to the Criminal Minds saga. As Deadline points out, “the BAU will have to confront new and even more dangerous foes in a season that promises plenty of unexpected turns.” Fans can expect the show to continue pushing boundaries while delivering the intense drama that made it a hit in the first place.