No, there is no new episode of Criminal Minds airing tonight. The beloved crime drama concluded its original run with its final season in 2020, though a revival, Criminal Minds: Evolution, currently streams exclusively on Paramount+.
Criminal Minds: Where Are We Now?
The question of a “new” Criminal Minds episode is complicated by the show’s history and current iteration. For fifteen seasons, Criminal Minds captivated audiences with its intricate profiling of serial killers and the dedicated team of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). After its cancellation by CBS, many fans yearned for its return.
The good news is, Criminal Minds has returned! The revival, titled Criminal Minds: Evolution, premiered on Paramount+ in November 2022, bringing back familiar faces and introducing new threats. However, this means no longer relying on traditional television broadcast schedules.
Criminal Minds: Evolution and Streaming
The move to Paramount+ signifies a significant shift in how audiences consume the series. Instead of tuning in weekly on a specific network channel, viewers can now access the show on demand through a subscription streaming service. This allows for greater flexibility and binge-watching opportunities. Criminal Minds: Evolution embraces the freedom of streaming, often featuring more serialized storylines and delving deeper into character development than the procedural format of the original series allowed.
Criminal Minds: Understanding the Current Landscape
The fact that there are no new episodes airing tonight on traditional television does not mean that the franchise is dormant. It’s thriving, albeit in a new format. Understanding the distinction between the original series and Criminal Minds: Evolution is crucial for any fan eager to keep up with the BAU’s latest cases. Check Paramount+ for Criminal Minds: Evolution.
Criminal Minds: Frequently Asked Questions
This section will address common questions and concerns regarding the status of Criminal Minds and its revival.
H3: What happened to the original Criminal Minds?
The original Criminal Minds aired for fifteen seasons on CBS, from 2005 to 2020. While immensely popular, the network chose to end the series, citing a natural conclusion to the storylines and the desire to explore new programming options. However, the enduring fanbase and the continued success of the show in syndication prompted talks of a revival.
H3: What is Criminal Minds: Evolution?
Criminal Minds: Evolution is a revival of the original series, premiering on Paramount+ in 2022. It features many of the original cast members, including Joe Mantegna (David Rossi), A.J. Cook (Jennifer “JJ” Jareau), Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia), Aisha Tyler (Dr. Tara Lewis), Adam Rodriguez (Luke Alvez), and Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss). The show picks up where the original left off, but embraces a more serialized format, focusing on a single, overarching case across multiple episodes.
H3: Who is in the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution?
As mentioned previously, the cast includes several beloved returning members. Unfortunately, not all original cast members have returned. Matthew Gray Gubler (Dr. Spencer Reid) and Daniel Henney (Matt Simmons) have not been involved in Criminal Minds: Evolution due to other commitments, though the possibility of their return in future seasons remains open. Zach Gilford plays Elias Voit, the UnSub central to the first season of Criminal Minds: Evolution.
H3: Where can I watch Criminal Minds: Evolution?
Criminal Minds: Evolution is exclusively available on Paramount+. A subscription to the streaming service is required to access the show.
H3: Will there be more seasons of Criminal Minds: Evolution?
Yes! Criminal Minds: Evolution has been renewed for a second season (its 17th season overall), solidifying its place as a continued part of the Criminal Minds universe.
H3: What is the difference between Criminal Minds and Criminal Minds: Evolution?
The primary difference lies in the format and platform. The original Criminal Minds was a procedural crime drama that aired on CBS, with each episode typically focusing on a different case. Criminal Minds: Evolution, on the other hand, is a serialized crime drama that streams on Paramount+. It features a single, overarching case that unfolds across multiple episodes, allowing for deeper character development and more complex storytelling. The Paramount+ iteration also allows for more mature themes and language, given the lack of network television restrictions.
H3: Why did Matthew Gray Gubler not return for Criminal Minds: Evolution?
Matthew Gray Gubler’s absence from Criminal Minds: Evolution is attributed to his commitments to other projects and a desire to explore different creative avenues after playing Dr. Spencer Reid for fifteen years. There have been no indications of any animosity or conflicts preventing his return, and the possibility of him appearing in future seasons remains open.
H3: Is Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan) in Criminal Minds: Evolution?
While Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan) is not a regular cast member in Criminal Minds: Evolution, he did make a guest appearance in Season 1. His presence was welcomed by fans and added a nostalgic touch to the revival. Whether he will return in future seasons remains to be seen.
H3: Can I still watch the original Criminal Minds?
Yes! The original Criminal Minds is widely available through various streaming services and platforms. You can typically find it on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime Video, depending on your region and their licensing agreements. Check your local listings for syndicated reruns on traditional television as well.
H3: What order should I watch Criminal Minds episodes in?
For the original Criminal Minds, it is best to watch the episodes in chronological order, following the order they aired during their original broadcast. This ensures that you experience the character development and ongoing storylines in the intended sequence. For Criminal Minds: Evolution, watching the episodes in their streaming order on Paramount+ is essential, as the entire season revolves around a single, interconnected plot.
H3: Are there any Criminal Minds spin-offs?
Yes, there have been several Criminal Minds spin-offs. These include: Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (which focused on a different BAU team using unconventional methods) and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (which followed a team specializing in solving crimes involving Americans abroad). Neither spin-off lasted as long as the original series.
H3: What is the best way to stay updated on Criminal Minds news?
The best ways to stay updated on Criminal Minds news include following official social media accounts (Paramount+, Criminal Minds), subscribing to entertainment news websites and newsletters, and participating in online fan communities. Look for verified sources to ensure the accuracy of the information you receive.