Who Could Return for the ‘Criminal Minds’ Revival on Paramount+?

Meredith Jacobs February 4, 2022, 1:41 pm

Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, AJ Cook in Criminal Minds — Cliff Lipson/CBS

After not hearing anything about the Criminal Minds revival following the initial announcement for some time, we’re (finally) getting more details about what we could see in the 10-episode series on Paramount+.

As we already know, the revival “brings the team back together to investigate a single, fascinating case,” and we now have an idea of which members could be returning. Deals are being made with Joe Mantegna (David Rossi), Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia), Adam Rodriguez (Luke Alvez), A.J. Cook (Jennifer “J.J.” Jareau), Aisha Tyler (Dr. Tara Lewis), and Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss), according to Deadline, though they have been “put on hold” as ABC Signature works on a contract with executive producer and showrunner Erica Messer.

Those possibly returning cast members fit with where the finale left the characters. Prentiss, Rossi, J.J., Luke, and Tara were among those still at the Behavioral Analysis Unit, heading off on the next case. (So were Matthew Gray Gubler’s Dr. Spencer Reid and Daniel Henney’s Matt Simmons. Deadline notes that The Wheel of Time films in Prague, so Henney’s involvement would all depend on scheduling.)

While Rossi had been thinking about retiring, it had actually been Garcia who had left the FBI in the finale, for nonprofit work. Vangsness’ possible return, however, suggests that something could bring her character back to the BAU. Perhaps the case is more than her replacement can handle? Or maybe there’s a reason they need Garcia. Whatever the case, we can’t help but wonder if we do see Garcia again, we find out what the note she left for the next person in her office said. (Messer did tell TV Insider “we’re never going to say” after the finale.) Will she and Luke be together? Will Prentiss still be leading the team or perhaps have become the first female director of the FBI and JJ is now in charge? Hearing about who could be back has us thinking those questions would probably be answered, if the revival happens.