Will ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ Return for Season 21?

For over 20 years, fans have been able to watch the profilers of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) study and hunt down serial killers and other offenders first on CBS, with 15 seasons of Criminal Minds, then for going on five more on Paramount+ with the continuation, Evolution.

For most of its run on Paramount+, the drama received early renewals. However, that has now changed, with a major decision about its future made ahead of its 20th season. Below, we’re breaking down everything we know about a Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 21.

Is Criminal Minds: Evolution renewed for Season 21?

No, and it won’t be at Paramount+. The series is ending with the upcoming 20th season, Paramount+ announced on October 30.

Why is Criminal Minds: Evolution ending with Season 20?

That has yet to be said.

With the announcement that Season 20 is the final one, showrunner and executive producer Erica Messer said in a statement, “It’s hard to put into words what Criminal Minds has meant to all of us who have been fortunate enough to be part of this extraordinary journey, first on CBS for 15 seasons and then on Paramount+ for five. While suddenly navigating the end of this chapter, I’m filled with gratitude for our remarkable cast, writers, directors and crew who have poured their hearts into this show, and for the incredible fans around the world whose unwavering loyalty has kept Criminal Minds going for two decades. We’re looking forward to sharing Season 20 with everyone, and celebrating the legacy of this special show we’ve all built together.”

Could Criminal Minds: Evolution be saved?

It doesn’t seem like those with the series are giving up on the possibility of more. After all, the series did end with Season 15 on CBS, only to be brought back on Paramount+ one year later.

Following the news breaking, series star Kirsten Vangsness said, in part, in a video she shared on Instagram, “My boss Erica Messer says there’s so many more stories to tell so if we get to keep telling them somewhere, that would be amazing.”

A.J. Cook wrote alongside a very Halloween-y photo, “Rest in peace JJ (for now),” with still processing one of the hashtags.

 

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A post shared by AJ Cook (@ajcook)

Joe Mantegna posted a photo of the cast and crew on Monday, November 9, noting in the caption, “We’ve found our way back once before. Who’s to say we can’t do it again? Here’s to the INCREDIBLE cast, crew, and fans who have made this journey so special. La famiglia è tutto.”

 

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A post shared by Joe Mantegna (@joemantegna)

Who stars in Criminal Minds: Evolution?

The long-running drama stars Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, and RJ Hatanaka, with Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster.

Erica Messer serves as showrunner and executive produces with Breen Frazier, Chris Barbour, Glenn Kershaw, Stacey Hardt, and Mark Gordon. The series is produced by 20th Television and CBS Studios.

Criminal Minds: Evolution, 20th and Final Season, 2027, Paramount+