Is This ‘Criminal Minds’ Final Season? CBS Boss Explains Fewer Episodes

Michael Yarish/CBS

Fans of CBS’ long-running Criminal Minds have certainly been through a lot in the past few months, from fear of cancellation to a last-minute renewal. And now, news about the upcoming season is igniting more buzz.

The series, which usually includes around 23 episodes per season, has a smaller episode order for Season 14. At the Television Critics Association summer press tour, CBS revealed that this year will have only 15 episodes in its Wednesday night time slot.

But before fans could worry that this is the beginning of the end, CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl told Deadline that the show  “can get a couple of more episodes. It depends where they are in production, they will let us know when (we need to make that call).”

“I’m not saying this is the last season,” Kahl added. “We will have an honest discussion with them at the right time.”

As the show prepares for its Season 14 premiere, it will also celebrate its 300th episode since debuting in 2005. Criminal Minds plans to retain its core cast, but if they were to carry on to Season 15, new deals would have to be made.

Could the procedural make it that far? Sound off in the comments below!

Criminal Minds, Season 14 Premiere, Wednesday, October 3, 10/9c, CBS