Criminal Minds: Evolution Canceled At Paramount+, Ending After 20 Seasons

The serial killer trackers of Criminal Minds: Evolution are set to work their final cases.

via: Variety

The long-running procedural was originally revived for Season 16 at the streamer back in 2022. Season 19 aired between May and July earlier this year. Season 20 does not yet have a premiere date, but will air in 2027.

“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,” said Erica Messer, the series’ showrunner and executive producer. 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.”

“This has happened. It’s being canceled. Then it says right there, it’s ending for now,” Kirsten Vangsness, who has played Penelope Garcia throughout the show’s 20 seasons, said via an Instagram video on Friday, October 30, responding to news that the series is coming to an end after its 2027 season.

“You know that part in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory where Charlie gets the chocolate and it’s like a little bittersweet, because he’s like, ‘Thanks so much for the chocolate,’” the actress, 54, explained, noting she is feeling similar emotions.

“Look how long, that doesn’t happen ever. But I love my job and 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,” Vangsness continued. “I know all of us feel the same way. … Everything’s OK. Aren’t we all in a death and rebirth cycle? Yes, so maybe this goes somewhere else? What an adventure.”

The show follows the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), who are described as “a team of profilers tasked with analyzing and capturing the country’s most dangerous criminals, before they strike again.” “Evolution” picks up after the events of the original “Criminal Minds,” which aired on CBS for 15 seasons.

“Evolution” stars franchise mainstays Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, and newcomer RJ Hatanaka, with Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster also returning. Messer serves as showrunner and executive producer, with Breen Frazier, Chris Barbour, Glenn Kershaw, Stacey Hardt, and Mark Gordon also executive producing. The series is produced by 20th Television and CBS Studios.