How Many Episodes in Criminal Minds Series 12?
Criminal Minds is a popular American crime drama television series that premiered in 2005. The show follows a team of FBI agents as they investigate and solve crimes, often featuring a serial killer or uncaught perpetrator as the central figure. After 12 seasons, the show ended its run in 2020. But before that, fans eagerly awaited each new episode, wondering how many episodes they could look forward to in the upcoming season.
Direct Answer: How Many Episodes in Criminal Minds Series 12?
Criminal Minds Series 12 Consists of 10 Episodes
The twelfth season of Criminal Minds premiered on September 27, 2016, and concluded on May 10, 2017. In total, the season comprised 10 episodes.
Episode Breakdown by Season
| Season | Number of Episodes |
|---|---|
| 1 | 22 |
| 2 | 23 |
| 3 | 20 |
| 4 | 24 |
| 5 | 24 |
| 6 | 24 |
| 7 | 24 |
| 8 | 24 |
| 9 | 24 |
| 10 | 24 |
| 11 | 22 |
| 12 | 10 |
As you can see, Series 12 stands out from the rest with only 10 episodes, a drastic reduction from the usual 24 episodes per season.
What Happened to the Extra Episodes?
The show’s abrupt change in episode count is attributed to various factors, including the departure of several main cast members, including Thomas Gibson (who played Aaron Hotchner), Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss), and A.J. Cook (Jennifer "JJ" Jareau). This significant cast turnover led to a significant restructuring of the show, which ultimately affected the number of episodes per season.
Impact on the Show’s Storyline
The reduced episode count in Series 12 meant that the show’s storytelling had to be condensed. This resulted in fewer subplots and a more focused narrative. Despite this, the show maintained its signature dark and gritty tone, tackling complex crimes and exploring the personal lives of the agents.
Criminal Minds Series 12: Key Takeaways
• 10 episodes in Series 12, a departure from the usual 24 episodes per season.
• Significant cast changes, leading to a restructure of the show.
• Condensed storytelling, focusing on fewer subplots.
• Same dark and gritty tone, exploring the personal lives of the agents.
Conclusion
While the reduced episode count in Series 12 may have been a departure from what fans were accustomed to, the show still managed to deliver engaging and suspenseful episodes. With its darker tone and exploration of complex crimes, Criminal Minds maintained its reputation as a captivating crime drama.
