Is the New Season of Criminal Minds Out Yet?
Criminal Minds has been a staple of crime drama television for over 15 years, captivating audiences with its intricate storylines, complex characters, and gripping investigations. The show has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with the departure of several original cast members and the introduction of new ones. As fans eagerly await the next installment, the question on everyone’s mind is: Is the new season of Criminal Minds out yet?
Spoiler Alert: The Short Answer
The good news is that a new season of Criminal Minds is indeed on the way. The 16th season of the show was officially announced in February 2022, with a release date set for November 10, 2022. However, it’s worth noting that the show has undergone significant changes since its initial announcement. The new season will feature a rebooted cast, with Aisha Tyler returning as a series regular and Kirsten Vangsness joining the main cast.
What’s Changed Since the Initial Announcement?
When the new season was first announced, fans were excited to hear that Joe Mantegna and Paget Brewster would be returning to the show. However, in July 2022, it was revealed that Mantegna would not be reprising his role as David Rossi due to scheduling conflicts. Additionally, Matthew Gray Gubler, who played Dr. Spencer Reid, announced that he would not be returning to the show, citing burnout and a desire to focus on his other projects.
New Cast Members and Returning Favorites
Despite the changes, the new season promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the show. Aisha Tyler, who played Dr. Tara Lewis in seasons 11-14, will be returning as a series regular. Kirsten Vangsness, who played Penelope Garcia in seasons 1-15, will be joining the main cast. Adam Rodriguez, who played Luke Alvez in seasons 11-14, will also be returning for the new season.
What to Expect from the New Season
The new season of Criminal Minds promises to bring a mix of old and new, with complex cases and gripping investigations. The show will continue to explore themes of trauma, mental health, and social justice, while introducing new characters and storylines to keep fans engaged. Executive Producer Erica Messer has hinted that the new season will delve deeper into the backstories of the new characters, providing a more personal and emotional connection with the audience.
Timeline and Episode Count
The new season of Criminal Minds will consist of 10 episodes, with the premiere airing on November 10, 2022. The show will continue to air on CBS on Wednesdays at 9/8c. Here is a breakdown of the episode count and air dates:
| Episode # | Air Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | November 10, 2022 |
| 2 | November 17, 2022 |
| 3 | November 24, 2022 |
| 4 | December 1, 2022 |
| 5 | December 8, 2022 |
| 6 | December 15, 2022 |
| 7 | January 5, 2023 |
| 8 | January 12, 2023 |
| 9 | January 19, 2023 |
| 10 | January 26, 2023 |
Conclusion
The new season of Criminal Minds is finally on the way, with a rebooted cast and a fresh dynamic. While the changes may have raised some eyebrows, fans can rest assured that the show will continue to deliver the same level of suspense, intrigue, and emotional depth that has made it a staple of crime drama television. Mark your calendars for November 10, 2022, and get ready to dive back into the world of the BAU.
