When Does Criminal Minds End?
Criminal Minds, the popular American crime drama television series, has been entertaining audiences for over a decade. The show premiered in 2005 and has since become one of the longest-running and most-watched shows on CBS. But, like all good things, Criminal Minds eventually came to an end. But when exactly did it end?
The Answer
Criminal Minds officially ended on February 19, 2020, with the release of its 15th season. The show’s final episode, titled "And in the End," wrapped up the storylines of the main characters and provided a sense of closure for the audience.
A Brief History of Criminal Minds
Before we dive into the details of the show’s end, let’s take a quick look at its history. Criminal Minds was created by Jeff Davis and is loosely based on the work of FBI Profiler John Douglas. The show follows a team of FBI agents who investigate and solve crimes, often involving serial killers, abductors, and other violent offenders.
Main Characters
The show’s main characters include:
• Jason Gideon (played by Mandy Patinkin): The team’s leader and a brilliant profiler.
• Aaron Hotchner (played by Thomas Gibson): The team’s original leader and a seasoned agent.
• Derek Morgan (played by Shemar Moore): A skilled agent and team leader.
• Emily Prentiss (played by Paget Brewster): A CIA agent who joins the team.
• Penelope Garcia (played by Kirsten Vangsness): The team’s technical analyst.
• Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (played by A.J. Cook): A BAU agent and team leader.
Seasons and Episodes
Criminal Minds has a total of 15 seasons, with a grand total of 324 episodes. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:
| Season | Episodes | Original Airdate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | September 22, 2005 – May 10, 2006 |
| 2 | 23 | September 20, 2006 – May 16, 2007 |
| 3 | 20 | September 26, 2007 – May 21, 2008 |
| 4 | 23 | September 24, 2008 – May 20, 2009 |
| 5 | 23 | September 23, 2009 – May 19, 2010 |
| 6 | 24 | September 22, 2010 – May 18, 2011 |
| 7 | 24 | September 21, 2011 – May 16, 2012 |
| 8 | 24 | September 26, 2012 – May 22, 2013 |
| 9 | 24 | October 2, 2013 – May 21, 2014 |
| 10 | 22 | September 30, 2014 – May 20, 2015 |
| 11 | 22 | September 30, 2015 – May 18, 2016 |
| 12 | 22 | September 28, 2016 – May 17, 2017 |
| 13 | 22 | September 27, 2017 – May 16, 2018 |
| 14 | 15 | September 26, 2018 – February 13, 2019 |
| 15 | 10 | January 8, 2020 – February 19, 2020 |
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its popularity, Criminal Minds has faced its fair share of criticisms and controversies over the years. Some of the most notable include:
• Glacia Uwanda controversy: In 2012, the show was accused of perpetuating racist stereotypes by portraying a character named Glacia Uwanda, a black woman with a "ghetto" accent.
• Body positivity controversy: In 2019, the show faced backlash for its depiction of a plus-sized woman being murdered and dismembered.
• Shemar Moore’s departure: In 2017, Shemar Moore left the show after playing Derek Morgan for 11 seasons. His departure was met with mixed reactions from fans.
Impact and Legacy
Despite its controversies, Criminal Minds has had a significant impact on popular culture. The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of crime and investigation, as well as its thought-provoking storylines. The show has also inspired numerous fan fiction and fan art, with fans creating their own characters, stories, and art based on the show.
Conclusion
Criminal Minds may have come to an end, but its impact will be felt for years to come. With 15 seasons and 324 episodes under its belt, the show has left an indelible mark on the world of television. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovered the show, there’s no denying the significance of Criminal Minds in the world of crime drama.
