When Does Spencer Leave Criminal Minds?
Criminal Minds is a popular American crime drama television series that has been running for 15 seasons since its premiere in 2005. The show revolves around the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), led by Aaron Hotchner (played by Thomas Gibson). The team consists of various experts in the field of criminal behavior, including Jason Gideon (played by Mandy Patinkin), Elle Greenaway (played by Lola Glaudini), and Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner.
The Departure of Aaron Hotchner and Jason Gideon
Both Aaron Hotchner and Jason Gideon left the show in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Hotchner’s character was written out of the show in the season 9 finale, "200," while Gideon was killed off in the episode "200" of the same season.
But What About Spencer Reid?
While Aaron Hotchner and Jason Gideon left the show, the question still remains: when does Spencer Reid leave Criminal Minds?
The Departure of Matthew Gray Gubler
Matthew Gray Gubler, the actor who portrays Spencer Reid, has remained with the show since its premiere in 2005. However, in 2018, it was reported that Gubler was taking a break from acting to focus on his photography career.
The Spin-Off Series
Gubler’s departure led to the creation of the spin-off series, FBI, which premiered in 2018. The show follows a new team of FBI agents, including Zoe Morrow (played by Missy Peregrym) and Jubal Valentine (played by Zeeko Zaki), as they work with the BAU to solve crimes.
Spencer Reid’s Farewell Episode
Spencer Reid made his final appearance in the series finale of Criminal Minds, titled "And in the End…," which aired on February 19, 2020. The episode followed the team as they say goodbye to their colleagues and reflect on their time with the BAU.
Why Spencer Reid Left Criminal Minds
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, showrunner Erica Messer revealed that the decision to remove Spencer Reid from the show was made to give Matthew Gray Gubler an opportunity to pursue other creative endeavors. Messer also stated that the character had become "too iconic" and that it was important to move the show in a new direction.
Table: The Departure of Major Characters
| Character | Departure Reason | Episode/Season |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Hotchner | Written out of the show | Season 9, Episode 22 ("200") |
| Jason Gideon | Killed off | Season 9, Episode 22 ("200") |
| Elle Greenaway | Left to pursue a new career path | Season 2 |
| Jennifer "JJ" Jareau | Went on a maternity leave, later returned | Season 5 |
Conclusion
Spencer Reid, a beloved character in the popular TV show Criminal Minds, left the show in its final episode. The decision to remove the character was made to give Matthew Gray Gubler an opportunity to pursue other creative endeavors. The spin-off series FBI was created as a result of the departure of main characters from the original show.
