Is hotch coming back to criminal minds?

The Future of Criminal Minds: Will Hotch Return?

Criminal Minds is one of the most popular crime dramas on television, having been on the air for an impressive 15 seasons. The show has garnered a huge fan base worldwide, and one of the main reasons for its success is the well-developed characters and the intricate storytelling. One of the most iconic characters on the show is Aaron Hotchner, played by actor Thomas Gibson. Hotch has been the leader of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) for many years, guiding his team to solve the most heinous crimes. But will Hotch be returning to the show? Let’s dive into the details and find out.

The Exit of Aaron Hotchner

Thomas Gibson, the actor who portrayed Hotch, left the show in 2016 after 11 seasons. His character’s exit was a result of a dispute between the actor and the show’s executive producer, Erica Messer. The disagreement centered around a physical altercation that occurred between the two during a taping of the show. Gibson’s contract was terminated, and the character of Aaron Hotchner was written out of the show.

Fan Reactions

Fans of the show were devastated by the news of Hotch’s departure. The character had become a staple of the show, and his absence was felt throughout the subsequent seasons. Many fans felt that the show was never the same without Hotch at the helm of the BAU.

Speculations About Hotch’s Return

Over the past few years, there have been persistent rumors about Thomas Gibson’s potential return to the show. In an interview with TV Insider, Gibson stated that he would be open to reprising his role as Hotch if the circumstances were right. However, the actor also mentioned that he wouldn’t return to the show unless it was under his own terms.

Showrunner’s Comments

Erica Messer, the showrunner of Criminal Minds, has also been questioned about the possibility of Hotch’s return. In an interview with TVLine, Messer revealed that while there has been talk about bringing Hotch back, nothing is set in stone. Messer emphasized that any decision to revive the character would need to be a collective one, involving not only the cast and crew but also the network.

Recent Developments

In April 2020, CBS announced that Criminal Minds would be returning for a 16th season. Although there was no mention of Hotch’s return, the news sparked hopes among fans that the character might make an appearance.

Recent Interview with Thomas Gibson

In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Thomas Gibson hinted at the possibility of returning to the show. When asked if he would be interested in reprising his role as Hotch, Gibson replied: "If the script was right, and I was available, and everybody was on board, yeah, I would do it."

Fan Demand

Fans of the show have been vocal about their desire to see Hotch return. In fact, a petition to bring back Thomas Gibson to the show has been circulating online, with thousands of signatures supporting the effort.

Will Hotch Return to Criminal Minds?

In conclusion, while there have been no official announcements regarding Hotch’s return to Criminal Minds, there is definitely a chance that he might make an appearance in the future. Both Thomas Gibson and Erica Messer have hinted at the possibility of bringing back the character, and fan demand has been growing exponentially.

While we can’t predict the future with certainty, it’s clear that there is a strong appetite among fans for Hotch’s return. If the circumstances are right, it’s possible that we might see Aaron Hotchner back at the helm of the BAU in the future.