When did thomas gibson leave criminal minds?

When Did Thomas Gibson Leave Criminal Minds?

Criminal Minds is a popular American crime drama television series that has been entertaining audiences for over 15 years. The show has been a staple on CBS, and its cast has become a beloved part of American television. One of the original cast members, Thomas Gibson, played the role of Aaron Hotchner, the team leader of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). But, in 2016, Gibson’s tenure on the show came to an end. So, when did Thomas Gibson leave Criminal Minds?

The Initial Departure

Thomas Gibson left Criminal Minds after appearing in the show’s 12th season. He had been a part of the main cast since the show’s inception in 2005. Gibson’s departure was announced in April 2016, with the show’s producers citing "creative differences" as the reason for his exit. The news sent shockwaves through the fan community, with many wondering what could have led to Gibson’s departure.

The Last Episode

Gibson’s final episode as Aaron Hotchner was Season 12, Episode 22, titled "A Beautiful Disaster". The episode aired on May 10, 2016, and marked the end of Gibson’s 11-year run on the show. In the episode, Hotchner is suspended from his duties as BAU chief and is replaced by Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore). The episode culminates with Hotchner leaving the BAU for good, paving the way for a new era for the team.

Why Did Thomas Gibson Leave Criminal Minds?

So, what led to Gibson’s departure from the show? The reasons behind his exit are still somewhat unclear, but it’s been reported that Gibson and the show’s producers had creative differences. Specifically, Gibson wanted to take a break from the show to focus on his personal life, while the producers wanted to keep him on board.

Gibson’s Comments

In an interview with People Magazine, Gibson explained his decision to leave the show, saying: "I’m an actor, and I need to take a break from playing the same character for 11 years. I need to take a break from the show, and I need to take a break from playing Aaron Hotchner." Gibson also hinted that he had been feeling burned out, saying: "I’m not a robot, and I’m not a machine. I’m a human being, and I need to rest."

Aftermath

Gibson’s departure from Criminal Minds had a significant impact on the show. The character of Aaron Hotchner was written out of the show, and the team was left without their leader. The show’s producers introduced a new character, Kai Weiss, played by Nicholas D’Agosto, to take over as the new BAU chief.

Fan Reaction

The news of Gibson’s departure was met with shock and sadness from fans. Many took to social media to express their disappointment and sadness, with some even starting petitions to bring back Gibson’s character. The show’s producers and cast members also took to social media to thank Gibson for his contributions to the show.

Table: Gibson’s Time on Criminal Minds

Conclusion

Thomas Gibson’s departure from Criminal Minds was a significant moment in the show’s history. While the reasons behind his exit are still somewhat unclear, it’s clear that Gibson’s contributions to the show will never be forgotten. The show has continued to thrive without him, but fans still miss the charismatic and dedicated leader that was Aaron Hotchner.