Cast of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” React to Cancellation, Hope for More Stories
The longtime cast shared heartfelt posts on Instagram after learning the series will end after its 20th season.
Wow! The cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution took to Instagram on Friday to process the announcement that the series will conclude after its upcoming 20th season, the fifth under the “Evolution” subtitle on Paramount+.
Kirsten Vangsness, who has portrayed technical analyst Penelope Garcia since season one, posted a video saying, “Social media is sort of like getting to do your own press conference I guess. This has happened. It’s being cancelled but then it says right there it’s ending ‘for now,’” while pointing to a story about the series ending.
She continued, You know the part in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory where Charlie gets the chocolate and it’s a little bittersweet. He’s like, ‘Thank you so much for the chocolate.’ Look at how long [20 seasons], that doesn’t happen ever, adding, “But I love my job and my boss Erica Messer says there’s so many more stories to tell. So if we get to keep telling them somewhere that would be amazing. I know all of us feel the same way.”
In the comments to her video, Vangsness noted that the cast learned the cancellation news at the same time as fans.
RJ Hatanaka, who joined the show in season 16 as FBI agent Tyler Green, shared an Instagram photo of the ensemble with the caption, “Just the finest group of people.”
A.J. Cook, a series staple as special agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau since season one, reshared Hatanaka’s post to her Story, adding, “These people own my heart forever and always.” She also posted a Halloween picture holding a tombstone for JJ with the caption, “Rest in peace JJ (for now).”
Paget Brewster, playing special agent Emily Prentiss since season two, posted a solo photo with the words “Free Agent.”
Aisha Tyler, who has been Dr. Tara Lewis since season 11, reposted Hatanaka’s group shot and wrote, “Family for life.”
The series also stars Joe Mantegna as special agent David Rossi and Adam Rodriguez as special agent Luke Alvez.
The final season is scheduled to premiere in 2027, leaving the cast and fans hopeful that the storylines may continue elsewhere.
