‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ Cast Reacts to Show’s Cancellation

Following the news of Criminal Minds: Evolution‘s cancellation, some of the show’s castmembers are taking to social media to share their reaction.

On Friday, it was announced that the long-running police procedural would be ending after its forthcoming 20th season and fifth since it adopted the Evolution subtitle after moving to Paramount+.

Kirsten Vangsness, who has played technical analyst Penelope Garcia since season one, said in a video posted on Instagram, “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,’” as she pointed to a story about the series ending.

“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,’” she continued. “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.”

Vangsness also revealed in the video’s comments that the cast learned the cancellation news at the same time as fans.

RJ Hatanaka, who joined the show during season 16 as FBI agent Tyler Green, shared a photo of the cast on Instagram with the caption, “Just the finest group of people.”

A.J. Cook, who has played special agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau since season one, reshared Hatanaka’s post on her Instagram Story, adding, “These people own my heart forever and always.” She posted another photo on Halloween of her holding a tombstone for JJ, with the caption, “Rest in peace JJ (for now).”

Paget Brewster, who has been playing special agent Emily Prentiss since season two, posted a photo of herself on social media, with the words “Free Agent.”

Aisha Tyler, who has portrayed Dr. Tara Lewis since season 11, also reposted Hatanaka’s photo and added the message, “Family for life.”

Criminal Minds: Evolution also stars Joe Mantegna as special agent David Rossi and Adam Rodriguez as special agent Luke Alvez.

The show’s final season is set to premiere in 2027.