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As Criminal Minds: Evolution heads into its 20th and final season, the cast of the Paramount+ procedural is reacting to its cancellation.
Following the news of the series’ pending conclusion, Paget Brewster, Kirsten Vangness and RJ Hatanaka were among the show’s stars to share their reactions on social media to the show ending after 20 years and two iterations.
Brewster, who plays BAU Unit Chief Emily Prentiss, posted a selfie with the words, “Free Agent…”
Vangsness, the actress known for playing analyst Penelope Garcia, wrote on Instagram, “My heart fireworks in appreciation for the time at this job @criminalminds and my cohorts at fake murder camp.”
“This has happened,” she said in a video, sharing a screenshot of Deadline’s coverage. “It’s being canceled, but then it says right there, ‘It’s ending for now.’”
Vangsness noted that showrunner Erica Messer has said there’s “so many more stories to tell,” adding, “So, if we get to keep telling them somewhere, that would be amazing. And I know all of us feel the same way.”
RJ Hatanaka, who plays Special Agent Tyler Green, shared a cast photo. “Just the finest group of people,” he captioned the post.
After running for 15 seasons from 2006-2020 on CBS as Criminal Minds, Paramount+ saved the crime procedural with the Evolution continuation in 2022. Deadline reported the official cancellation on Friday, marking the first under Skydance-appointed Casey Bloys, as recommended by the previous Paramount+ regime.
Showrunner Erica Messer said of the cancellation, “It’s hard to put into words what Criminal Minds has meant to all of us who have been fortunate enough to be part of this extraordinary journey, first on CBS for 15 seasons and then on Paramount+ for five. While suddenly navigating the end of this chapter, I’m filled with gratitude for our remarkable cast, writers, directors and crew who have poured their hearts into this show, and for the incredible fans around the world whose unwavering loyalty has kept Criminal Minds going for two decades. We’re looking forward to sharing Season 20 with everyone, and celebrating the legacy of this special show we’ve all built together.
Premiering in 2027, Season 20 wrapped production earlier this fall, meaning the finale will doubtfully give fans closure for the show.
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https://deadline.com/2026/11/criminal-minds-evolution-stars-react-cancellation-1237210934/
Glenn Garner
Almontather Rassoul
