Criminal Minds Season 17: What We Know So Far

The revival of the beloved series Criminal Minds, now titled Criminal Minds: Evolution, continues to captivate audiences with its intense psychological drama and intricate criminal profiling. After a successful 16th season on Paramount+, the show has been renewed for a 17th season, promising more thrilling narratives and complex character developments.

Anticipated Return of the BAU Team

The core cast from the previous season will return to the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). This includes fan favorites such as David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook), Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), Dr. Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler), Luke Alves (Adam Rodriguez), and Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster). The dynamic ensemble is set to reprise their roles, diving deeper into the minds of the criminals they pursue.

Additionally, the enigmatic character Elias Voit, portrayed by Zach Gilford, will continue to play a significant role in the upcoming season. His complex character adds a layer of intrigue and suspense that fans eagerly anticipate.

Departures and Returns

While the main cast remains largely intact, there will be a notable absence. Josh Stewart, who played Will LaMontagne Jr., has announced his departure from the series. This exit follows a storyline in the previous season that mirrored a real-life health scare for A.J. Cook’s husband, adding a poignant touch to his character’s journey.

There is also buzz around the potential return of Special Agents Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Matt Simmons (Daniel Henney), who were mentioned as being on a special assignment last season. Showrunner Erica Messer expressed hope for their return, highlighting the challenges of aligning schedules with the show’s condensed shooting timeframe.

Plot Directions and New Developments

The upcoming season is set to explore new and continuing story arcs. One significant carryover will be the mysterious ‘Gold Star’ plotline, a secret seemingly connected to the government that was hinted at in the previous season’s finale. This storyline promises to delve into darker and more complex territories, potentially involving national security elements.

Showrunner Erica Messer has indicated that the new season will blend serialized elements with standalone episodes. This hybrid approach aims to keep the narrative fresh while exploring different aspects of the characters’ lives and their cases.

Production and Release Timeline

Production for Season 17 faced delays due to industry-wide strikes, pushing back filming schedules. However, with the resolution of these issues, filming commenced in January 2024. While an exact premiere date has not been confirmed, there is speculation about a potential release in the summer of 2024, depending on the progress of production.

The season is expected to consist of 10 episodes, maintaining the structure of the previous season. This format allows for a focused and intense exploration of the narrative and character arcs.

Continued Legacy and Fan Expectations

Criminal Minds: Evolution carries forward the legacy of its predecessors, combining psychological depth with engaging storytelling. Fans of the series have high expectations for the new season, particularly with the return of beloved characters and the introduction of compelling new plots.

The show’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots is a testament to its enduring popularity and the creative vision behind it. As the BAU team returns to tackle new challenges, viewers can look forward to another season of suspense, emotion, and psychological intrigue.

FAQs

• When will Season 17 of Criminal Minds: Evolution premiere?
  While the exact date is not set, the anticipated release is in the summer of 2024.
• Who are the main cast members returning for Season 17?
  The main cast includes Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, and Paget Brewster.
• Will Spencer Reid and Matt Simmons return for the new season?
  Their return has not been confirmed, but the showrunner has expressed hope that they will be able to rejoin the cast.
• What are the main plot points for Season 17?
  The season will explore the ‘Gold Star’ mystery and feature a mix of serialized and standalone episodes.
• How many episodes will there be in Season 17?
  There are planned to be 10 episodes in the upcoming season.