Summary
Since the long-running popular serial killer show was revived asCriminal Minds: Evolution, viewers have wondered if and when Spencer Reid would return, and a recent episode has proven that it’s now just a matter of time.Criminal Minds: Evolutionseason 2, episode 7featured multiple references to past characters, including Reid, that heavily implied that his return is inevitable, especially in comparison to other former characters.Criminal Mindsended after 15 seasonsin 2020 and was revived two years later in 2022, though not with the full cast.
Reid was one of the characters who didn’t return forCriminal Minds: Evolution, though not for lack of trying. Unfortunately, his actor, Matthew Gray Gubler, had other scheduling conflicts that kept him from appearing in the revival series.Gubler has made peculiarCriminal Mindscommentsand showrunner Erica Messer often addresses the possibility of his return, giving viewers hope. WithCriminal Minds: Evolutionseason 3 confirmed, Reid could return even sooner than expected.
SinceCriminal Mindsended, Matthew Gray Gubler has appeared in the movie King Knight and the television series Dollface.
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Matthew Gray Gubler hasn’t returned for the Criminal Minds reboot. However, fans can still appreciate the several episodes he directed.
Emily Reveals That Reid Is Only On Sabbatical From The BAU
Emily Didn’t Say Reid Left The BAU
Criminal Minds: Evolutionseason 2, episode 7 introduced a new old character in Jill Gideon, Jason Gideon’s ex-wife, played by Felicity Huffman. Though it was the first episode she’s appeared in, she already knew theCriminal Mindscharacters, offering an opportunity for Reid to be mentioned. When she asked about other departed characters, like Hotch and Morgan, Emily said they left the BAU. However, when Jill asked about Reid, Emily said he was on sabbatical.
8 Criminal Minds Cast Members Who Left The Show Early (& Why)
Criminal Minds had several characters that became fan favorites. However, some cast members left the show early for a variety of reasons.
Emily saying Reid was on sabbatical, rather than saying he left the BAU,leaves the door open for Reid to return inCriminal Minds: Evolution.It also suggests that Emily, as unit chief, has been in contact with Reid about him potentially coming back to the BAU. The BAU team could certainly use Reid’s help with the “Gold Star” case, but, for now, it’s great news that he hasn’t officially left the team like some of the other characters.
Reid Doesn’t Need To Come Back To The BAU To Make A Criminal Minds Appearance
Reid’s Character Arc Can Be Separate From The BAU’s Cases
While Reid being on sabbatical suggests there’s a chance for him to return to the BAU team inCriminal Minds: Evolution, he doesn’t need to work with them to be on the show. Messer has already setone condition for Reid and Morgan returning inCriminal Minds: Evolution. She said the door is always open for the two fan-favorites to reappear, but,
“At this point, what could bring anybody back … would be an emotional draw versus any case work.”
So, while it’s been confirmed that Reid is only on sabbatical from the BAU team inCriminal Minds: Evolution, that doesn’t mean the sabbatical needs to end for him to appear. This is a positive for his character, considering what Spencer has been through in his 15 seasons ofCriminal Minds. It would also make his return more emotional and logical, as there have been many cases Spencer should or could have returned for.
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Reid is one of the most beloved characters in Criminal Minds, but there are many life-threatening situations he’s put in during his fifteen seasons.
This also spells more personal trouble for the BAU team if Spencer’s return is emotionally driven.Criminal Minds: Evolutionhas been hinting at Will’s deathsince his actor, Josh Stewart, confirmed he won’t be back for season 3, and he won’t be appearing in season 2. ThoughCriminal Minds: Evolutionshouldn’t bring back the complicated JJ and Reid romantic storyline, he is still one of the characters closest to her. The loss of her husband would be devastating, but it could be good forCriminal Mindsviewers who have been waiting to see Reid again.
Why Reid Being On Sabbatical Makes Sense For His Character In Criminal Minds: Evolution
Reid Has Already Been On Sabbatical In Criminal Minds
Criminal Mindsset up Reid’s exit years agowhen Emily got him a teaching job in season 13. As aforementioned, Spencer has been through a lot during his time as a BAU team member. This included being framed for murder and then imprisoned for many months. When his name was cleared and he was released, Emily helped him ease back into his work by getting him a job as a professor. In reality, due to scheduling conflicts, Gray Gubler couldn’t appear as a main cast member inCriminal Mindsseason 13.
Given that this is the same reason he hasn’t been able to joinCriminal Minds: Evolution, Reid being on sabbatical makes the most sense for his character. Though it’s clearly not the end of Reid’s story, it would also be satisfying if it was. As a genius, Reid has a lot to offer people, and fieldwork was never his strong suit. This is good for Reid’s mental health, but the bubble had to be popped eventually, and his return inCriminal Minds: Evolutionis not just highly-anticipated, it’s inevitable.
Criminal Minds: Evolutionseason 2 premieres new episodes every Thursday on Paramount+ through June 01, 2025.
Criminal Minds: Evolution
Cast
InCriminal Minds: Evolution, the FBI’s elite team of criminal profilers come up against their greatest threat yet, an UnSub who has used the pandemic to build a network of other serial killers. As the world opens back up and the network goes operational, the team must hunt them down, one murder at a time. Original cast members continuing their roles include Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster. Zach Gilford joins the dynamic cast as a recurring guest star in a season-long arc.
