'Criminal Minds' Fans, Here's What to Know About Matthew Gray Gubler in 'Evolution' Season 2
This story contains light spoilers from Criminal Minds: Evolution season 1.
Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 just premiered on Paramount+, and it's time for longtime viewers to get back into case-solving with the BAU.
When folks last saw the FBI agents, the group was reeling from the murder of the agency's director and catching UnSub Elias Voit (Zach Gilford), otherwise known as Sicarius. But while viewers witnessed BAU unit chief Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), SSA David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), SSA Jennifer "J.J." Jareau (A.J. Cook), Dr. Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler), SSA Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez) and technical analyst Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) come back from the original Criminal Minds series for more sleuthing in season 1 of the reboot, one beloved character was nowhere to be seen: Dr. Spencer Reid, portrayed by Matthew Gray Gubler.
When the show initially explained why Reid wasn't joining the BAU in finding Sicarius, it was revealed that the certified genius was away on an undisclosed assignment. But as the agents are going to be solving the case of Gold Star (which Voit alluded to in the season 1 finale and was the reason the FBI director was killed), there may be some hope that Reid — and subsequently, Matthew — will come back for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2.
Is Matthew Gray Gubler's Spencer Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2?
We hate to break the hearts of all the Reid fans, but Matthew Gray Gubler will not be in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2.
When Joe uploaded an Instagram story in early May asking fans if they wanted a tour of Rossi's office ahead of the season premiere, fans noticed he posted a photo of Reid's desk. While his office space was a part of the set in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 1, fans were hoping this image was actually a clue implying Matthew's impending return to the franchise.
When TV Insider asked showrunner Erica Messer if Joe's cryptic Instagram was in fact a teaser of Matthew's comeback, she shut down the theory of Reid being seen on-screen, stating that the timing didn't work for Matthew to appear in season 2.
“It never worked out for Season 16 and then Season 17," she told the outlet. "Maybe it could have worked out, and then the strikes happened and then it hasn’t worked out for Season 17. But we love him. He loves us. It’s not any of that. It’s just we’ve got to find a time to make it work."
Nonetheless, Erica did state that folks will see Reid's desk in the BAU bullpen throughout the season. "I’m keeping that desk there and I’m keeping that nameplate there," she added. "It’s always staying there as far as I’m concerned. So that’s why you saw it. You’ll see it throughout the show. It’s like, there’s his desk."
While viewers will be sad to not see Reid on their screens in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, Matthew didn't rule out reprising the role. When speaking to Good Housekeeping in September 2023, he shared he does have plans to come back — he's just not sure when.
"I am sure I'll go back to comedy and to acting and all of that," he said at the time. "I'm just not sure when, but I know I look forward to it."
What's more, he told The Six O'Clock Show that same month he'd be thrilled to come back should the opportunity arise. "Of course!" he noted. "I would be honored. I would absolutely love that."
All About 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' Season 2
Paget Brewster Shares 'Criminal Minds' Cast Update
'Criminal Minds' Cast Makes TikTok Reveal
Fans Think Joe Mantegna Spilled a Show Secret
You Might Also Like
