'Criminal Minds' Fans, a New Character Will Go Toe-to-Toe With Alvez in Season 3

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This story contains light spoilers for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2.

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 just wrapped up, and the BAU went through quite a journey!

When folks first saw the government agents in season 2, they were all reeling from the discovery of a secret nefarious group called Gold Star. As BAU unit chief Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Dr. Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler), technical analyst Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) and SSAs David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (A.J. Cook) and Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez) try to figure out the group's dangerous intent, they find answers in places they never expected.

By bringing former convict Tyler Green (Ryan-James Hanataka) along with them, the group sets out on a season-long arc for answers. And when they find they need more help, they turn to none other than former UnSub Elias Voit (Zach Gilford), who is currently incarcerated and has evil plans of his own.

Now that season 2 is over, we're left with so many questions. With so much happening for our favorite FBI members, folks are desperate to know if Criminal Minds: Evolution will be back for season 3. Well, we have the answer for you, and you'll be glad to learn more.

Is there going to be a season 3 of Criminal Minds: Evolution?

It's time to solve a new case, because Criminal Minds: Evolution will be back for season 3.

The news of the show's renewal occurred one day before the season 2 premiere on June 6, with Deadline making the announcement. Shortly after news broke about the Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 renewal, Paget Brewster went on X and gave her two cents on coming back for another installment.

"WHEELS UP!!!" she exclaimed on June 5, referencing the franchise's iconic catchphrase.

Joe Mantegna also reacted to the news on X the same day, informing his followers of his plans to return for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

"I'm thrilled to announce that we will be doing another season of Criminal Minds: Evolution," he wrote.

Is Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 filming?

In the newest clue, it looks like the BAU is officially back in business!

Just three weeks after the season 2 finale aired, Kirsten Vangsness surprised fans by revealing an update on Criminal Minds: Evolution. Not only is the drama back in production for season 3, she posted on Instagram the cast and crew got together for their first table read of the upcoming installment.

"First table read of the season - the love is deep here," she wrote on August 19, uploading a photo of A.J. Cook and Adam Rodriguez exchanging a hug.

Naturally, seeing the cast back together for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 had fans screaming in excitement in the comments. "YAYAYAYAY I'M SO SO EXCITED," one person shouted. "So happy to have our family back <3," another declared. "FIRST TABLE READ ALREADY? ??," another follower added.

Who is in the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3?

Based on the events of the final season 2 episodes, here's who we think will return for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3:

• Paget Brewster as BAU unit chief Emily Prentiss

• Joe Mantegna as SSA David Rossi

• A.J. Cook as SSA Jennifer "JJ" Jareau

• Adam Rodriguez as SSA Luke Alvez

• Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis

• Kirsten Vangsness as technical analyst Penelope Garcia

• Ryan-James Hanataka as Tyler Green

While it's unclear whether Zach Gilford will return to Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 as Elias Voit, he definitely would be down for a reprisal. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly in July 2024 about the subject, he shared he'd be thrilled to come back if the opportunity was there.

"I'd love to if they want me," he told the outlet. "I love the character. He's been a lot of fun to play. I think there's a lot more there. Story-wise, I have no idea what they will do, but that's not my job. But more than that, it is the best set I've ever been on. From the craft services to the executive producers to the crew and cast, everyone is just so happy to be there, so respectful of each other, so empowering of everyone else on set. It's just such a great place to go to work and feel good about what you're doing and feel good about yourself."

If that wasn't enough, it looks like we have a brand-new face joining the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. Deadline revealed on September 12 that Lucifer actress Aimee Garcia will play Dr. Julie Ochoa in a recurring role throughout the installment. According to the outlet, her character is "one of the country’s leading neuropsychiatrists who is assigned to help a high-profile patient recover from his injury-induced brain trauma." What's more, she will butt heads with Luke Alvez on the show as their approaches for how to retain information will be polar opposites of each other.

Upon the news breaking online, Aimee expressed her elation for her latest role. "So excited to join this incredible team!" she wrote the day the announcement came out on Instagram. Thank you @criminalminds ????."

Will Matthew Gray Gubler or Shemar Moore be in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3?

Folks know that Matthew Gray Gubler's character Dr. Spencer Reid hasn't been in any episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution. But Prentiss did give an update on where he is in the season 2 episode "Piranha." When Jill Gideon (Felicity Huffman) asks the BAU chief if Reid is still on the team, she simply explains he's "on sabbatical."

While it's unclear whether that means Reid will ever rejoin the BAU, showrunner Erica Messer shared the door is open for anyone to return to the show. "At this point, what could bring anybody back... would be an emotional draw versus any case work," she told TV Line in June 2024.

Click "save" at the top of this article to get the latest updates on all things Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

Shemar Moore echoed this statement when speaking to TV Insider in February 2024 (ahead of his show S.W.A.T. getting renewed for season 8) about coming back as SSA Derek Morgan.

"All I need is an invitation," he added. “I never forget where I came from... Without The Young and the Restless, there's no Criminal Minds, and without Criminal Minds, there's no S.W.A.T. So obviously my schedule's crazy, but if we were able to get creative and I got an invitation, if they asked me to come visit, I would definitely do that."

As for Matthew coming back to Criminal Minds: Evolution, he's open to the idea too. "I am sure I'll go back to comedy and to acting and all of that," he told Good Housekeeping in September 2023. "I'm just not sure when, but I know I look forward to it."

Matthew uttered a similar sentiment on The Six O'Clock Show that same month about wanting to reprise his role. "Of course!" he said. "I would be honored. I would absolutely love that."

How can I watch and stream Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3?

When the time comes for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 to air, folks can watch the new episodes on Paramount+.

If you don't have an account set up yet, no worries. The streaming platform offers a 7-day free trial before opting into plans that start at $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. Once you're all set, just click on the show's title page on the Paramount+ website or on the Paramount+ app.

If you're the type who'd rather start Criminal Minds from the beginning, Paramount+ isn't the only place to watch the show. Hulu also has it available to stream, which folks can opt into starting at $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. When you're ready, just click on the show page on the Hulu website or the Hulu app.

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