Criminal Minds: Evolution Effectively Loses A BAU Member Ahead Of Season 4

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Ahead of the fourth season of Criminal Minds: Evolution, the Behavioral Analysis Unit is down a member. After the original Criminal Minds series finished on CBS, the team quickly returned on Paramount+. While Criminal Minds: Evolution continues the story, it features some changes, including a new format and more intense cases.

Most of the actors in Criminal Minds: Evolution are returning favorites from the original CBS series, and after three seasons, Prentiss’ team is still together. While the show initially moved forward without Daniel Henney (Matt Simmons) and Matthew Gray Gubler (Spencer Reid) due to the switch to streaming, it repeatedly emphasized that they are still members of the BAU, just working on a secret, high-level assignment. But after everything that happened in season 3 of Criminal Minds: Evolution, the team has sadly lost a member.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Has Confirmed That Reid Has A New Team

When Criminal Minds originally finished in 2020, it felt like a definitive conclusion. Penelope Garcia leaving for a new job provided a satisfying ending, even though the rest of the team was said to still be working at the FBI. That’s why fans were so curious about what happened to Matt and Reid when the show returned on Paramount+.

As a huge Criminal Minds fan, I was so thrilled to see Matthew Gray Gubler back, even if it was just for a little bit in season 3 of Evolution! It was really emotional seeing Reid reunite with JJ and the team, especially given the circumstances of Will LaMontagne’s passing. He didn’t say much, but it was enough! We also found out Reid’s moved on and is working with a new team and boss, and Prentiss let slip that his supervisor was kind enough to give him the day off for the funeral. It was a small moment, but a really touching one for long-time fans like me.

When Criminal Minds: Evolution began, the show explained Reid and Simmons’ separation from the BAU team by creating conflict between the team and their superiors at the FBI. Now that Prentiss’ team has a stronger relationship with the FBI, there’s no longer a logical reason preventing their reunion. The fact that Reid hasn’t rejoined the BAU—even for Will’s funeral—suggests he’s committed to his new path and no longer wants to work as a profiler.

What Reid Effectively Leaving The BAU Means For Criminal Minds: Evolution’s Future

It seemed very unlikely Matthew Gray Gubler would return to a full-time role on Criminal Minds: Evolution. After playing the same character for 15 years on CBS, he was ready to pursue other opportunities, which was completely understandable. With his new role on Einstein, a return to Criminal Minds, even for a brief appearance, doesn’t seem likely anytime soon.

While it’s sad to see Reid leave the team, his departure allows Criminal Minds: Evolution to move forward without constantly addressing his absence. Before his brief appearance at Will’s funeral, fans were always wondering where he was. Afterward, the focus shifted to when he might return. Now that he’s clearly pursuing other things, it seems he’s found fulfilling work – though it’s still hard to accept he won’t be with the BAU full-time.

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2026-04-06 19:30