Criminal Minds ran for 15 seasons on CBS from 2005 to 2020, totaling 324 episodes. The show follows the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they profile and hunt serial killers, with a core team that changed significantly over the years.
Season-by-Season Overview
Here is a breakdown of each season with its premiere year and episode count:
- Season 1 (2005): 22 episodes. Introduces the original team: Jason Gideon, Aaron Hotchner, Elle Greenaway, Derek Morgan, Spencer Reid, Jennifer Jareau, and Penelope Garcia.
- Season 2 (2006): 23 episodes. Elle Greenaway leaves mid-season; Emily Prentiss joins.
- Season 3 (2007): 20 episodes. Jason Gideon departs early; David Rossi joins as a founding BAU member.
- Season 4 (2008): 26 episodes. The team faces the Reaper, a serial killer from Rossi’s past.
- Season 5 (2009): 23 episodes. The Reaper arc concludes; the team deals with the aftermath.
- Season 6 (2010): 24 episodes. Emily Prentiss leaves and is later revealed to have faked her death; Ashley Seaver joins briefly.
- Season 7 (2011): 24 episodes. Prentiss returns; the team faces the Doyle storyline.
- Season 8 (2012): 24 episodes. Alex Blake joins; the Replicator becomes the season’s main villain.
- Season 9 (2013): 24 episodes. Blake departs; the team deals with a serial killer targeting the BAU.
- Season 10 (2014): 23 episodes. Kate Callahan joins; the Dirty Dozen arc begins.
- Season 11 (2015): 22 episodes. Callahan leaves; Tara Lewis joins.
- Season 12 (2016): 22 episodes. Hotchner is written out mid-season; Stephen Walker joins and dies; the team hunts Mr. Scratch.
- Season 13 (2017): 22 episodes. Matthew Simmons becomes a regular; the team faces the cult leader Benjamin Merva.
- Season 14 (2018): 15 episodes. A shorter season focusing on the team’s hunt for a serial killer who targets them.
- Season 15 (2019–2020): 10 episodes. The final season, with the team facing the Chameleon and saying goodbye.
Main Cast Changes Over the Seasons
The cast changed frequently, which is a common point of curiosity for viewers. The core original members—Spencer Reid, Derek Morgan, Jennifer Jareau, and Penelope Garcia—remained for most of the series, but others came and went:
- Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin) left in Season 3 due to creative differences; his character resigned.
- Elle Greenaway (Lola Glaudini) left in Season 2; her character was written out after being traumatized.
- Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster) left in Season 6, returned in Season 7, then left again in Season 12 to lead Interpol.
- Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) left in Season 11 to care for his family.
- Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) was written out in Season 12 after an on-set altercation.
- Alex Blake (Jeanne Tripplehorn) left in Season 9.
- Kate Callahan (Jennifer Love Hewitt) left in Season 11.
- Stephen Walker (Damon Gupton) was killed off in Season 12.
- Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez) joined in Season 12 and stayed until the end.
- Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler) joined in Season 11 and became a regular in Season 12.
- Matt Simmons (Daniel Henney) became a regular in Season 13.
Watch Order and Streaming
You should watch the seasons in order, as the show has ongoing character arcs and storylines. However, each episode is a standalone case, so you can jump in at any season without being lost. The show is available on Paramount+ and Hulu in the US. The revival, Criminal Minds: Evolution, premiered on Paramount+ in 2022 and continues the story with a new team, but it is not a continuation of the original numbering.
Common Questions About the Series
Why did Mandy Patinkin leave Criminal Minds?
Patinkin left after Season 3 because he found the show’s graphic content disturbing and wanted to pursue other projects. He later criticized the show, saying it was ‘destructive’ to his soul.
Is Criminal Minds based on real cases?
Many episodes are inspired by real serial killers, but the show is fictional. The BAU itself is a real FBI unit, but the characters and cases are dramatized.
Do I need to watch Criminal Minds: Evolution to understand the original?
No. Evolution is a sequel series that takes place years later, but it is not required to enjoy the original 15 seasons.
What is the best season to start with?
Most fans recommend starting with Season 1 to understand the character dynamics, but the show is episodic enough that you can start with any season. If you prefer a modern feel, start with Season 3, when David Rossi joins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in Criminal Minds?
There are 324 episodes across 15 seasons. The episode count per season varies from 10 to 26.
Who is the most popular character?
Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) is often cited as a fan favorite due to his genius-level IQ and quirky personality. Penelope Garcia and Derek Morgan also have large followings.
Is there a movie after the series?
No, there is no movie. The revival series Criminal Minds: Evolution is a streaming continuation.
Why did Thomas Gibson leave?
Gibson was fired after a physical altercation with a writer on set during production of Season 12. His character was written out with Hotchner going into witness protection.
Can I watch the show with my kids?
The show is rated TV-14 for violence and disturbing content. It is not suitable for young children, but older teens may handle it with parental guidance.
Legacy and Spin-offs
The original series spawned a spin-off, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, which ran for two seasons (2016–2017) and focused on the International Response Team. That show was not as successful and was canceled. The revival Criminal Minds: Evolution has been renewed for a second season, indicating the franchise remains popular. The show’s legacy is its focus on the psychology of both the killers and the profilers, which set it apart from other police procedurals.
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