Cast members of Criminal Minds: Evolution have begun sharing their reactions online after the news broke that the long-running police procedural is coming to an end. The announcement, made on Friday, confirmed the series will conclude after its forthcoming 20th season, its fifth since adopting the Evolution subtitle following its move to Paramount+.
Kirsten Vangsness, who has played technical analyst Penelope Garcia since the first season, addressed the news in a video posted on Instagram. "Social media is sort of like getting to do your own press conference I guess. This has happened. It's being cancelled but then it says right there it's ending 'for now,'" she said, pointing to a story about the series ending.
Vangsness struck a bittersweet but hopeful tone as she reflected on the show's longevity. "You know the part in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory where Charlie gets the chocolate and it's a little bittersweet. He's like, 'Thank you so much for the chocolate.' Look at how long [20 seasons], that doesn't happen ever,'" she continued.
She went on to express hope that the story might not be over for good. "But I love my job and my boss Erica Messer says there's so many more stories to tell. So if we get to keep telling them somewhere that would be amazing. I know all of us feel the same way." In the video's comments, Vangsness also revealed that the cast learned of the cancellation at the same time as fans.
Other cast members also turned to social media to mark the moment. RJ Hatanaka, who joined the series in season 16 as FBI agent Tyler Green, posted a photo of the ensemble on Instagram, captioning it, "Just the finest group of people."
A.J. Cook, who has played special agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau since season one, reshared Hatanaka's post on her Instagram Story, writing, "These people own my heart forever and always." She also posted a separate photo on Halloween showing her holding a tombstone for her character, captioned, "Rest in peace JJ (for now)."
Paget Brewster, who has portrayed special agent Emily Prentiss since season two, shared a photo of herself on social media accompanied by the words "Free Agent." Aisha Tyler, who has played Dr. Tara Lewis since season 11, also reposted Hatanaka's group photo and added the message, "Family for life."
In addition to the cast members who posted reactions, Criminal Minds: Evolution also stars Joe Mantegna as special agent David Rossi and Adam Rodriguez as special agent Luke Alvez. The show's final season is scheduled to premiere in 2027.
