Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 – Cast Details, Plot Summary & Key Information

Criminal Minds: Evolution has brought back the beloved procedural drama, and its momentum is set to continue with a confirmed season 3. Originally airing from 2005 to 2020, the franchise has successfully returned to television, following the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they face the formidable case of the Gold Star killer. Unlike its predecessor, which featured self-contained episodes, Evolution integrates a serialized format that unfolds a single, complex narrative across its seasons.

Fans eagerly embraced the revival, which quickly achieved success and received a swift renewal for a second season on Paramount+. In season 2, the BAU continues its pursuit of the elusive Gold Star, while reluctantly seeking assistance from a notorious adversary who has haunted them for years. This evolution in storytelling has revitalized the series and distinguished it from numerous other procedural dramas in television history. The groundwork laid in season 2 paves the way for an explosive season 3, which has already been approved by Paramount+.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Latest News

Matthew Gray Gubler Has “Shot A New Episode”

Elias Voit looking angry and David Rossi looking sad in front of a bloody background from Criminal Minds Evolution — Custom image by Yeider Chacon

Current production updates indicate that Matthew Gray Gubler, known for his role as Dr. Spencer Reid, has made a return to the series. His absence in the first two seasons of the revival stirred significant speculation. Gubler made headlines recently by stating he has “shot a new episode of Criminal Minds.”However, it remains uncertain whether he reprises his iconic character or steps in as director.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Is Confirmed

Paramount+ Swiftly Renewed The Series

AJ Cook as JJ and Joe Mantegna as Rossi looking shocked in Criminal Minds: Evolution — Custom Image by Ana Dumaraog

Just before the launch of the second season, news broke that Paramount+ had renewed Criminal Minds: Evolution for a third season—a decision that surprised no one given the show’s enduring appeal. With plans for production to begin later in 2024, it’s apparent that the streaming network aims for annual releases. The second season concluded its run on August 1, 2024, setting the stage for what’s to come.

The push to expedite production reflects the series’ popularity despite setbacks caused by the Hollywood strikes in 2023. Fan anticipation remains high, and the success of the franchise guarantees that the upcoming season has every potential to be a triumph.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Cast

Which BAU Team Members Will Return?

As the conclusion of season 2 showcased, the serialized approach has put key characters in precarious situations, raising questions about their return in season 3. While Elias Voit, portrayed by Zach Gilford, finds himself in a perilous state following a prison attack, it’s confirmed that the BAU team will reunite, including:

Joe Mantegna as David Rossi
Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss
Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia
AJ Cook as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau
Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis
Ryan-James Hatanaka as Tyler Green
Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvarez
Zach Gilford as Elias Voit
Aimee Garcia as Dr. Julia Ochoa (new character)

The recent addition of Aimee Garcia, known for her role in Lucifer, as a neuropsychiatrist who will likely challenge Alvez with her unconventional methodologies adds depth and new dynamics to the team.

Will Reid & Morgan Return In Season 3?

The Original Series Stars Were Not In Seasons 1 & 2

Reid and Morgan look at something offscreen with shock on their faces in Criminal Minds

The ongoing discussions surrounding Criminal Minds: Evolution highlight the notable absence of original series stars Matthew Gray Gubler and Shemar Moore. While Gubler, who portrayed Dr. Spencer Reid throughout the original run, has been missed, the character remains part of the narrative as he is engaged with other assignments. Moore’s character, Derek Morgan, left the series with his departure from the FBI, making a return more complicated, especially as his current show, S.W.A.T., may be nearing its end.

Although Gubler recently hinted at his involvement in a new episode, whether this will translate to an onscreen appearance remains uncertain. Should either actor decide to reprise their roles, such news would undoubtedly create a buzz among the fanbase.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Story Details

Did Voit Survive The Attack?

A.J. Cook as Jennifer ‘JJ’ Jareau, Joe Mantegna as David Rossi and Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss, and Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia in Criminal Minds: Evolution — Custom Image by Ana Dumaraog

The conclusion of season 2 wisely wrapped up the Gold Star narrative yet left numerous cliffhangers for the upcoming season. A primary plot point includes the aftermath of Elias Voit’s identity revelation, which has placed his life in jeopardy within prison. Though Zach Gilford is confirmed to return, the nature of Voit’s survival remains uncertain. With the Gold Star case resolving, hints of a larger conspiracy loom, suggesting that season 3 of Criminal Minds: Evolution will lead the BAU team into further thrilling entanglements.

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