Criminal Minds, the crime drama that stole the hearts of viewers worldwide, aired for an impressive 15 seasons with 324 episodes under its belt. The series captivated audiences with frightening and unnerving stories that often hit a little too close to home.
Some episodes were inspired by real killers while others were complete fiction, but the heart of the show was the cast making up FBI’s finest, who were called to work each case. The Behavioural Analysis Unit, or the BAU, was sent to solve crimes skillfully with training in profiling and the ability to give specific insights into crimes before the situations could further escalate.
The criminal profilers Jason Gideon, Aaron Hotchner, Derek Morgan, Dr. Spencer Reid, Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, and Penelope Garcia kicked off the series as the first characters fans would get to know and love. With a few notable additions in both early and late seasons, the team grew in talent and skill.
While the series aired its final episode in 2020, fans still watch Criminal Minds with the same excitement and adoration as when the episodes were first airing. Fans love the series so much that Paramount Plus has actually ordered a revival, with some fan-favorite characters slated to return.
With a series that ran for over a decade, some actors and actresses took a much-needed (and well-deserved) break after the final episode aired while others jumped into new projects. What can fans watch until Criminal Minds returns to Paramount Plus if they’re missing their favorite actors, and what have those actors been up to since they’ve taken their final bow? Let’s take a look.
Mandy Patinkin
Mandy Patinkin first stepped onto the scene in the 1975 theatrical production of Trelawny of the “Wells.” Theatre has stayed an important part of Patinkin’s career, but he went on to play incredible film and television characters as well, including Criminal Minds‘ own Jason Gideon.
While Gideon was only part of the cast through season three, he made a considerable impact on the series before his untimely off-screen death in season 10. Since his departure from Criminal Minds, Patinkin has acted in several film and television projects, including breathing life into Saul Berenson in the series Homeland. He’s also played the significant Hal Wackner in The Good Fight‘s fifth season and took on the part of Irwin Dempsey in the emotionally charged film Life Itself.
Patinkin also uses his social media platform to advocate for those who need a voice and to share adorable videos and peeks into his life with his wife of more than 40 years.
Thomas Gibson
Thomas Gibson played BAU leader Aaron Hotchner with passion and dedication for 12 seasons full of ups and downs. Hotchner wasn’t always a rule follower, which meant he got into hot water from time to time, but he always tried to do what was best for the victims involved in the crimes and for his team — fighting for justice no matter the cost.
His story was both influential and heartbreaking, and eventually, Hotchner retired at the end of season 12 to spend more time with his family. Gibson’s reason for leaving the show was a surprise, and he actually shared more of his story with People following his character’s departure. He has acting credits in Shadow Wolves and Axis following Criminal Minds, but he’s largely been spending time with loved ones.
Shemar Moore
Shemar Moore brought a sense of class, intelligence, and overwhelming charm to Criminal Minds as Derek Morgan — and we can’t help but mention how easy on the eyes he is.
Morgan is a fan favorite, and for good reason. He was an interesting character to watch, as he was full of charisma. Of course, Moore’s personality shines through as he brings Morgan to life, leading fans to love him even more. Moore played Malcolm in The Young and the Restless for eight years before his time on Criminal Minds, and since the series wrap, he’s gone on to act as Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in S.W.A.T and Randall in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Kirsten Vangsness
Playing Penelope Garcia, Kristen Vangsness brought a breath of fresh air to Criminal Minds. Garcia was a close friend to everyone in the group, but her relationship with Morgan was a stand-out in the series.
Garcia was the best friend you hope to have in real life, and her character made the other agents in the BAU, and the fans at home, feel an immense sense of joy. Vangsness is a writer in addition to being an actress, but she’s taken some well-deserved time off with the conclusion of Criminal Minds.
A.J. Cook
A.J. Cook played Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, a communications liaison and profiler whose journey within the BAU was a little different from those around her. Her character left an impact on the series and fans who watched it for years. She was kind and compassionate and, despite heartbreaking situations, would often try to find the good in whatever was going on around her.
With the conclusion of Criminal Minds, Cook has lent her talent to 9-1-1 but is, in large, taking a break after spending years working on the series.
Matthew Gray Gubler
Matthew Gray Gubler brought Dr. Spencer Reid to life on Criminal Minds and worked his way into the hearts of fans around the world. Dr. Reid was the youngest team member and had some of the best relationships with his teammates, friends, and family.
Reid’s character was easy to love and root for, as is Gubler, and unsurprisingly, fans quickly took to him. Gubler featured in over 300 episodes of Criminal Minds, so what is he doing now that the show has wrapped? Naturally, he’s taken on roles in Horse Girl as Darren Colt, Dollface as Wes, and King Knight as Thorn. Gubler is also a writer, author, painter, model, and overall fascinating individual.
Joe Mantegna
Bringing the incredibly talented David Rossi to life, Joe Mantegna was the heart and soul of Criminal Minds. Rossi joined the BAU in season three, and his impact on the series has been a significant one. Rossi was brilliant and dedicated to his role as a profiler and became a writer on criminal analysis to teach others his skill set.
Enduring heartache, Rossi was also a character who often found the bright side of situations and was able to find a lesson in cases that seemed helpless. What did Mantegna do with all of that wisdom when Criminal Minds came to an end? Like many of his cast mates, he took some time off and has been credited with roles in As We See It and Barry in the years since Criminal Minds ended. With as long a career as Mantegna has enjoyed, it’s no surprise that he’s staying in the entertainment industry after the series’ end.
Paget Brewster
Pager Brewster played the supervisory special agent and BAU Unit Chief, Emily Prentiss. She became the acting chief after Hotchner left to spend time with his family and was a critical part of the team in the years before his departure, too.
Prentiss was a rule follower, so much so that her initial job within the BAU was to look for issues, but she became loyal to her team very quickly and had their backs — much like she did in each situation she encountered. She would go on to leave the show and return to it on more than one occasion, and fans were always thrilled to see Prentiss back on their screens.
Brewster has since taken on roles in Bird Girl, Behind the Attraction, How I Met Your Father, and DuckTales.
Adam Rodriquez
Adam Rodriguez joined Criminal Minds in the show’s later seasons, but his impact was meaningful. He played Luke Alvez, a supervisory special agent and fugitive task force agent who was brought in for a specific mission at the end of season 11.
His character was a quick fan favorite and he ended up being a big part of the show. Alvez had a hard exterior, but he also had a lot of wisdom and understanding within the BAU. Rodriguez was no stranger to crime shows, having taken on a role in CSI: Miami for years before joining the cast of Criminal Minds. After the show’s wrap, Rodriguez has gone on to have starring roles in Ordinary Joe and Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.
Daniel Henney
Daniel Henney brought life to Matt Simmons during the later seasons of the series and made an impact as he did so. Simmons was added to the BAU after the International Response Team was disbanded and was initially tasked with helping bring Mr. Scratch to justice.
Simmons was an integral part of the team up to the end, and his charm and intelligence helped the BAU immensely. Since wrapping the show, Henney has lent his talents to The Wheel of Time and Big Hero 6: The Series and is also slated to have roles in three upcoming films set to release in 2022.
Aisha Tyler
Even though she joined the cast later in the series, Aisha Tyler’s impact on Criminal Minds was substantial nonetheless. Tyler was initially only supposed to guest star in a few episodes in the absence of A.J. Cook and Jennifer Love Hewitt, but she was such a hit that she became a series regular.
Tyler played the character Dr. Tara Elizabeth Lewis, whose job as a forensic psychologist made her a perfect fit for the BAU. She brought brains and a fresh perspective to Criminal Minds and her character is undoubtedly a fan favorite.
Tyler has been a staple of the entertainment industry for years before her time on Criminal Minds and in the years after via several different shows and films. From her iconic role in Archer to Monsters at Work and even acting as host of Whose Line is it Anyway and Unapologetic with Aisha Tyler, she’s done a little bit of everything and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
You can catch all of your favorite episodes of Criminal Minds right now on Paramount Plus.
