Summary

• Matthew Gray Gubler's Spencer Reid was an iconic member of the Criminal Minds cast.
• Sadly, his character didn't return for Criminal Minds: Evolution.
• While he's yet to reappear to hte series, however, his return may not be totally off the table.

Criminal Minds has a variety of great episodes, with a few underwhelming seasons and storylines throughout its sixteen seasons. The concept pulled audiences in upon its premiere, but it's the intriguing characters that kept fans dedicated to the overarching plot. Even following the exits of beloved characters like Derek Morgan and Jason Gideon, the show maintained its likability by evolving to create fresh plotlines with the beloved long-running characters at the center of the action.

Arguably, no Criminal Minds character is more likable than Dr. Spencer Reid. A consistent presence throughout the fifteen original seasons, Spencer had a unique quality that captivated fans and kept them coming back for each episode. Therefore, it was devastating news when viewers learned that actor Matthew Gray Gubler would not return for the revival Criminal Minds: Evolution. With Gubler clearly dedicated to his Criminal Minds character, viewers wondered why he chose not to return for Season 16.

Matthew Gray Gubler's Decision to Not Return to Criminal Minds

• Criminal Minds characters that returned for Criminal Minds: Evolution included: Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Jennifer Jareau (A.J. Cook), Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez), and Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler).

Matthew Gray Gubler was one of the few actors to remain on Criminal Minds from the first season to the finale in Season 15. Throughout the years, he's also taken part in other creative projects, including his YouTube series Matthew Gray Gubler: The Unauthorized Documentary and films such as 68 Kill and Life After Beth. Though Gubler is best known for his role as Spencer Reid, he's beloved by viewers for his talent in acting, comedy, and directing. Due to his versatility, many believe Matthew Gray Gubler was underutilized in Criminal Minds and should have had more time in the spotlight (on-screen and off-screen). However, Gubler's perceived underutilization on the show is not the reason why the actor didn't return for Season 16.

At the time Criminal Minds: Evolution was filming, Gubler was involved in other projects. The main reason he did not return for the reboot was scheduling conflicts. This isn't particularly shocking, considering the reboot took place only three years after the Season 15 finale. While fans were devastated not to see the beloved Spencer Reid return, a talented individual like Matthew Gray Gubler can be expected to be involved in various creative projects. Since the actor has made it clear he would love to return as Dr. Reid, the door hasn't yet closed on the possibility of the character returning for Season 17.

Spencer Reid's Legacy in Criminal Minds

• Matthew Gray Gubler is a graduate of New York University, where he studied film directing. In high school, he went to an art school where he studied acting.

Matthew Gray Gubler was only 25 years old when Criminal Minds premiered, and he began his journey as Dr. Spencer Reid. The character was beloved for his uniqueness, from his genius mind to his quirky interests and introverted personality. Though the heart of the character remained, Reid also evolved significantly throughout the years. Initially, he was an intelligent youngster who had to be exempt from most physical exams to be granted entry into the FBI. In later seasons, Reid became skilled with firearms and self-defense, becoming just as capable as the rest of the team, with the added advantage of his intellect. As the iconic procedural grew in popularity, Spencer Reid became increasingly nuanced and likable.

The doctor was also the subject of a few controversial plotlines, including his being arrested in Mexico and sent to jail. Viewers were also frustrated with the reveal that his beloved friend JJ had supposedly harbored romantic feelings for him, which contradicted their wholesome platonic relationship. Despite these unpopular plots in the later seasons, the fandom's love for Spencer Reid remained. When Criminal Minds: Evolution was announced, viewers were especially disappointed to learn this iconic and long-running character would not return after previously being in all fifteen seasons.

The Evolution Reboot Was a Major Success

• Criminal Minds: Evolution premiered in November 2022, and was renewed for Season 2 (which will also be the seventeenth season of Criminal Minds).

Viewers were excited about the Paramount+ reboot, though there were some doubts about the new season. Dedicated fans were unsure about the revival changing the structure of the series, and the news that Matthew Gray Gubler would not return for Season 16 also added doubt about the success of this quick reboot. However, Criminal Minds: Evolution was a successful continuation of the beloved BAU team. The returning long-running characters maintained their charm and likability, especially when facing political issues within the FBI. The unique storyline, which featured a network of serial killers that organized during the COVID-19 pandemic, was a hit.

Despite the success of the revival, it's hard not to imagine what the show would have been like with the inclusion of Spencer Reid. The previous final season did leave the possibility of the team being split up, however, with Reid suffering serious brain hemorrhaging and Garcia deciding to leave the FBI for a non-profit. Though Garcia returned for Season 16, Reid's absence was easily explained by him being on an unspecified "assignment," which indicates the creators are not yet prepared to write the character off the show. Considering the success of Criminal Minds: Evolution and Gubler's willingness to return to the series in the future, it's quite possible Dr. Spencer Reid could make an appearance in the Paramount+ revival in seasons to come, reuniting the exceptional BAU profilers.

Gubler Could Return to Criminal Minds Later

• Criminal Minds: Evolution has been renewed for Season 17, set to be released on Paramount+. However, the premiere date has not yet been released.

This long-running procedural is not just known for its beloved characters and concepts, but Criminal Minds is well-regarded for breaking the mold and stepping outside the typical crime show narrative. The show has been able to maintain viewership and popularity due to its exceptional ability to evolve, especially proven in the complete revamp of the overarching structure in Season 16. While fans felt the reboot wasn't the same without Spencer Reid, there's no denying that the show was a hit even without the iconic character. Still, fans will eagerly be waiting for news of his return and will certainly keep an eye on the casting for Season 17.

The return of Spencer Reid would only enhance the evolution of the series, adding in a great mind to compete with the seemingly evolving scheming of villains like Criminal Minds: Evolution's Elias Voit. It would be an epic turn of events for the genius profiler to return to the BAU team and help the FBI hunt down dangerous killers who are adapting to the advanced technology of the modern era. On the other hand, it wouldn't be surprising for Reid to be written off the show, which could easily be explained by his mother's declining health, his own health issues, or his decision to continue teaching college courses on a more full-time basis. While this wouldn't be the news fans are looking for, Spencer Reid not returning for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 wouldn't tarnish the reputation of the character, which is nearly unblemished in the eyes of dedicated fans.

There are a couple of prominent reasons Criminal Minds is one of the longest-running procedural shows still airing. The concept and tone of the show has always intrigued viewers, captivating them with the eerie focus on serial killers and a dark undertone that often borders the horror genre. Aside from the creep factor that entices the audience, the heart of the BAU team has kept fans returning despite the ups and downs of various seasons. From Season 1 iconics like Spencer and JJ to new hit roles like Dr. Tara Lewis, the series has an exceptional ability to draw viewers in with lovable characters.