The Final Season of 'Criminal Minds' Will Bring Back a Major Character From the Past

From Country Living

• Criminal Minds is ending after season 15.

• The final episodes will premiere in fall 2019.

• A few of the show's stars revealed what viewers can expect from the finale.

In what is definitely the most devastating news for all loyal Criminal Minds fans (myself included), the series will be showing its final season in fall 2019. Although saying goodbye to the finest members of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit will be undoubtedly difficult, the criminal procedural is ensuring an action-packed, star-studded, can't-miss season 15. Here's what we know so far:

When is the season 15 premiere?

CBS has yet to announce an official premiere date, but the final run will air during the 2019-2020 TV season. According to Deadline, season 15 will feature a two-part opener and will be comprised of just 10 episodes. Season 14 of the series began in early October, so it's likely the upcoming season will debut around the same time this fall.

Which cast members are returning for the final season?

To slightly soften the blow, it looks like the current cast will all be featured. Viewers will be pleased to see David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), Jennifer "J.J." Jareau (A.J. Cook), Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsnes), and the rest of the crew return, as well as some other familiar faces.

In an interview with Parade, Matthew Gray Gubler revealed Jane Lynch, who plays Reid's schizophrenic mother, Diana, will make an appearance. Not wanting to disclose any spoilers, the actor simply told the outlet, "I see a happy ending in store for Reid, which is something that we’re all looking forward to, including with his mom."

The show also announced Hallmark star Rachael Leigh Cook will appear as Reid's love interest. It's certainly going to be an eventful ending for the genius!

As far as old fan favorites, such as Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), and Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin) there's a possibility they could see the small screen again—but it's still uncertain.

Executive producer Erica Messer opened up to Deadline about the potential to include former personas in the final season. "I am very hopeful that we can honor all of those characters who have been beloved and with this team, with the audience for years," she said, though no specifics have been revealed.

What will the series finale be like?

Mum's the word when it comes to revelations from the cast and crew—but there have been a few hints as to what the final episodes will entail. Messer also told Dateline the finale would be a "tearjerker."

"I think in honoring the series and saying goodbye, it’s probably going to feel like a little bit of a eulogy," she said. The showrunner also noted that specifically David Rossi is in for some trouble. "[He] will be up against another formidable villain and will be concluding the 10 episodes with a showdown with that person," she said.

As for the final farewell, it will be just as hard for the actors as it will for the viewers. A.J. Cook spoke to Parade about what it will be like to bid adieu to J.J after 15 years.

"I’ll be sad to say goodbye to this character because truly she’s like a sister for me and I just feel so protective of her, so it’ll be really hard to say goodbye," she said.

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