Paramount+ Ends 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' After 20 Seasons

Key points

• Paramount+ confirmed 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' will end after its 20th season, which is set to premiere in 2027.
• The decision was made recently by new Skydance leadership, though it was recommended by the previous Paramount+ regime in March 2026.
• Production for the final season wrapped earlier this fall, meaning the series will not provide a conclusive narrative ending.
• Showrunner Erica Messer stated the cancellation was sudden and expressed gratitude for the cast, crew, and fans who supported the show for two decades.
• The series ran for 15 seasons on CBS (2005-2020) and five seasons on Paramount+ (2022-2026), totaling 20 seasons and over 300 episodes.
• The show is currently in Paramount+'s Top 10, but the cancellation may be tied to cost considerations or the nature of broadcast-style series on streaming.

Background

The series originally debuted on CBS in 2005 and ran for 15 seasons before being revived on Paramount+ in 2022 as 'Criminal Minds: Evolution.' It spawned two spinoffs, 'Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior' and 'Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.' The show has been a long-running procedural, with the current cast including Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, RJ Hatanaka, Adam Rodriguez, and Paget Brewster. The decision to end the series follows a pattern of Paramount+ ending other hit network shows like 'SEAL Team,' 'Frasier,' and 'NCIS: Tony & Ziva.'

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter and TVLine reported the cancellation as a confirmed decision, with Erica Messer expressing surprise and gratitude. Deadline highlighted that the decision was made by new Skydance leadership but recommended by the previous Paramount+ regime, noting the show's strong performance in Paramount+'s Top 10. E! News focused on the series' history and the lack of a conclusive ending, while also noting the departure of Zach Gilford in Season 19. All sources agree on the 20th season being the final one and the 2027 premiere date, but Deadline emphasizes the strategic and cost-related factors behind the decision, while The Hollywood Reporter and TVLine focus more on the emotional and legacy aspects.

Why it matters

The cancellation of 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' marks the end of a two-decade run for one of the longest-running procedural dramas in television history. It reflects the shifting dynamics of streaming platforms, where even top-performing shows may be canceled due to cost considerations or strategic shifts. The decision also highlights the impact of leadership changes at Paramount+, with new Skydance leadership making the call, and the broader trend of ending long-running network shows on streaming platforms. For fans, the lack of a conclusive ending may leave the series on an unresolved note, while the show's legacy as a top-10 series on Paramount+ underscores its popularity despite the cancellation.

What to watch

The 20th season of 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' is scheduled to premiere in 2027 on Paramount+. Fans can expect the final season to air without a conclusive narrative ending, as production wrapped earlier this fall. The series will conclude its run after 20 seasons, with no immediate plans for a revival or continuation. The decision may influence future decisions regarding other long-running procedural shows on streaming platforms, and the show's legacy as a top-10 series on Paramount+ will likely be remembered as a significant part of the platform's content strategy.