Criminal Minds: Evolution showrunner Erica Messer has opened up about the possibility of Dr. Spencer Reid coming back in season 2 of the revival, offering a definitive response on the subject. Reid was a key character on the crime drama since season 1, having appeared as a main character in every season of the show’s original run. However, he has thus far been absent in the revival on a special assignment, with no hints as to if he’ll come back during Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2.
Speaking with TV Insider, Messer revealed that Reid will not be coming back in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, with the 2023 Hollywood strikes making it difficult to bring him back. However, the showrunner says that, because of mutual interest in seeing Matthew Gray Gubler reprise his role, it’s a very likely possibility in later seasons. Check out what Messer had to say below:
It never worked out for Season 16 and then Season 17, maybe it could have worked out, and then the strikes happened and then it hasn’t worked out for Season 17. But we love him. He loves us. It’s not any of that. It’s just we’ve got to find a time to make it work…
But I’m keeping that desk there and I’m keeping that nameplate there. It’s always staying there as far as I’m concerned. So that’s why you saw it. You’ll see it throughout the show. It’s like, there’s his desk.
Once we know we could have them, then we can play with whatever. But it’s like, until we know, it’s hard to say. So yeah, those guys are still not in this season. Daniel [Henney]’s on another series [The Wheel of Time], and Matthew [Gray Gubler]’s been doing projects that have kept him away,” Messer adds. “But yeah, it’s like, this home is always there for them. We’d love to make it happen.”
When Could Reid Come Back In Criminal Minds: Evolution?
Joe Mantegna, who plays David Rossi, previously shared an Instagram story with Reid’s nameplate on a desk, sparking speculation that he would be coming back. However, Messer shut down these theories, saying that it’s only there on the desk because Reid is destined to return someday. But since he won’t be coming back in season 2 of the revived series, it remains to be seen when the long-running agent will finally become part of the core team again. It’s also unclear how his return will impact the ongoing story of the sequel show.
Criminal Minds: Evolution season 1 ended with Elias Voit (Zach Gilford) in custody, but with the mystery of something called “Gold Star” not yet solved. The season 2 trailer revealed the mystery is tied to a new serial killer, possibly someone with previous ties to the government. Much like season 1, the upcoming batch of episodes will feature an investigation spanning the whole season, something that wasn’t common in the original show. This format will be new for Reid if he returns, forcing him to adapt to the newfound circumstances.
If Reid does join the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution, his return could set the stage for whatever the story of season 3 could be. If his involvement brings a new form of danger for the team to contend with, then he could end up taking center stage for a batch of episodes. This would make his return all the more impactful, as it could form the biggest case he’s ever been part of. With the future uncertain yet hopeful, the original series alum could very well return to the sequel show later on.