part of the core cast of Criminal Minds from 2005, until the show's original run concluded in February 2020, after 15 seasons. However, in 2022, the show was revived and retitled to Criminal Minds: Evolution on Paramount+. To date, Gubler has not appeared in the revival series, with his character described as being on assignment. However, he is expected to make a brief return to the show during the current season 18 run.

Gubler, whose fan-favorite character Dr. Spencer Reid was still with the BAU when Criminal Minds ended in 2020, did not return in the first 2 years of the revival. Vangsness comments on Reid's comeback in an interview with TV Insider, saying that they are happy he's back despite the character's limited involvement. For context, BAU's golden boy is only going to be in a portion of an episode. Read the actor's full quote below:

“I think one of the reasons why people love Criminal Minds is that — you come for the gory, scary, spooky horror aspect, sure people come for that, but people also come for the family dynamic and the ride or dies and that community that we’ve built, that we’ve created as people and then these characters have created themselves,” she suggested.

“So whenever things happen that tear the environment asunder, for better or for worse, it’s Avengers Assemble in the biggest way we can. So this was definitely a — you need him there to, of course, of course, he would be there for these big, pivotal life-changing experiences. And so it really felt very satisfying and I think it’ll feel really satisfying to the fans just to have his presence there. And I’m sure everybody wants more of it. Who wouldn’t? He’s delightful. But we take what we can get.”

What This Means For Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

The Show Will Benefit From Spencer's Return

Given that six original cast returned for the Criminal Minds revival, Evolution was always going to be off to a strong start, but Spencer's absence has been felt. As such a prominent member of the original show, Spencer quickly became a fan favorite, and there have been times Criminal Minds: Evolution has struggled to fill the gap his absence has left. Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 is rebounding from season 2, which many found underwhelming, and the return of Spencer could help in that regard.

The fact that Gubler is set to return to the Criminal Minds franchise is not just a big plus for Criminal Minds: Evolution, it's a boost for the franchise as a whole.

At the moment, it is unclear what Gubler's return to the franchise might look like. Vangsness's comments hint at the fact it could be a fleeting return, but also showcase his importance to the show, and that the character is integral to the Criminal Minds family. Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 could help to reconnect the original cast with Gubler's return, and might be able to set up storylines for Spencer to appear again in the future.

Our Take On Gubler's Criminal Minds Franchise Return

The Actor Could Have More Returns In The Future

Matthew Gray Gubler as Spencer Reid in an FBI vest with hands up in Criminal Minds

The fact that Gubler is set to return to the Criminal Minds franchise is not just a big plus for Criminal Minds: Evolution, it's a boost for the franchise as a whole. Welcoming back such an iconic character is sure to pique viewer interest, and there will be the opportunity to develop future storylines and plot arcs that could see Gubler coming back again. It is unclear if he might have a future recurring role, or if Spencer could return for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 4, but the actor's anticipated return could well lead to more appearances.

Source: TV Insider

Criminal Minds Poster Showing Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia, Matthew Gray Gubler as Spencer Reid, and Joe Mantegna as David Rossi
Criminal Minds (Franchise)
Cast
Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, Lola Glaudini, Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler, A. J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Daniel Henney, Tyler James Williams, Annie Funke
TV Show(s)
Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, Criminal Minds: Evolution
Character(s)
Jason Gideon, Aaron Hotchner, Elle Greenaway, Derek Morgan, Spencer Reid, Jennifer Jareau, Penelope Garcia, Emily Prentiss, David Rossi, Ashley Seaver, Kate Callahan, Tara Lewis, Luke Alvez, Stephen Walker
Comic Release Date
187628

Criminal Minds is a television franchise that began in 2005 with Jeff Davis' Criminal Minds. The original series was set in Quantico, Virginia, centering on a group of FBI profilers who catch criminals using behavioral profiling. The series was followed by two spinoffs, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, before being revived as Criminal Minds: Evolution in 2022.