After the finale that aired earlier this year, will CBS renew the series with ‘Criminal Minds’ Season 16?
Of all the crime procedural dramas to have premiered on television, ‘Criminal Minds’ is a special one because of its ability to keep viewers on their toes! It has been a fan favourite for over a decade and had fans hooked, as they guessed the next moves of their favourite character. After 324 episodes spanning a staggering 15 seasons, the CBS procedural crime drama came to an end this February. ‘Criminal Minds’ isn’t a regular crime drama though. Instead of the usual case-solving stories, the characters in this show endeavour to understand the minds of dangerous criminals. They conduct behavioural analysis to comprehend the mental framework that drives these criminals to commit crimes. And then, they strike before the bad guys do!
Highlights —
- What is ‘Criminal Minds’ about?
- What the future of ‘Criminal Minds’ looks like
- Will there ever be a ‘Criminal Minds’ Season 16?
Throughout 15 seasons, the show did a terrific job of showcasing the stories of the team, while they worked on cases. Ever since the show ended, fans have been waiting to hear whether ‘Criminal Minds’ Season 16 could be a reality. Keep reading for all the latest updates!
What is ‘Criminal Minds’ about?
The procedural drama follows a group of criminal profilers, who work for the FBI, as members of the Behavioural Analysis Unit. They use profiling and behavioural analysis to investigate crimes and determine the motives of dangerous criminals. As they fight the bad guys and predict their next moves, the show sees them tackle their own, personal struggles. ‘
Criminal Minds’ is set in Quantico, Virginia, and its star-studded cast is credited with its success.
It was critically acclaimed for its characterisation, its fast-paced storytelling device, and its stellar writing.
Originally, the cast consisted of seven characters: Jason, Aaron, Elle, Derek, Spencers Jennifer, and Penelope. The characters were each portrayed by Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, Lola Glaudini, Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J.Cook, and Kirsten Vangsness.
The viewers could connect with these characters, and their life experiences resonate with them. They’re not just co-workers, they’re family, and the show never forgets to emphasize that.
What the future of ‘Criminal Minds’ looks like
Earlier last year, “Deadline” reported that the show would conclude with a fifteenth season, with just ten more episodes. The network wanted to make sure that showrunner Erica Messer had the opportunity to end things her way.
When asked why the final season would have just ten episodes, Amy Reisenbach from CBS had some insight. She said, “We discussed wanting to keep the show in continuous production so 10 felt like the right number for us to roll straight into and give Erica enough episodes to end the series the way she wanted to”.
The final season premiered in January this year concluded in February, and the entire cast made an appearance. It was the ideal finale for fans who had seen the show come so far.
Will there ever be a ‘Criminal Minds’ Season 16?
The hope for a new season is something fans have been clinging to ever since ‘Criminal Minds’ ended. The series finale lasted for two whole hours, and we’re sure there’s a plothole that could be used to create a new season. The Chameleon, the antagonist the group had been chasing throughout the season, had an explosive death at the end of the show. While that chapter is over, the group can surely find other cases where they’re needed!
Unfortunately, the showrunners have often clarified that season 15 was the end, the big send-off fans had been anticipating. But that hasn’t stopped fans from hoping they’ll change their mind!
In an interview with “TV Line”, Matthew Gray Gubler, (Spencer Reid on the show) dismissed the possibility of a new season. “I know that everything has its time and I’m in no way sad that the show is closing because I feel like we’ve done it beautifully, and I feel like there are roots there for it to re-hatch later.”
The show’s loyal community of fans probably disagree, because there’s always room for a spin-off! ‘Criminal Minds’ could reboot and follow the life of a specific character, after years of working with the FBI. There could be new cases, the group could recruit a new squad to lead. The possibilities are endless.
Would you watch ‘Criminal Minds’ Season 16 if the network decided to renew the show? Let us know in the comments!
