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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Matthew Gray Gubler missed the first season of Criminal Minds: Evolution because the revival’s short filming window made it difficult to coordinate returning actors who had other projects, according to showrunner Erica Messer. The available reporting does not establish a personal dispute or a permanent break from the franchise.
Why wasn’t Reid in the first season of Criminal Minds: Evolution?
In September 2022, Messer told TVLine that Gubler and Daniel Henney would not reprise Spencer Reid and Matt Simmons in the revival’s first season. She described the practical difficulty of coordinating the returning cast: “Our hope is that the team members we ended the series with on CBS will be able to come back and play at some point, but everybody does have other projects. We started shooting in August and we’re going to be wrapped in December… so there was a short window to try to get all of our friends to play.”
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![Criminal Minds: Evolution - The Sixteenth Season [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QhCXOdV7L._SL160_.jpg)
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Criminal Minds: Evolution - The Sixteenth Season [DVD] | $25.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Criminal Minds: Evolution - The Seventeenth Season | $28.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Criminal Minds: The Complete Series | $88.78 | Buy on Amazon |
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Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders: Season 1 | $12.84 | Buy on Amazon |
That is the clearest public explanation: other projects and a compressed production schedule. Messer reiterated the uncertainty in a February 2023 interview with TV Insider, saying she hoped to bring the actors back but could not promise it. Neither account is a direct statement from Gubler about his own reasons, so it is more accurate to describe this as the showrunner’s account of the production circumstances than as a confirmed personal explanation from the actor.
Was there a story explanation for Reid’s absence?
The series explained Reid and Simmons’ absence by saying they were away on assignments. That was the in-story reason the characters were not with the team; Messer’s comments about scheduling and other projects address the behind-the-scenes circumstances. The show left the possibility of their return open rather than declaring Reid permanently gone.
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Did Matthew Gray Gubler ever return to Criminal Minds?
Yes. TV Insider reported in December 2024 that Gubler would reprise Reid for part of an episode in season 18. His absence from the first revival season, therefore, was not a definitive exit from the franchise.
What is Gubler’s status in the later seasons?
Paramount’s March 24, 2026 announcement says season 19 premiered May 28, 2026, and season 20 was planned for 2027. The season 19 cast list in that release does not name Gubler. The announcement does not confirm whether he will appear in season 20, so no future appearance should be assumed from it.
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Where can you watch Criminal Minds: Evolution?
Paramount’s announcement identifies Paramount+ as the streaming home for the series. Availability can vary by country and over time; check the service in your region for the current catalogue.
Quick Recap
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- Genre: TV Crime
- Number of Discs: 85
- Number of Tracks: 0
- Rating: NR
- Number of Movies: 0
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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