Criminal Minds fans have eagerly awaited news about the show’s upcoming season. Season 18 promises to bring back familiar faces and introduce new characters to the beloved crime drama series. Production for Criminal Minds Season 18 began in August 2024, with a potential release date in early 2025.
The new season will feature the return of all main characters from Season 17, including the multi-season suspect Elias Voit. Aimee Garcia joins the cast as Dr. Julia Ochoa, adding fresh dynamics to the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) team. Fans have also speculated about the possible return of Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler, who last appeared in earlier seasons.
Season 18 is expected to pick up where the previous season left off, exploring the aftermath of Elias Voit’s storyline and delving into new, gripping criminal cases. The BAU team will face personal challenges alongside their professional duties, maintaining the show’s signature blend of character development and intense crime-solving action.
Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18
Premiere Date Speculation
Paramount+ has not yet announced an official release date for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18. The show started filming in August 2024. If the production schedule follows the pattern of past seasons, new episodes could arrive as early as January 2025 and as late as mid-2025 (sometime in the summer).
The BAU is Back
Fans can look forward to seeing the main cast from Season 17 return for another round of thrilling cases:
- Joe Mantegna as David Rossi
- Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss
- A.J. Cook as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau
- Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia
- Aisha Tyler as Tara Lewis
- Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez
- Zach Gilford as Elias Voit
New Faces
Season 18 will introduce a new character to the BAU team:
- Aimee Garcia as Dr. Julia Ochoa
Will Spencer Reid Return?
The big question on many fans’ minds is whether Matthew Gray Gubler will reprise his role as Spencer Reid. Showrunner Erica Messer has expressed interest in bringing Gubler back, and the actor himself has hinted at a possible return. However, scheduling conflicts could be a factor.
What We Know About the Plot
Details about the plot of Season 18 are being kept under wraps. However, we can expect the BAU to face a new and formidable UnSub (unknown subject). The show will likely continue to explore the personal and professional lives of the agents as they deal with the intense demands of their jobs.
Where to Find Updates
Here are some resources to stay up-to-date on the latest news about Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18:
- Criminal Minds social media: Follow the official Criminal Minds accounts on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
- Paramount+: Check the Paramount+ website and app for updates and announcements.
- Entertainment news sites: Websites like TVLine, Deadline, and Entertainment Weekly often report on casting news, premiere dates, and other developments.
- The Criminal Minds subreddit: This online community is a great place to discuss the show with other fans and get the latest news and rumors.
How to Watch Criminal Minds
You can stream all previous seasons of Criminal Minds, including Season 17 (Evolution), on Paramount+. A Paramount+ subscription is required.
| Subscription Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Essential (with ads) | $7.99/month | Limited commercials |
| Premium (no ads) | $12.99/month | Commercial-free streaming (except for live TV and a few shows) |
More Crime Dramas to Watch
If you’re a fan of Criminal Minds, you might also enjoy these other crime dramas:
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: This long-running series follows a specialized unit in the NYPD that investigates sexually based offenses.
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation: This show focuses on a team of forensic scientists who use physical evidence to solve crimes in Las Vegas.
- NCIS: This series follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service who investigate crimes related to the Navy and Marine Corps.
- Mindhunter: This Netflix series explores the early days of criminal profiling and the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit.
- The Mentalist: This show features a former “psychic” who uses his sharp observation skills to help the California Bureau of Investigation solve crimes.
Key Takeaways
- Criminal Minds Season 18 is set to premiere in early 2025
- Aimee Garcia joins the cast as Dr. Julia Ochoa, a new main character
- The new season will continue Elias Voit’s storyline and introduce fresh criminal cases
Criminal Minds Season 18 Overview
Criminal Minds: Evolution continues with its eighteenth season, bringing new challenges for the BAU team. The upcoming installment promises fresh cases, character developments, and unexpected twists.
Cast and New Characters
The core cast from season 17 returns, including Joe Mantegna as David Rossi and Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss. A. J. Cook, Aisha Tyler, Kirsten Vangsness, and Zach Gilford reprise their roles as well.
Aimee Garcia joins the cast as Dr. Julia Ochoa, adding a new dynamic to the team. Her character’s expertise and background remain under wraps, sparking fan speculation.
Elias Voit, the multi-season antagonist, is set to return. His ongoing storyline will likely play a significant part in the new season’s plot.
Expected Release Date and Streaming
Filming for Criminal Minds season 18 is scheduled to begin in August 2024. Based on production timelines, new episodes are expected in early 2025.
Paramount+ will continue as the exclusive streaming platform for the series. This follows the successful transition from network television to streaming with Criminal Minds: Evolution.
Fans can expect a release date announcement closer to the end of production. The streaming model allows for more flexibility in episode release schedules.
Plot and Continuation from Season 17
Season 18 will pick up from the intense season 17 finale. The BAU team faces new serial killers and complex cases that test their profiling skills.
The ongoing storyline with Elias Voit is expected to evolve. His character’s actions in previous seasons have set the stage for potentially game-changing plot developments.
Personal storylines for main characters will likely continue. Rossi’s journey, Prentiss’s leadership challenges, and the team’s interpersonal dynamics provide rich material for character growth.
New cases will reflect current crime trends and social issues. The writers aim to keep the show relevant and thought-provoking while maintaining its signature suspense and psychological depth.
Behind the Scenes Information
Criminal Minds season 18 brings exciting developments in production and creative direction. The show’s team is working hard to deliver another thrilling installment for fans.
Production Details
Filming for season 18 began in August 2024. The cast and crew returned to the set with enthusiasm, ready to tackle new storylines. Production is taking place primarily in Los Angeles, utilizing both studio spaces and on-location shoots.
The team is using cutting-edge technology to enhance visual effects and create more immersive crime scenes. This includes advanced CGI for recreating complex forensic evidence.
Producers are aiming for a 10-episode season, allowing for tighter storytelling and focused character arcs. Each episode’s budget has increased, enabling more elaborate set pieces and guest stars.
Showrunner and Creative Direction
Erica Messer continues her role as showrunner for Criminal Minds: Evolution. She brings years of experience and a deep understanding of the show’s DNA to season 18.
Messer’s vision for the new season includes:
- Deeper exploration of team dynamics
- More complex, multi-episode story arcs
- Increased focus on cybercrime and its impact
The writing team has expanded, bringing fresh perspectives to character development and case narratives. They’re drawing inspiration from real-world FBI profiling techniques to keep the show grounded in reality.
Messer has hinted at potential crossovers with other crime dramas, aiming to expand the Criminal Minds universe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans eagerly await details about the upcoming season of Criminal Minds. Many questions surround the cast, release date, and potential storylines for the popular crime drama series.
Who are the cast members confirmed for the upcoming season of Criminal Minds?
The main cast from season 17 is expected to return for season 18. This includes Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, and Paget Brewster. Aimee Garcia will join as a new main character, Dr. Julia Ochoa.
What is the expected release date for the next installment of Criminal Minds?
While no official release date has been announced, filming for season 18 is set to begin in August 2024. Based on previous production schedules, new episodes could premiere in early 2025.
Are there any new additions to the Criminal Minds ensemble in the latest season?
Yes, Aimee Garcia will join the cast as Dr. Julia Ochoa. This new character is expected to bring fresh dynamics to the team of profilers.
Will Dr. Spencer Reid make an appearance in the new season of Criminal Minds: Evolution?
There is no confirmation of Matthew Gray Gubler reprising his role as Dr. Spencer Reid. His last appearance was in an earlier season, and his return remains uncertain.
Has an official announcement been made regarding the return of Criminal Minds?
No official announcement has been made about the exact return date of Criminal Minds. The show’s production schedule suggests a potential release in early 2025.
What updates and developments have been released about the latest season of Criminal Minds?
The multi-season suspect Elias Voit will return in season 18. Filming is set to start in August 2024. The storyline is expected to continue evolving the team’s pursuit of complex criminal cases.
