For 16 seasons, the agents of the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit have tracked some of the most dangerous criminals on television. Criminal Minds premiered on CBS on September 22, 2005, and became a defining procedural drama of its era. The series follows a team of profilers who analyze the behaviour of violent offenders to anticipate their next moves.
Created by Jeff Davis, the show ran on CBS until February 19, 2020, producing 324 episodes. In 2022, the franchise continued with Criminal Minds: Evolution, a revival series premiering on Paramount+. As of 2025, the revival has completed its second season, bringing the total number of seasons across the franchise to 17.
The show’s format blends psychological thriller elements with police procedural storytelling. Each episode typically follows the BAU team as they profile an unsub — unknown subject — using forensic psychology, behavioural analysis, and investigative techniques. The series has been praised for its character depth and remains popular through streaming platforms.
Who Stars in Criminal Minds? Meet the Main Cast
FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) profilers analyze the country’s most twisted criminal minds to anticipate their next moves.
Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, Shemar Moore, Kirsten Vangsness, Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, A.J. Cook, and more.
16 original seasons (2005-2020) + revival series Criminal Minds: Evolution (season 17+). Over 330 episodes total.
Stream on Paramount+ (US), Disney+ (UK), available on Netflix (selected regions). Check local listings.
- Criminal Minds is one of the longest-running primetime scripted dramas on CBS, spanning over 15 years.
- The revival, Criminal Minds: Evolution, premiered on Paramount+ in 2022 and has been renewed for a second season (season 17).
- Matthew Gray Gubler’s portrayal of Dr. Spencer Reid became a fan favorite and cultural icon.
- The show has spawned two spin-offs: Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (2011) and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016-2017).
- Despite the original series ending in 2020, the franchise continues to attract new viewers through streaming.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Created by | Jeff Davis |
| Original Network | CBS |
| Original Run | September 22, 2005 – February 19, 2020 |
| Revival | Criminal Minds: Evolution (2022–present) |
| Total Seasons (Original) | 16 |
| Total Episodes (Original) | 324 |
| Current Season | Season 17 (Evolution season 2) – premiered 2024 |
| Genre | Police procedural, crime drama, psychological thriller |
The original cast included Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin), Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), Elle Greenaway (Lola Glaudini), Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), and Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook), according to IMDb. Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) joined as a permanent fixture in season 2, with Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster) and David Rossi (Joe Mantegna) arriving in season 3. Major departures included Mandy Patinkin after season 2, Lola Glaudini after season 2, Shemar Moore after season 11, and Thomas Gibson after season 14, as documented by PopCulture.
How Many Seasons of Criminal Minds Are There? A Complete Season Guide
How many episodes does Criminal Minds have?
The original series comprises 324 episodes across 16 seasons. Criminal Minds: Evolution adds two seasons so far, with 20 episodes total as of the end of season 2. The full episode list is available on Rotten Tomatoes.
What is the episode order for Criminal Minds season 17?
Season 17 of the franchise corresponds to Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2. It aired in 2024 with 10 episodes, continuing the serialised “goliath” storyline. The season follows the BAU team as they track an unhinged serial killer, with main cast members David Rossi, Emily Prentiss, Penelope Garcia, Tara Lewis, and Luke Alvez returning.
What season is Criminal Minds: Evolution?
Evolution is the direct sequel to the original series. Its first season, which premiered in November 2022, is considered season 16 of the overall franchise. The second season, which aired in 2024, is considered season 17. According to the Criminal Minds Wiki, Spencer Reid and Matt Simmons did not return for the revival.
The original CBS series ran for 16 seasons. When Criminal Minds: Evolution premiered on Paramount+ in 2022, it continued the numbering: Evolution season 1 is franchise season 16, and Evolution season 2 is franchise season 17. This means there is no “season 18” — the revival is simply continuing the existing count.
Where to Watch Criminal Minds: Streaming and TV Options
Is Criminal Minds on Netflix?
In the United States, Criminal Minds was previously available on Netflix but has since moved to Paramount+ for streaming. In some international regions, the series may still be available on Netflix. Viewers should check their local Netflix library for availability.
Is Criminal Minds on Paramount Plus?
Paramount+ is the primary streaming home for Criminal Minds in the US. All 16 original seasons are available, and new episodes of Criminal Minds: Evolution debut exclusively on the platform. You can watch Criminal Minds on Paramount+.
Can I watch Criminal Minds on Disney Plus?
In the United Kingdom, Criminal Minds is available on Disney+ as part of the Star content hub. Availability varies by region, and the series may also appear on other platforms depending on local licensing agreements.
Is Criminal Minds on Hulu?
Criminal Minds is not currently available on Hulu in the US. The series is primarily distributed through Paramount+ and CBS for domestic audiences. International viewers may find the show on different platforms.
For the most complete experience, US viewers should subscribe to Paramount+, which carries both the original 16 seasons and the new Evolution episodes. International viewers should check Disney+ (UK) or their local Netflix library for legacy seasons.
What Is Criminal Minds: Evolution? The Revival Explained
Is Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 confirmed?
Yes. Criminal Minds: Evolution was renewed for a second season, which aired in 2024 as season 17 of the overall franchise. The renewal was announced by Paramount+ after the success of the revival’s first season.
When does Criminal Minds season 17 (Evolution) air?
Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 — which corresponds to franchise season 17 — aired in 2024. The first season premiered on November 24, 2022, on Paramount+. Future seasons beyond season 2 have not been officially announced as of 2025.
Will Criminal Minds return for more seasons?
As of 2025, no official renewal for a third season of Evolution (franchise season 18) has been confirmed by CBS or Paramount+. Fans should watch for official announcements from the networks. The show continues to be available on streaming platforms, and new episodes of Evolution are released weekly when the season is airing.
A “season 19” has not been officially announced. The numbering is often confused with the revival’s season count. Whether Criminal Minds: Evolution will continue beyond season 2 depends on future renewal decisions by Paramount+.
Are There Any Criminal Minds Spin-offs?
What is Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior?
Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior aired on CBS in 2011 as the franchise’s first spin-off. The series focused on a different BAU team and ran for a single season. The cast included Forest Whitaker, Janeane Garofalo, and Kirsten Vangsness reprising her role as Penelope Garcia. A separate Korean adaptation titled Criminal Minds: Suspect has also been produced, according to Country Living.
Is Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders related?
Yes. Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders premiered on CBS in 2016 and ran for two seasons until 2017. The spin-off followed a team of FBI agents who handled cases involving American citizens in foreign countries. Neither spin-off matched the longevity of the original series.
What other spin-offs are planned?
A new American spin-off featuring Kirsten Vangsness has been announced. Details about the project remain limited, but it signals continued interest in expanding the Criminal Minds franchise beyond the original series and Evolution.
How Has the Criminal Minds Franchise Evolved Over Time? A Timeline
- 2005 — Criminal Minds premieres on CBS on September 22.
- 2011 — Spin-off Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior airs for one season.
- 2016 — Second spin-off Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders premieres (runs 2 seasons).
- 2020 — Original series concludes with season 16 finale in February.
- 2022 — Revival series Criminal Minds: Evolution premieres on Paramount+ in November.
- 2024 — Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 (season 17 overall) airs.
The franchise timeline above is based on records from Wikipedia and the CBS official page.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Criminal Minds?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Criminal Minds: Evolution has been renewed for a second season (season 17). | A “season 19” has not been officially announced. The numbering is often confused with the revival’s season count. |
| The original series ran for 16 seasons on CBS. | The return of original cast members for future seasons of Evolution is not confirmed beyond those already announced. |
| Main cast changes include Mandy Patinkin leaving after season 2, Thomas Gibson exiting after season 12. | Whether Criminal Minds: Evolution will continue beyond season 2 is dependent on renewal decisions. |
| Streaming rights vary by region: Paramount+ has exclusive US streaming for new episodes; Netflix holds legacy rights in some countries. | — |
What Is the Cultural Context of the Criminal Minds Franchise?
Criminal Minds became a staple of CBS’s lineup, known for its psychological depth and focus on the criminal rather than the detective. The show’s popularity led to a dedicated fan base and multiple spin-offs, though none matched the original’s longevity.
The revival on Paramount+ reflects a trend of bringing back beloved series for streaming audiences, often with serialized story arcs. The franchise’s ability to stay relevant is partly due to its evergreen format — “case of the week” episodes — and strong character dynamics that have kept viewers engaged across two decades.
Where Does the Information About Criminal Minds Come From?
“Criminal Minds is an American police procedural crime drama television series created by Jeff Davis which premiered on CBS on September 22, 2005.”
“An elite squad of FBI profilers analyzes the country’s most-twisted criminal minds, anticipating the perpetrators’ next moves before they can strike again.”
“Join the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit as they solve a string of chilling new cases in the Paramount+ Original.”
A Quick Summary of the Criminal Minds Franchise
Criminal Minds remains one of the most successful procedural dramas in television history. With 16 original seasons, 324 episodes, a thriving revival on Paramount+, and multiple spin-offs, the franchise continues to attract new audiences. As of 2025, Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2 (season 17) has aired, and future seasons beyond season 2 remain unconfirmed. For a deeper look into real-world criminal profiling, readers may explore the Jeffrey Dahmer – Full Biography of the Milwaukee Cannibal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Minds
Is Criminal Minds on Netflix?
In the United States, Criminal Minds was previously on Netflix but has moved to Paramount+ for streaming. In some international regions, it may still be available on Netflix. Check your local Netflix library.
How many episodes does Criminal Minds have?
The original series has 324 episodes across 16 seasons. Criminal Minds: Evolution adds two seasons (so far) with a total of 20 episodes as of season 2.
Is Criminal Minds based on a true story?
No, Criminal Minds is a fictional drama. However, some episodes are inspired by real-life cases and the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit exists in real life.
Why did Mandy Patinkin leave Criminal Minds?
Mandy Patinkin left the show after season 2, citing the dark content of the episodes as a personal reason for his departure.
Will there be a Criminal Minds season 18?
Season 18 does not exist. The revival series is labeled as Criminal Minds: Evolution, with its first season considered season 16 overall and second season as season 17. The numbering can be confusing.
Who plays Spencer Reid?
Dr. Spencer Reid is portrayed by Matthew Gray Gubler. He was an original cast member and appeared in all 15 seasons of the original series.
What are the best Criminal Minds episodes?
Fan-favorite episodes include “The Fisher King” (season 1), “Revelations” (season 2), “The Big Game” (season 4), “100” (season 5), and “Entrance Wound” (season 9). Rankings vary by source.
Is Criminal Minds coming back for season 19?
A season 19 has not been announced. The revival is currently in its second season (season 17 overall). Future seasons depend on renewal decisions by Paramount+.
What is Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior?
Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior was a 2011 spin-off that ran for one season on CBS. It featured a different BAU team led by Forest Whitaker and included Kirsten Vangsness reprising her role as Penelope Garcia.
Can I watch Criminal Minds on Disney Plus?
In the UK, Criminal Minds is available on Disney+ through the Star content hub. Availability varies by region. US viewers should use Paramount+.
Olivia Hartley is Business & Economy Correspondent at DailyCity.co.uk, reporting on the city economy, property, retail, hospitality and employment.