Criminal Minds is ending after season 20 — but Penelope Garcia says don’t give up yet

It looks like Criminal Minds: Evolution has found itself on the chopping block at Paramount+, with the series set to wrap up after its upcoming 20th season. The decision to end the show comes in the wake of Skydance’s takeover at Paramount Global, though—unusually—the previous execs had apparently already been eyeing up a finish for the long-running crime procedural. If you’re keeping score, this one isn’t purely down to the new regime.

Criminal Minds: Evolution will end with season 20, following earlier recommendations from Paramount+ leadership to bring the series to a close.

Of course, as with any series that’s stubbornly dodged cancellation for two decades, there’s a bit more drama behind the scenes. Cast members, especially Kirsten Vangsness (better known as Penelope Garcia), aren’t quite ready to admit defeat just yet. Vangsness went on social media after the news broke and suggested fans shouldn't lose hope—specifically pointing out that the network’s language about the show ‘ending for now’ might not rule out a return down the line.

Speaking to her followers in a video, Vangsness relayed what she’d heard from showrunner Erica Messer, who apparently still has a trunk full of stories ready to go if someone in charge decides to reverse this decision. According to Vangsness, Messer’s opinion was that there’s plenty left to do with these characters, even if this particular chapter is closing. The cast, for their part, sound unanimous—they love their jobs, and if there’s an opportunity for more, they’ll jump at it.

One detail that stung for a lot of fans: the cast reportedly learned about Criminal Minds: Evolution getting axed at the same time as the general public. Not exactly a gentle send-off after twenty years, though showrunner Erica Messer did take the time to thank everyone involved and paid tribute to the show’s legacy as it heads into season 20. Messer expressed excitement to share the final batch of episodes with viewers and celebrate the series’ long run.

End of an Era?

This particular procedural is absolutely ancient in TV terms: Criminal Minds originally debuted all the way back in 2005, managed an impressive 15 seasons on CBS before bowing out in 2020, and then got resuscitated as Evolution on Paramount+ in 2022. If you’re keeping count, this is a two-decade run interrupted only by a pandemic and boardroom shuffles. The fandom’s sheer persistence is probably the only reason this cancellation still doesn’t feel final to some of those closest to the show.