Current Status at a Glance
As of 2025, Criminal Minds is not producing new episodes. The series aired its final season (Season Fifteen) in 2022 and concluded its run on CBS in February of that year. While no new network episodes are in production, the show remains available to stream on multiple platforms and continues to air in syndication internationally. There are no planned revivals or reboots by Paramount Global or its partners.
What We Mean by Status
Status in television refers to whether a program is actively producing new episodes, has ended, or exists in some form of hiatus. For legacy dramas like Criminal Minds, status also includes distribution on streaming services and broadcast in global markets. Understanding the difference between a show being finished and a show being in development is important for viewers trying to follow long-running series.
Key Definitions for Status Clarity
- In production: Actively filming new episodes for a season or cycle.
- Ended: Finalized narrative arc; no further episodes ordered by the network.
- On hiatus: Temporary pause between seasons with potential for renewal.
- Post-series: Specials, spin-offs, or continuations that extend the universe without reviving the main show.
Network and Timeslot History
Originally developed by Jeff Davis, Criminal Minds launched on CBS in 2005 and spent much of its run in a prominent Thursday night lineup. It moved to Friday nights, then Saturday nights, before finishing its broadcast run on CBS. These shifts reflected broader scheduling changes at the network and declining live ratings, even as the show maintained a strong viewer base in delayed viewing. Understanding this timeline helps contextualize why a finale was eventually ordered rather than a continued renewal.
Broadcast Lineup Changes Over Time
| Period | Network | Typical Timeslot | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2007 | CBS | Thursday 9:00 PM ET | Established in stable Thursday lineup |
| 2010–2014 | CBS | Friday 9:00 PM ET | Moved following schedule realignment |
| 2015–2016 | CBS | Saturday 9:00 PM ET | Reduced visibility on broadcast |
| 2022 | CBS | Final episodes aired | Series concluded with Season Fifteen |
Production Timeline and Key Milestones
The show progressed through multiple eras of storytelling, from the original BAU unit to expanded profiles and later seasons that introduced new agents and rotating leads. Each season typically consisted of around 20–24 episodes, with shorter orders in its final years. The decision to end the series was driven by a mix of evolving ratings, streaming competition, and the natural conclusion of character storylines, not by a sudden cancellation.
Notable Production and Renewal Milestones
| Date or Period | Milestone | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Series Premiere | Established long-form crime drama on CBS |
| 2016 | Season 12 Renewal | Shifted toward serialized storytelling with ongoing arcs |
| 2021 | Season 15 Ordered as Final Season | Planned conclusion confirmed by studio and network |
| February 2022 | Series Finale Aired | Brought 16-season run to a close on CBS |
Availability After Broadcast
Since its finale, Criminal Minds has remained widely available through streaming services and syndication packages. In the United States, platforms that have carried or continue to carry the show include services offering deep libraries of CBS programming. Internationally, broadcasters in the UK, Canada, Australia, and other regions maintain their own syndication arrangements. This broad availability keeps the show in front of both longtime fans and new viewers, even without new broadcast content.
Where to Stream in the US (as of 20
- Paramount+: Full catalog of seasons with new episodes added based on licensing.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for purchase or as part of included channels.
- Local CBS apps and cable provider platforms: Often include on-demand access.
Spin-Offs and Related Content
The Criminal Minds universe expanded through several spin-offs and continuations, some of which remain active. These series often draw from the same procedural framework but focus on different units or geographic areas. While none of these directly continue the original show’s timeline, they reflect the ongoing audience interest in the characters and the brand.
Active and Concluded Spin-Off Projects
- Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (2011): Short-lived FBI unit spin-off.
- Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016–2017): Focused on international cases.
- Criminal Minds: Evolution (2022–2023): A continuation of the original series released on Paramount+ that follows the BAU years later.
Legacy and Audience Impact
Over 16 seasons, Criminal Minds shaped public understanding of criminal profiling and forensic psychology, influencing both procedural dramas and real-world interest in the field. Its mix of standalone cases and serialized character arcs helped it maintain relevance across multiple decades. While no longer in production, the show’s influence persists through its spin-offs, fan discussions, and continued streaming popularity.
Influence on the Crime Drama Landscape
- Pioneered the case-of-the-week format blended with ongoing character development.
- Spurred broader audience interest in forensic psychology and FBI operations.
- Set a template for long-running procedurals that followed on network television.
FAQ
Reader questions
Common Questions About the Show’s Status
Will there be a new season of Criminal Minds? No new network seasons are in development as of 2025. Is the show still on TV anywhere? It airs in syndication globally and is available on streaming platforms. What counts as the official finale? Season Fifteen, Episode 10, which aired in February 2022 on CBS. Are any cast members returning for new projects? Some cast members have appeared in the Evolution limited series and other CBS projects, but there is no main-series revival.