The BAU's Next Case: Where The 'Criminal Minds' Actors Are Now And Their Shocking New 2025 Projects
The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) has returned to the screen in a thrilling new chapter, Criminal Minds: Evolution, but what have the beloved actors been up to since the original series finale? The cast members, who spent over 15 seasons profiling the nation's most dangerous unsubs, have branched out into directing, producing, and starring in brand-new, highly anticipated projects.
As of December 21, 2025, the team is busier than ever, both on and off the set of the Paramount+ revival. We dive deep into the current status of the main actors, from the return of the core team for Season 19 of the revival to a major star's surprising new CBS procedural drama.
The BAU Team Roster: Complete Main Cast Biography and Profiles
The success of Criminal Minds rested on the shoulders of a dynamic ensemble cast. Here is a comprehensive list of the main actors who defined the series, including those who anchored the revival, Criminal Minds: Evolution.
- Joe Mantegna (David Rossi): The veteran actor joined the series in Season 3, replacing Mandy Patinkin. He is a Tony Award winner and the current anchor of the BAU team, also serving as a director for several episodes.
- Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss): Known for her sharp wit and leadership, Brewster has been a fan favorite since Season 2. Outside of Criminal Minds, she is a prolific voice actress and comedian.
- Matthew Gray Gubler (Dr. Spencer Reid): The eccentric genius of the team, Gubler was one of the few actors to star in all 15 seasons of the original run. He is also a director, writer, and artist, known for his unique creative endeavors.
- A.J. Cook (Jennifer "JJ" Jareau): Starting as the media liaison, JJ evolved into a Supervisory Special Agent. Cook has maintained a consistent presence in the series and the revival, also exploring directorial roles.
- Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia): The technical analyst with a vibrant personality, Vangsness co-wrote several episodes and is known for her work in theatre and her distinctive style.
- Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan): The "hottie" of the team, Morgan left after Season 11 but remains one of the show's most iconic characters. He immediately transitioned to another major CBS procedural.
- Thomas Gibson (Aaron Hotchner): The stern unit chief, Hotchner was a central figure until his departure in Season 12. Gibson is known for his roles in Dharma & Greg and his serious dramatic work.
- Mandy Patinkin (Jason Gideon): The original senior agent and team leader, Patinkin left abruptly after Season 3. He is a highly acclaimed actor of stage and screen, known for roles in Homeland and The Princess Bride.
- Aisha Tyler (Dr. Tara Lewis): The forensic psychologist joined in Season 11. Tyler is a celebrated comedian, director, author, and host, bringing a wealth of experience to the set.
- Adam Rodriguez (Luke Alvez): A former Fugitive Task Force agent, Rodriguez joined in Season 12. He is also known for his roles in CSI: Miami and Magic Mike.
The Shocking New Career Paths of the 'Criminal Minds' Alumni
While the BAU team has reunited for the revival, several key actors are balancing their beloved roles with exciting and unexpected new projects in 2025. This proves the incredible versatility of the Criminal Minds cast.
Matthew Gray Gubler's New CBS Procedural: From BAU to 'Einstein'
The biggest news for fans of the eccentric Dr. Spencer Reid is the return of actor Matthew Gray Gubler to the CBS network, but not in his iconic role.
Gubler is set to star in a brand-new procedural drama called Einstein, which has been ordered to series for the 2025-2026 season.
In Einstein, Gubler will play a brilliant but rebellious physics professor who is forced to team up with a local police detective to help solve complex cases.
This new venture explains his limited, but highly anticipated, surprise cameo in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 (Season 18).
Shemar Moore Continues His Reign on 'S.W.A.T.'
Shemar Moore, who played Derek Morgan, has been the lead of the action-packed series S.W.A.T. since leaving the BAU.
Despite a brief cancellation scare, the show's dedicated fanbase and Moore's passionate advocacy led to a reversal, keeping him busy as Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson.
The actor has been vocal about his dedication, highlighting his commitment to the series in early 2025.
Joe Mantegna and Kirsten Vangsness's Diverse Side Projects
The current pillars of the BAU, Joe Mantegna (Rossi) and Kirsten Vangsness (Garcia), are also branching out into diverse side projects that showcase their range.
In April 2025, Mantegna lent his authoritative voice to narrate a new documentary titled PTSD: THE INVISIBLE, which addresses the struggles of veterans.
Vangsness, known for her theatre background, has been involved in a new theater and politics mash-up podcast called Nimrod — a brute-farce comedy in verse.
She also successfully used a Kickstarter campaign to help fund a new creative project, the film Kill Me, demonstrating her commitment to independent filmmaking.
The BAU is Back: Latest Updates on Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19
The most important news for fans is the confirmed return of the core team for the next season of the revival, often referred to as Season 19 of the overall series.
The Returning Core Cast
The entire main cast from the first two seasons of Evolution—Joe Mantegna (Rossi), Paget Brewster (Prentiss), A.J. Cook (JJ), Kirsten Vangsness (Garcia), Aisha Tyler (Lewis), Adam Rodriguez (Alvez), and Zach Gilford (Elias Voit)—are all confirmed to return.
Paget Brewster, who plays Emily Prentiss, provided a very positive update, confirming that filming for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4 (Season 19) wrapped in early September 2025.
This quick turnaround suggests a potential release window for the new season in late 2025 or early 2026.
A.J. Cook's New Role Behind the Camera
A.J. Cook, who portrays JJ Jareau, has revealed an exciting new dimension to her career: directing.
She expressed enthusiasm for the new challenge, stating that while acting remains her first love, directing is a close second.
Cook also mentioned the unique opportunity to team up with her on-screen husband, Josh Stewart (Will LaMontagne Jr.), on a new project, which has fans excited about their continued collaboration.
The Legacy of the BAU: Topical Authority and Entity Expansion
The world of Criminal Minds extends far beyond the main cast, involving a vast network of actors and characters that contribute to its "topical authority" as one of television's longest-running procedurals.
Tragic Losses: Remembering Cast Members
The extended family of the show has faced several losses over the years, including talented actors who played both BAU members and unsubs.
Notable mentions include Nicki Aycox, who played the recurring character of FBI Agent Alex Davis, and Luke Perry, who made a memorable guest appearance.
Key Recurring and Guest Entities
To fully appreciate the show's depth, it's important to recognize the key entities that frequently appeared alongside the main cast:
- Josh Stewart (Will LaMontagne Jr.): JJ's husband and a New Orleans Police Detective, a constant presence in JJ's life.
- Jane Lynch (Diana Reid): Dr. Spencer Reid's mother, whose storyline involving schizophrenia was a major emotional arc.
- Jayne Atkinson (Erin Strauss): The Section Chief who often clashed with the BAU team, appearing in many seasons.
- C. Thomas Howell (George Foyet, "The Reaper"): One of the most terrifying and recurring Unsubs in the series' history.
- Esai Morales (Mateo Cruz): The BAU Section Chief who succeeded Strauss.
The sheer number of talented actors who have passed through the doors of the BAU, whether as a series regular, a recurring character, or a chilling "unsub," solidifies Criminal Minds' status as a television phenomenon that continues to evolve and captivate its audience.
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