4 Clues That Reid Is Finally Returning In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2

Gubler Reunited With His Criminal Minds Co-Stars

Back in August 2023, Dave Rossi actor, Joe Mantegna shared an image of him reuniting with Gubler. The pair seemed like they were very excited to see each other, which was a treat for many long-time fans of Criminal Minds on CBS. This marked the first time that Gubler was spotted with his former co-stars since Criminal Minds: Evolution was announced by Paramount+. Not long after that, Gubler was next seen with Kirsten Vangsness. Like Mantegna, the Penelope Garcia actor documented her time with her ex-castmate, who was promoting his latest book, The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand.

Criminal Minds Reid

Neither Mantegna nor Vangsness said anything about Gubler reprising Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2. In fact, they never even mentioned anything about the Paramount+ police procedural. Despite that, the images suggest optimism that the BAU's golden boy will finally make an appearance in the next iteration of the Paramount+ project. It's difficult to imagine that the subject of Criminal Minds: Evolution wasn't at least brought up. The fact that Gubler clearly has a great relationship with her former Criminal Minds cohorts is a positive sign that it won't be difficult to rope him back as the fan-favorite, Spencer Reid.

Spencer Reid in Criminal Minds

Joe Mantegna and Kirsten Vangsness shared images with Matthew Gray Gubler, suggesting optimism for his return in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2.

Spencer Reid looks at the camera with a tilted head in Criminal Minds

Instagram article posted by joemantegna

Gubler’s Absence Reason Establishes That He Wants To Return

There was initially some confusion over the reason for Gubler skipping Criminal Minds: Evolution season 1. Originally, it was believed that it was the actor who turned down the opportunity to return as Spencer Reid because he wanted to focus on his other career ventures. After starring in the CBS series for 15 years, he wanted to try other things, which is totally understandable. Eventually, Criminal Minds: Evolution showrunner Erica Messer revealed that scheduling conflicts were the main culprit for Gubler's non-involvement. For the longest time, the actor remained mum on the matter. However, he finally addressed the matter in an interview.

Spencer Reid in Criminal Minds

Apparently, it boiled down to Gubler's schedule not lining up with the filming for Criminal Minds: Evolution season. 1. The actor made it clear that he is more than willing to step back into the shoes of Spencer Reid, but he wasn't able to participate during the revival's first year because of previous commitments. This means that if external factors finally work out, he is very interested in revisiting the police procedural show, resulting in Reid reuniting with his fellow BAU members in their next case.

Evolution S1 Confirms That Reid Is Still Part Of The BAU

There are several ways to bring back Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2. There's a straightforward path, reintegrating him into the BAU as a core member, or he can function as a consultant if Gubler can't commit to a 10-episode season. Regardless, the important thing is that it won't be difficult to explain his return, and that's thanks to Criminal Minds: Evolution season 1 clearly establishing that he remains an official member of the BAU. Messer revealed that this was actually a conscious creative decision on their part. That way, when Gubler can finally rejoin the series, they can simply pick up where he supposedly left off.

While his status with the BAU has been very clear, Criminal Minds: Evolution season 1 kept Reid's whereabouts as vague as possible. Not spending time to come up with a reason for his absence is actually a genius move because the show isn't forced to make a big deal out of Reid's expected return. At the very least, it suggests that Messer and her team have always believed that Gubler will eventually join the Paramount+ endeavor.

Criminal Minds: Evolution S2’s Delay Allows Reid’s Return

Criminal Minds: Evolution was supposed to return for its sophomore year in late 2023. However, just before production started for the new season, the Writers Guild Strike of 2023 went down. This indefinitely delayed the show, and although the WGA has already gotten their appropriate deal, work can still not kick-off for the police procedural and many other scripted series because the SAG-AFTRA protests are still ongoing. Because of this, no official release date has been set for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2. In fact, there still isn't a filming start date as that cannot be decided until the actors and studios.

Coming off of the release and the promotional schedule for his book, Gubler can finally figure out a schedule that will allow him to join the rest of the Criminal Minds: Evolution cast when they return to work for its sophomore year. The extended hiatus allowed the actor to prioritize his personal endeavor, otherwise, it's unlikely that he would have been able to participate in the show again. Had it stuck with its original production schedule, it would have overlapped with his activities for The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand.

This also increases the chances of Gubler becoming a series regular. It would be thrilling to see him back in the Criminal Minds world in any capacity, but being a core player is the ideal scenario. A better schedule will increase the chances of that happening because the actor will have more time to devote to Criminal Minds: Evolution.