The Real Reason Behind Thomas Gibson's Departure From Criminal Minds
Discover the truth behind Thomas Gibson's departure from the long-running series Criminal Minds. From on-set altercations to creative differences, find out why FBI Special Agent Aaron Hotchner was written out of the show.
The On-Set Controversy
Actors No One Wants To Work With
After 12 seasons, actor Thomas Gibson was fired from Criminal Minds, with FBI Special Agent Aaron Hotchner written out of the series. The Criminal Minds’ FBI cast revolved fairly often, with actors choosing to leave the long-lasting show behind to pursue outside interests, but this wasn’t the case for Thomas Gibson.
Hotch sits at his desk in Criminal Minds
Aaron Hotchner wasn’t officially written out until season 12, episode 6. Hotch left Criminal Minds because the character went into the Witness Protection Program after a serial killer stalked his son. He eventually chose to be a full-time father to Jack rather than return to the BAU.
Morgan and Hotch in the office in Criminal Minds.
In 2016, Thomas Gibson was suspended from the Criminal Minds cast due to an on-set physical altercation with one of the show’s writer-producers. After his suspension, Gibson made a public statement of regret for the incident, explaining the quarrel was based on creative differences surrounding a Criminal Minds episode he was directing.
Gideon and Hotch in Criminal Minds.
When Criminal Minds’ cast and crew made an official statement about the suspension, it was noted Gibson had previously gotten into a dispute with one of Criminal Minds’ assistant directors, after which he attended mandatory anger management counseling (via Deadline). CBS announced his termination on August 12, 2016.
Reid, Hotch and JJ in Criminal Minds season 2.
The Fallout and Aftermath
Thomas Gibson left Criminal Minds in 2016 because he was fired, and while there was a single incident that sparked his suspension, his on-set behavior had reportedly been problematic for a while. Since continuing his role as Agent Hotchner was still up for debate in the two weeks of his suspension, it makes sense it took four episodes to officially write out the character. The decision to fire Thomas Gibson from Criminal Minds was weighed with past instances of his volatile behavior, as many sources described his tendencies as anger-prone (via Variety).
Prentiss and Hotch in Criminal Minds
Following the termination, the actor has either taken a break from the screen or struggled to find roles. Since Criminal Minds season 12, Gibson has only appeared in two projects: The 2019 TV film Shadow Wolves and a voice role in the 2017 movie Axis, which was filmed before his termination.
Hotch and Reid aboard the BAU's jet in Criminal Minds
While Gibson’s firing may have been necessary for protecting the show’s on-set culture and the studio’s liability for repeated instances, Hotch leaving Criminal Minds presented creative issues for Criminal Minds. Hotchner’s exit coincided with another original Criminal Minds cast member leaving the series, as Derek Morgan actor Shemar Moore departed at the end of Criminal Minds season 11. Losing two of the last five remaining original Criminal Minds characters in such a short time risked a drop for the popular series. However, the series wouldn’t see a substantial decline in viewership until season 13.
Criminal Minds Evolution cast Tara, JJ, Rossi, and Garcia
The Future of Agent Hotchner
Since he wasn't killed off, there's no reason Agent Hotchner can't join the returning cast for Criminal Minds: Evolution, the Paramount+ reboot. The chances of Thomas Gibson returning to play him, however, are slim to none. Since there's no real narrative reason to reintroduce even a recast Hotchner, it's pretty safe to say that Gibson's legacy with the show is well and truly over. Gibson's fallout with the crew and other members of the Criminal Minds cast was a huge blow to the show and Gibson's reputation.
Thomas Gibson on Criminal Minds.
Thomas Gibson was allegedly volatile to the point of being violent on set. He also hasn't done any significant work since, so the studio has little incentive to rebuild those burned bridges for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, even if mediation and resolution were possible. Gibson left Criminal Minds in 2016, and while some cast and crew from that time have since left the show, many remain, and they would probably be unwilling to consider a Hotchner return. Since there's not really demand from Criminal Minds fans to see him back, the chances that Thomas Gibson will be among the returning BAU alumni in the Paramount+ reboot are more or less nonexistent.
