Criminal Minds Season 18: Cast, Release Date & Where to Watch

If you’ve been following the BAU team since the early 2000s, you know that Criminal Minds never quite stays buried. The latest season dropped on Paramount+ in May 2025, bringing back familiar faces and a few surprises.

Premiere date: May 8, 2025 on Paramount+ ·
International release: June 10, 2025 on Disney+ ·
Episode count: 10 ·
Finale: July 10, 2025 ·
Original series run: 2005–2020 (15 seasons)

Six key facts about the season, sourced directly from Paramount+:

Will there be a Criminal Minds 18?

Yes – the 18th season of the franchise, also marketed as Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, premiered on Thursday, May 8, 2025, exclusively on Paramount+ in the United States. New episodes drop weekly on Thursdays through the finale on July 10, 2025 (Paramount+ official news). The international release on Disney+ began June 10, 2025.

Criminal Minds season 18 release date and platform

The season streams exclusively on Paramount+ for US viewers. For international audiences, it’s available on Disney+ as of June 10, 2025. No Netflix release date has been announced.

Season 18 episode count and schedule

Paramount+ confirmed 10 episodes total. The season aired weekly with no breaks, ending July 10, 2025 (Paramount+ schedule details).

The implication: the revival is deepening its investment in the core cast, even as some familiar faces remain absent.

Are they making a season 19 of Criminal Minds?

Yes. Paramount+ has renewed the series for a 19th season. The official renewal was announced alongside the season 18 premiere (Paramount+ renewal confirmation).

Paramount+ has renewed the series for a 19th season.

Paramount+ official announcement

Official renewal status for season 19

Paramount+ states that Criminal Minds: Evolution will continue with a fourth season (season 19 overall). The renewal was confirmed in the same press release that announced the season 18 premiere date.

What to expect for JJ in season 19

Reports suggest that A.J. Cook’s character, Jennifer “J.J.” Jareau, will be part of a new grief storyline in season 19. While no official synopsis is available, this direction has been teased by the showrunners.

The pattern: the show is leaning into emotional arcs for its long-standing characters.

Will Spencer Reid be in season 18?

As of the official Paramount+ cast list for season 18, Matthew Gray Gubler is not included among the main or guest stars. The streamer’s news page lists Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Zach Gilford, Ryan-James Hatanaka, Adam Rodriguez, and Paget Brewster as the season’s cast (Paramount+ cast list). Reid’s status remains unconfirmed.

Matthew Gray Gubler’s return as Reid in Evolution

Despite rumors and fan speculation, no official announcement has been made. Given the low research confidence, it’s unclear whether Gubler will make an appearance. The pattern from earlier seasons suggests cameos are possible, but nothing is certain.

What this means: for now, the BAU team moves forward without its most beloved genius.

Where can I watch the 18th season of Criminal Minds?

In the United States, season 18 is only available on Paramount+. International viewers can stream it on Disney+ starting June 10, 2025. Amazon Prime Video offers the season for purchase as individual episodes or the full season (Paramount+ international info). Netflix has not yet announced a release date for season 18.

Streaming on Paramount+ in the US

The season is a Paramount+ exclusive in the US. A subscription is required.

Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video availability

Outside the US, Disney+ carries the season. Amazon Prime Video also offers it for purchase.

Netflix release date unknown

Netflix currently streams earlier seasons, but no date for season 18 has been set. The international deal with Disney+ may delay any Netflix arrival significantly.

The catch: the Disney+ window creates a fragmented global release pattern.

Did they change the actress for JJ in Criminal Minds?

No. A.J. Cook continues to play Jennifer “J.J.” Jareau in season 18 (Paramount+ cast list). She has portrayed the character since season 1.

A.J. Cook continues as Jennifer Jareau

Cook remains a main cast member. Her character has evolved from communications liaison to a profiler and mother.

Why was JJ removed from Criminal Minds in earlier seasons?

In season 6, Cook was written out due to budget cuts. She returned as a series regular in season 7 after fan outcry. This history is well documented in industry reports (Tier 2 sources) but not part of the official Paramount+ press material.

Is Prentiss’s hair a wig?

Yes. Paget Brewster has stated in interviews that she wears a wig as Emily Prentiss. She chose to let her natural gray hair show in public, but the character’s look requires the wig (Paramount+ behind-the-scenes).

Paget Brewster has stated in interviews that she wears a wig as Emily Prentiss. She chose to let her natural gray hair show in public, but the character’s look requires the wig.

Paget Brewster, as reported by Paramount+

Paget Brewster on going gray

Brewster has been open about her decision to embrace gray hair off-screen. The wig is a professional choice to maintain Prentiss’s established appearance.

The implication: the actor’s personal authenticity contrasts with the character’s polished look.

Fans eager for details on Spencer Reids long-awaited return can find a full episode guide and cast breakdown for the new season.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Criminal Minds on Paramount+ (official series hub)