Why did Reid leave Criminal Minds?
Dr. Spencer Reid, portrayed by Matthew Gray Gubler, did not return for the 2022 revival series, Criminal Minds: Evolution, primarily due to scheduling conflicts.
Matthew Gray Gubler was a staple of the original Criminal Minds, starring as the brilliant Dr. Spencer Reid for all 15 seasons of the CBS series. His character, a genius with multiple PhDs and an eidetic memory, was a core member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) and a fan favorite.
Dr. Spencer Reid's Absence from Criminal Minds: Evolution
When Criminal Minds made its highly anticipated return in 2022 as Criminal Minds: Evolution on Paramount+, most of the original cast members reprised their roles. However, Matthew Gray Gubler was a notable absence, leaving many fans wondering why Dr. Reid was not part of the new chapter.
- Long Tenure: Gubler dedicated 15 years to the role of Dr. Spencer Reid, from the show's debut in 2005 until its conclusion in 2020. This extensive commitment made him one of the longest-serving actors on the series.
- Revival on Paramount+: Criminal Minds: Evolution aimed to continue the story with a more serialized format, delving deeper into the lives of the BAU agents as they tracked a network of serial killers.
- Reason for Not Returning: Gubler confirmed that his inability to join Criminal Minds: Evolution was due to pre-existing scheduling commitments. These external obligations prevented him from being available for filming the revival.
Within the show's narrative, Dr. Reid's absence, along with that of Agent Matt Simmons (portrayed by Daniel Henney), was explained by stating they were on "secret missions" elsewhere. This approach allowed the series to acknowledge their characters while keeping the door open for their potential return in future seasons, should Gubler's schedule permit.
Fans continue to hold out hope for Dr. Reid's eventual return to the BAU, given his profound impact on the series and the open-ended nature of his current whereabouts within the show's storyline.
