After 5 Years, Criminal Minds' Most Beloved Character Is Finally Confirmed to Return
It's hard to find a character that fans have been waiting for more than Matthew Gray Gubler's Dr. Reid. Paget Brewster has finally confirmed his return, here are all the details you need to know.
Matthew Gray Gubler didn't return to Criminal Minds: Evolution to pursue other creative projects, but viewers have always hoped that Dr. Reid would return, at least in a cameo.
With various characters mentioning him or thinking about asking him for his expertise, it could have been a sign that Reid would return in later seasons – and now we know that he definitely will.
Paget Brewster Confirmed Matthew Gray Gubler's Return to Evolution
Recently, Paget Brewster, who plays Emily Prentiss, officially confirmed that Matthew Gray Gubler will appear in one of the episodes of Season 18. The actress told TV Insider:
“You'll see Prentiss and Reid pick up where they left off. Reid was a very big part of the team. Unfortunately, he's not back for good, but he does come back to the team when he is needed, and that, I think, is something that the fans are going to be really excited about.”
Dr. Reid's Return Could Help Boost Criminal Minds: Evolution Ratings
And fans will definitely be excited, as it would be hard to find another Criminal Minds character that viewers adore more. The return of Dr. Reid could also very well boost the show's ratings.
Some viewers stopped watching the show after Season 15 when Criminal Minds went through revival. The return of Matthew Gray Gubler will probably draw those who were disappointed with the last few seasons back to their screens. Reddit user willrobster16 wrote:
“Reid coming back for 2 minutes isn't worth watching the show anymore for me but I'll definitely watch his scene!”
Matthew Gray Gubler Was Busy With Other Projects
Back in 2024, Matthew Gray Gubler addressed why he didn't return to Evolution in an interview with The Six O'Clock Show:
“They did a newer spin-off of the show, but it was filming during a time when I was shooting something else. But I can't wait – hopefully it will soon work out.”
Gubler has been busy with the upcoming series Einstein for CBS, whose pilot recently wrapped filming. The show was greenlit, but its release was pushed back from 2025 to 2026, forcing one of its stars, Rosa Salazar, to leave the project.
Matthew Gray Gubler is also a producer on Einstein, starring as a great-grandson of the great scientist who gets in trouble and is forced to help a local detective solve complex cases.
