When Criminal Minds premiered back on Sept. 22, 2005, the riveting crime drama had all the makings of a hit show. The series quickly became popular, and nearly a decade and a half later, a whopping 300-plus episodes have been filmed to date. But all good things must come to a close, including Criminal Minds. The show is ending with a 10-episode final season. Say it ain’t so!
Don’t get upset right away, though — no series finale is airing this year. Creators confirmed on Twitter that season 14 of Criminal Minds will premiere as scheduled.
“Hey, #CriminalMinds fans — we’ve got big news. First, mark your calendar for the Season 14 finale, Feb 6 at 10/9c.”
But then they dropped the bomb: The 2019-2020 season will be Criminal Minds‘ last.
“Next, get ready for a momentous ride: Season 15 will be our epic final season.” The tweet was accompanied by a cast photo.
Hey, #CriminalMinds fans—we've got big news. First, mark your calendar for the Season 14 finale, Feb 6 at 10/9c. Next, get ready for a momentous ride: Season 15 will be our epic final season. pic.twitter.com/7ASK0pgf2n
— Criminal Minds: Evolution (@criminalminds) January 11, 2019
Amy Reisenbach, CBS’ executive vice president of current programs, told Deadline that Criminal Minds “is the quintessential CBS hit… it speaks to everything we do best, which is air quality television. It’s been successful not only on air but online, in syndication, internationally for ABC (Studios).”
She went on to add that “we [CBS] are so proud to have aired it.”
When it reaches 15 seasons, Criminal Minds will be one of the longest-running scripted television shows of all time, matching NBC’s ER and CBS’ CSI. In fact, according to Deadline, the only shows with longer runs are Gunsmoke, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, NCIS and Grey’s Anatomy. That’s quite an esteemed group. And when Criminal Minds ends next year, series creators will have produced 325 episodes.
So get ready, Criminal Minds’ fans, because there are only a hefty handful of episodes left before you say goodbye to this television favorite for good. Hey, at least there are always reruns (and streaming options!) to fill the void.
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