“Criminal Minds” has had a long run, with many of its stars leaving over the years. Some left for other projects, others due to personal reasons, and some moved on to new opportunities in their careers. Here’s a look at 10 stars from the show who left, and where they went afterward:
1. Mandy Patinkin (Jason Gideon)
- Departure: Mandy Patinkin left the show after Season 3, citing dissatisfaction with the direction of the series and the toll it was taking on his personal life.
- Where He Went: After leaving “Criminal Minds,” Patinkin went on to star in Homeland (2011–2016), where he played Saul Berenson, a role that earned him significant acclaim. He also had notable roles in films and on Broadway.
2. Thomas Gibson (Aaron Hotchner)
- Departure: Thomas Gibson was dismissed from the show after Season 12 due to an on-set altercation with a writer/producer. His character, Hotchner, was written off the series in the middle of Season 12.
- Where He Went: After his departure from “Criminal Minds,” Gibson appeared in the TV series Dharma & Greg (re-runs and later cameos) and starred in Fear of the Walking Dead in a guest role. He has also appeared in various film projects.
3. Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan)
- Departure: Shemar Moore left the show after Season 11 to pursue other opportunities and spend more time with family.
- Where He Went: Moore landed a lead role in S.W.A.T. (2017–present), a role that gave him a chance to further explore his action-star potential. He also starred in The Young and the Restless earlier in his career, and has appeared in several movies.
4. Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss)
- Departure: Brewster originally left after Season 6, but returned for Seasons 7 to 12 after a fan campaign. She left again after Season 12, as her character was no longer part of the core team.
- Where She Went: Brewster appeared in Make It or Break It and voiced various characters in animated series like Family Guy and American Dad. She also had guest roles in several other series, including The X-Files revival.
5. A.J. Cook (Jennifer “JJ” Jareau)
- Departure: A.J. Cook was let go during Season 6, but after fan backlash, she was brought back in Season 7. She remained on the show until the end.
- Where She Went: During her break from “Criminal Minds,” Cook appeared in the TV series Viva Laughlin and had guest roles in other series. After her return to “Criminal Minds,” she continued acting in various projects, including Criminal Minds: Evolution (2022).
6. Rachael Nichols (Ashley Seaver)
- Departure: Nichols joined the show as a regular in Season 6 as Ashley Seaver but was let go after only one season.
- Where She Went: Nichols went on to star in Continuum (2012–2015), a Canadian sci-fi series. She also had notable roles in movies like G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009) and Star Trek (2009).
7. Matthew Gray Gubler (Dr. Spencer Reid)
- Departure: Gubler is one of the few original cast members to stay with the show through its entire run, but after Season 16, his role was reduced significantly. As of Season 16, he has focused more on directing and producing.
- Where He Went: Gubler has continued to voice characters in Alvin and the Chipmunks, directed indie films like The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, and pursued his passion for art and photography.
8. Joe Mantegna (David Rossi)
- Departure: Mantegna has remained with the show for most of its duration, but by the end of Season 16, his appearances became less frequent as the series began winding down.
- Where He Went: Mantegna continued acting in TV shows and movies, notably as a voice actor for The Simpsons and in various guest appearances. He also maintains his career in stage performances and has appeared in TV movies and mini-series.
9. Kristen Vangsness (Penelope Garcia)
- Departure: Vangsness remained with the show through its entire run and continues her role in Criminal Minds: Evolution (2022).
- Where She Went: Kristen Vangsness had roles in theater and continued to appear in various TV shows. She also started writing, co-authoring a book and working on personal projects in addition to her acting career.
10. Catherine Bell (Sarah Smik)
- Departure: Bell had a guest role in the show, but she left after her season arc ended.
- Where She Went: Catherine Bell continued starring in movies and on TV, notably in JAG (1995-2005) and more recently in Good Witch (2015-2021).
These actors and actresses helped shape the iconic ensemble of “Criminal Minds,” with many of them going on to successful careers after their departures from the BAU.
