Matthew Gray Gubler, known for his iconic role as Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds, is officially returning to the screen for the third season of the revival series, Criminal Minds: Evolution. After much anticipation, fans of the show can look forward to seeing the beloved SSA make a return in part of an upcoming episode.
Return of Dr. Reid
Criminal Minds: Evolution has confirmed that Gubler will reprise his role as Dr. Spencer Reid, the brilliant yet socially awkward behavioral analyst who became a fan favorite over 15 seasons. His return was officially confirmed by Entertainment Weekly on December 12, 2024. The show, which recently wrapped production on its third season, will feature Gubler in a single episode, though the exact details of his involvement remain under wraps.
This marks an important moment for fans who have been hoping for the return of Dr. Reid, especially considering that Gubler was absent from the revival’s first two seasons. The news of his return has sparked excitement, as many felt that his absence was a missing piece from the new era of the show.
The Evolution of Criminal Minds
Criminal Minds originally aired its 15th and final season on CBS in 2020. The series concluded with what many thought would be the definitive end to the story. However, just two years later, in 2022, Criminal Minds: Evolution was announced as a revival on Paramount+, with several original cast members returning to continue the story in a new format.
Despite the absence of Gubler and several other notable cast members, the revival was met with positive reactions. Key stars from the original series, including Paget Brewster, Joe Mantegna, Kirsten Vangsness, A.J. Cook, and Aisha Tyler, returned, and the show continued to explore gripping procedural cases involving serial killers.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2022, longtime executive producer Erica Messer discussed the absence of Gubler and others, emphasizing that their characters were not gone for good. “Their desks will still have stuff on them. They haven’t gone away,” she explained. She also hinted that there were plans for potential returns, but it would ultimately depend on the actors’ schedules.
Gubler’s Absence and Post-Criminal Minds Career
While Gubler took a break from Criminal Minds: Evolution, he continued his acting career in other projects. He appeared in the film Horse Girl and also took on a recurring role in the Hulu series Dollface. His absence from the Criminal Minds revival left many fans questioning whether Dr. Reid would ever return. However, the character’s desk remained a notable presence on the show, filled with his personal items, signaling that Dr. Reid had not been entirely forgotten.
Now, with the announcement of Gubler’s return, fans can expect a much-awaited reunion with the character, offering a sense of closure and connection to the original series.
What to Expect in Season 3
While details about Dr. Reid’s storyline in Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 remain scarce, the return of Gubler is seen as a pivotal moment for the series. His character’s involvement could bring new layers to the ongoing narrative, and fans are eager to see how Dr. Reid’s return will fit into the current evolution of the show.
The third season of Criminal Minds: Evolution does not yet have a premiere date, but Gubler’s appearance will undoubtedly be one of its most anticipated moments.
For more updates on Criminal Minds: Evolution, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
