After 19 seasons, Criminal Minds continues to surprise viewers with major character deaths, and the revival Criminal Minds: Evolution has added even more emotional twists. The long-running CBS procedural, which began in 2005, follows FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit profilers as they track down fictional criminals using behavioral analysis and investigative psychology. After ending in 2020, the franchise returned on Paramount+ with many familiar faces, including Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster. Other beloved characters, including Matthew Gray Gubler’s Reid, have appeared in cameos, keeping the connection to the original series alive.
Showrunner Erica Messer recently acknowledged that the creative team cannot fully prepare audiences for the loss of a beloved character. Speaking in May 2026, she suggested the series may offer viewers a brief break from the constant emotional shocks, though she made clear that no death feels easy when it involves a fan favorite. Adam Rodriguez, who plays Luke Alvez, has also spoken warmly about the show’s atmosphere and the importance of finding meaningful storylines that do not rely only on sacrificing characters for drama. He said the cast loves working on the series and hopes it continues for a long time, while also noting that new developments can give the show added depth and keep fans invested.
Over the years, Criminal Minds has built a reputation for devastating exits. One of the most memorable came when Haley Hotchner was killed by serial killer George Foyet, known as The Reaper, in a scene that left viewers watching the tragedy unfold over the phone. Reid’s partner Maeve was also taken from him after her stalker murdered her in season 8, cutting short one of the show’s most emotional storylines. Another major off-screen loss involved Gideon, played by Mandy Patinkin, whose character was later revealed to have been murdered by a serial killer connected to an earlier case. Strauss, despite a complicated relationship with the BAU, became another tragic casualty when The Replicator poisoned her. More recently, Will, the recurring character played by Josh Stewart, died in a 2025 episode after collapsing following a headache, ending a role he had played since 2007.
The revival has continued this tradition of heartbreak. In a May 2026 episode, Luke was dealing with a personal loss while assisting the BAU on a case, and by the end of the two-part premiere, viewers learned that his dog, Roxy, had been put down. While not a human character death, the moment underscored how Criminal Minds still uses grief and loss to shape its storytelling. Across both the original series and the revival, the show has remained committed to emotional stakes, shocking turns and the painful consequences that come with the BAU’s dangerous work.
