Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 is set to return with a mix of established stars, returning favorites, and several new guest appearances, including Heated Rivalry breakout Connor Storrie. Showrunner Erica Messer said Storrie was cast months before the hockey romance series premiered in November 2025, meaning the Criminal Minds team did not recruit him after his sudden rise in popularity. Instead, his casting happened during the summer, and by the time production wrapped in September, Heated Rivalry had not yet aired. Messer said the cast and crew were later thrilled to see Storrie become a major name soon afterward.
Storrie will not appear for just one episode. Messer confirmed that his character will be featured across four episodes in the new season, making him a significant recurring presence rather than a brief cameo. While the show has not revealed many details about his role, the trailers only show him in a tense, scream-filled moment, leaving his character’s storyline unclear. Based on the limited footage, viewers can expect either a dangerous antagonist or someone caught in a dangerous situation.
Season 19 continues Evolution’s tradition of bringing in a strong supporting lineup alongside its core BAU ensemble. Messer described the season as “insane,” pointing to a guest cast that includes Jeri Ryan, Jamison Jones, Rob Yang, Dash Mihok, Paul F. Tompkins, Justin Kirk, Joseph Cross, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Clark Gregg. She also suggested that even more guest casting may not yet have been publicly announced, adding to the scale of the season’s roster.
The new season also keeps its focus on Zach Gilford’s Voit, whose role will continue to evolve as he remains tied to the BAU’s wider orbit. That storyline is expected to be a major part of the season’s direction, alongside the influx of guest stars and new threats. The series has long relied on a blend of familiar faces and rotating guests, and Season 19 appears to continue that formula with added momentum from Storrie’s growing profile.
Although fans may hope for appearances from past series regulars such as Shemar Moore or Matthew Gray Gubler, they were not included in the names Messer discussed for the season’s guest list. Still, the combination of returning cast members, high-profile guest stars, and Storrie’s breakout recognition has made Season 19 one of the most anticipated installments of the Paramount+ thriller.
Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 19 premieres Thursday, May 28, on Paramount+.
