Criminal Minds: Evolution is a continuation of the original Criminal Minds series, which aired on CBS from 2005 to 2020. A little over two years after the show finished its network run, new episodes of the series landed on Paramount Plus with the Evolution tag and a decidedly grittier spin on the already dark FBI drama. Most of the original cast (including Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, AJ Cook, Adam Rodriguez, Aisha Tyler, and Kirsten Vangsness) return once again for the show’s third outing as a streaming exclusive.
Season 18 (or Season 3, depending on where you look) kicks off just six months after the events of last season and finds the BAU reckoning with the fallout of the attack on Elias Voit (Zach Gilford). But this time, they’re forced to work alongside him as they attempt to put a stop to his followers. While the drama of the new season is shaping up to be a can’t-miss storyline, perhaps the most talked-about aspect of the new season is the (temporary) return of Matthew Gray-Gubler as Dr. Spencer Reid. According to Entertainment Weekly, he’ll be returning for a “big life thing.”
Whether you’re a new or old fan, we’ve got you covered when it comes to streaming the new season. Keep reading for details on where to watch Season 18 and a look at the new trailer.
How to watch Criminal Minds: Evolution in the US
The new season of Criminal Minds: Evolution streams on Paramount Plus in the US. Season 18 will premiere with one episode on Thursday, May 8. New episodes drop weekly on Thursdays, typically around 12 a.m. PT / 3 a.m. ET. Paramount Plus is the streaming home to the past 17 seasons of Criminal Minds, making it a must-have streamer for all BAU fans. Subscriptions start at $8/month for the ad-supported tier, but you can upgrade to ad-free viewing for $13/month. New users can usually get a one-week free trial.
How to watch Criminal Minds: Evolution in the UK
Although Paramount Plus exists overseas, the international streaming home for Criminal Minds: Evolution is, for the most part, on Disney Plus. We expect the new season to land on Disney Plus in the UK, although an exact release date hasn’t been announced. Last year, the new season became available in the UK one week after it started streaming in the US. Plans start at £5/month.
How to watch Criminal Minds: Evolution in Australia
As in the UK, Criminal Minds: Evolution is also expected to land on Disney Plus in Australia. Last season, new episodes became available in Australia within a day after dropping in the US. Subscriptions start at AU$14/month.
How to watch Criminal Minds: Evolution from anywhere
Fans traveling away from home can still access their usual streaming methods with the help of a VPN, or virtual private network. VPNs are cybersecurity tools that enable you to alter your device’s virtual location. This way, you don’t need to miss out on any new episodes while abroad since your go-to websites and apps will work just like they would back home. The services we’ve highlighted require country-specific payment methods, so this option is best for those who are simply away from home at the moment.
If you already have a Disney Plus subscription in your country, but the show remains on a different service, you can use a VPN to watch one of the above countries’ content catalogs with your existing subscription once the show lands there.
Not sure where to start when it comes to VPNs? Our top recommendation is ExpressVPN, a user-friendly option with a full suite of security features. Plus, the app comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there are no worries if you find that it’s not what you’re looking for. You can learn more about it in our ExpressVPN review.
Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 trailer
Paramount Plus dropped a full trailer for the new season in April. It’s action-packed and shows some of what the team has to deal with this season, including Voit. JJ, in particular, appears to be grappling with a lot. In one quick shot, she is seen getting slapped across the face by an older woman. “People think this job is about staring down evil, but it’s not,” Unit Chief Prentiss tells BAU newbie Tyler Green partway through the trailer. “It’s about loss.”
