As Criminal Minds: Evolution continues to captivate audiences with its third season on Paramount+, fans are already buzzing with excitement for Season 4, which has been officially confirmed. With Season 3 currently airing and delivering intense storylines, the confirmation of a fourth season has sparked widespread curiosity about its release schedule, returning cast members, and the potential direction of its plot. In this article, we’ll dive into what we know so far about Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4, explore the expectations of fans, and speculate on what lies ahead for the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU).

A Brief Recap of Criminal Minds: Evolution and Its Journey So Far

Criminal Minds: Evolution is a revival of the beloved CBS series Criminal Minds, which originally aired from 2005 to 2020, spanning 15 seasons. The reboot, which premiered on Paramount+ in 2022, brought a darker, more serialized format to the procedural drama, focusing on the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit as they tackle complex cases involving serial killers and criminal masterminds. Unlike the episodic nature of the original series, Evolution leans heavily into overarching narratives, offering a grittier take on the BAU’s investigations.

Season 3 (also referred to as Season 18 in the broader Criminal Minds timeline) premiered on May 8, 2025, and has already delivered shocking twists, including the death of Will LaMontagne, the husband of Special Agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, played by AConsensus among fans and critics alike has been that the show continues to evolve, with Season 3 exploring themes of grief, particularly through JJ’s storyline following Will’s death. The season also saw the brief return of fan-favorite character Dr. Spencer Reid, portrayed by Matthew Gray Gubler, which has reignited hope for more appearances in future episodes. With Season 3 airing weekly on Thursdays and set to conclude on July 10, 2025, the anticipation for Season 4 is palpable.

Release Schedule: When Can We Expect Season 4?

While an exact premiere date for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4 has not yet been announced by Paramount+, we can make some educated guesses based on the production timeline and the release patterns of previous seasons. According to a recent update from Paget Brewster, who plays Emily Prentiss, filming for Season 4 began in May 2025. Brewster shared this news via a post on X in March 2025, mentioning her recovery from an elbow fracture and her preparations for the upcoming season. Additionally, Kirsten Vangsness, who portrays Penelope Garcia, confirmed on May 16, 2025, through a TikTok video from the set that the cast was back together to film the next installment.

Given that filming has already started, we can look at the production and release timeline of Season 3 for clues. Season 3 began filming in late 2024 and premiered on May 8, 2025, suggesting a production-to-release window of approximately six to eight months. If Season 4 follows a similar schedule, filming that began in May 2025 could lead to a premiere as early as late 2025—potentially November or December—or more likely in early 2026, around January or February. This timeline aligns with Paramount+’s tendency to release new seasons of its flagship shows during key viewing periods, such as the start of a new year when audiences are eager for fresh content.

New episodes are expected to drop weekly on Thursdays, consistent with the release schedule of Season 3, which typically airs at 12 a.m. PT / 3 a.m. ET. Given that Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 consists of 10 episodes, it’s reasonable to expect Season 4 will also feature a similar episode count, maintaining the tighter, more serialized format that has distinguished the reboot from its CBS predecessor.

Returning Cast: Who Will Be Back for Season 4?

One of the biggest draws of Criminal Minds: Evolution has been the return of many original cast members, which has provided a sense of continuity and nostalgia for longtime fans. Based on the current season and production updates, we can anticipate the following actors and characters returning for Season 4:

A.J. Cook as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau: JJ’s arc in Season 3 has been emotionally charged, with the death of her husband Will setting the stage for a deeper exploration of grief. Cook has shared in interviews that Prentiss will serve as JJ’s rock this season, suggesting that their relationship will continue to evolve in Season 4 as JJ navigates her loss.
Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss: As the leader of the BAU, Prentiss has been a steady presence, and Brewster’s commitment to the role—despite her recent injury—ensures her return. Her character’s dynamic with JJ and her suspicions about Elias Voit’s plans will likely play a significant role in the upcoming season.
Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia: Garcia remains the heart of the team, and Vangsness’s enthusiasm for the show’s continuation, as seen in her TikTok update, confirms her involvement in Season 4. Fans can expect more of Garcia’s signature humor and emotional depth.
Joe Mantegna as David Rossi: Rossi’s history with Voit and his personal struggles, including hallucinations in Season 2, have added layers to his character. Mantegna’s long tenure with the franchise makes his return a certainty.
Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis: Tyler’s portrayal of the forensic psychologist has been a welcome addition to the team, and her expertise will likely be crucial in tackling new cases in Season 4.
Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez: Rodriguez, who joined the series in Season 12, has become a fan favorite, and his comments about the Season 3 finale being “surprising and memorable” hint at potential cliffhangers that will carry over into the next season.

A major question mark remains around Matthew Gray Gubler’s Dr. Spencer Reid. Gubler made a brief appearance in Season 3, Episode 3, which has fueled speculation about his future involvement. While he is not expected to return as a series regular, the door remains open for additional guest appearances, especially given the emotional weight of JJ’s storyline and the potential for a memorial service or other significant event to bring Reid back into the fold. Showrunner Erica Messer has teased that Reid’s return may be tied to “big life things,” which could align with the aftermath of Will’s death or another pivotal moment for the BAU.

Plot Expectations: What Will Season 4 Bring?

With Season 3 delving into the aftermath of Voit’s attack and the reactivation of his network of followers, Season 4 is poised to escalate the stakes even further. The serialized nature of Evolution means that unresolved plot threads from Season 3 will likely carry over, particularly Voit’s schemes and the BAU’s efforts to dismantle his influence. Rossi and Prentiss have already expressed concerns about a larger plan involving Voit’s online acolytes, suggesting that Season 4 could explore a broader conspiracy or a new wave of killers inspired by Voit’s ideology.

Additionally, JJ’s grief will likely remain a central theme, as hinted by A.J. Cook in a recent interview with ScreenRant. The exploration of her emotional journey could lead to new dynamics within the team, especially if JJ throws herself into work to cope with her loss, potentially mirroring Rossi’s own struggles in past seasons. This personal angle, combined with the procedural elements of the BAU’s investigations, has been a hallmark of Evolution’s success, and fans can expect a similar balance in Season 4.

Another potential storyline involves the return of other original characters, such as Derek Morgan, played by Shemar Moore. While not confirmed, the possibility of Morgan’s return—perhaps to support JJ or confront Voit—has been a topic of fan speculation, especially given Moore’s recent interactions with Joe Mantegna. Such a reunion would add an extra layer of emotional resonance to the season, further solidifying the “family dynamic” that Vangsness has emphasized as a key reason for the show’s enduring popularity.

Finally, Season 4 may introduce new antagonists to keep the BAU on their toes. The “Zookeeper” episode in Season 3 proved that the show can still deliver compelling one-off killers, and the trailer for Season 3 hinted at eerie, white-masked figures, suggesting a potential cult or group dynamic for the next season. With the BAU facing both external threats and internal challenges, Season 4 promises to be a thrilling ride.

Fan Expectations and Why It Matters

The confirmation of Season 4 ahead of Season 3’s premiere reflects Paramount+’s confidence in Criminal Minds: Evolution’s ability to retain its audience. Fans have expressed excitement over the return of beloved characters, the serialized storytelling, and the darker tone of the reboot. On platforms like X, viewers have shared their hopes for more Reid, deeper character development, and shocking plot twists that keep them on the edge of their seats.

For many, Criminal Minds: Evolution is more than just a crime drama—it’s a story about resilience, teamwork, and the enduring bonds of the BAU. As the show approaches its 20th year since its original premiere, Season 4 represents an opportunity to honor that legacy while pushing the narrative into bold new territory. Whether it’s through JJ’s journey, Voit’s machinations, or the potential return of more fan-favorite characters, Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4 is shaping up to be a must-watch for longtime fans and newcomers alike.