Watch A Preview For The ‘Criminal Minds’ Premiere, Plus News, Tweets & Photos
14 min readTV Line shared a 30-second promo for the upcoming season eleven premiere of Criminal Minds. The episode, titled “The Job”, will air on Wednesday, September 30 at 9:00pm ET/PT. The preview offers fans a glimpse of Dr Tara Lewis, the new recurring character played by Aisha Tyler, who is helping to fill out the cast while AJ Cook (JJ Jareau) is on maternity leave. You can watch the preview below:
In addition to sharing the above clip, Executive Producer Erica Messer told TV Line that the season premiere involves a “twisted” case:
This UnSub does some, obviously, weird stuff to his victims, which includes painting their faces. And then we learn why he’s doing it, because he himself has a really hard-to-look-at face.
Messer recently spoke to TV Guide about season eleven, revealing that the show didn’t want to replace departing team member Kate Callahan (Jennifer Love Hewitt) outright. As previously reported, the show could re-introduce characters who have appeared over the course of the series, in order to fill the void. “I feel like when you look at 10 years of people we could bring back, it would be fun to do that,” Messer said.
One fan favorite who will not return during season eleven is Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss), who had scheduling conflicts due to her new show, Grandfathered. She was hoping to appear in a few episodes, but as she told TV Line:
A.J. called me and I said, ‘I think so, if we aren’t doing Grandfathered’ — at the time, I didn’t know if we were picked up [by Fox] — and it just didn’t work out, which was too bad because I love those guys. I love the writers, I’m still friends with everyone there…. But it just didn’t work out, which was a shame. I really wanted to do it!
Here’s a question from TV Line:
Question: Is the plan still to not replace Jennifer Love Hewitt on Criminal Minds? If so, any word on the actors/characters that will be rotating in? — psquared
Ausiello: As of Monday night, only Aisha Tyler — who is filling the brief void created by the tail end of JJ’s/A.J. Cook’s maternity leave — has been tapped to step in, showrunner Erica Messer told us, “and there’s still no one replacing Kate. But we’re looking forward to the opportunity to bring in other ‘good guys’ to be guest stars.” Perhaps even via a second stint by Tyler, who will exit when Cook returns. “We’d love to have her come play as often as possible, because she’s amazing and she fit right in with the cast,” Messer raves.
Tyler spoke to Entertainment Weekly about her character. “It’s great because I get to do field work, I get to run around, wear a vest, wear a gun,” she explained. “She’s someone who has gathered a lot of evidence about the psychological makeup of the sociopath and she’s now bringing that knowledge into the field to help catch bad guys.”
Matthew Gray Gubler (Dr Spencer Reid) told Zap2It that he’ll be back behind the camera this season, and the episode will involve a significant exit:
I am [directing]. There’s a special episode. I almost don’t want to give it away, but I might as well. It’s the departure of one of the regular team members.
Check out this question and answer from TV Line:
Is JJ’s husband Will coming back this season on Criminal Minds? We really miss him! –Patricia
There are currently no plans for Josh Stewart to reprise the role, “but [JJ and Will] just had the baby,” piggybacking on A.J. Cook’s real-life pregnancy, showrunner Erica Messer notes, “so he might show up in an episode” down the line.
And here’s a quote about the season eleven premiere, from EW.com:
Any info on Reid of Criminal Minds? — Miloune
He’ll have a big moment in the season premiere. “He gets to do a take down Reid style, which is just using his brain with a physical thing that’s really disturbing — you have to turn away,” executive producer Erica Messer says. “It’s not a standoff with a gun, it’s a Reid version of a takedown.”
TV Line offered this information about a guest star from season 10, and the potential return of Reid’s mother:
Question: Will Einstein return on Criminal Minds? –Emilie
Ausiello: There are no plans at this time to bring back the forensics whiz (played by Aquarius’ Candace Hammer) that Reid met in February — though Matthew Gray Gubler is currently “hopeful” that his brainiac lands a(ny) new girlfriend “in the future.” Alas, neither has the crime drama been able to follow through on its wish to revisit Reid’s mother, now that Hollywood Game Night host Jane Lynch also has a new comedy (Angel From Hell) on CBS’ fall chedule. As show boss Erica Messer laments: “We never seem able to get her!”
Criminal Minds Fans did an interview with new staff writer Erik Stiller, and here’s an excerpt:
TJ: What are you looking forward to most about this coming season, and can you tell us what you hope to contribute in your first year as a full-time writer?
ES: Sure, I think all the writers bring different perspectives and different experiences. I want to do the sports, art, and being a father background into the perspective. I’m hoping that’s what I’m able to contribute. Because I’m the new person, I can ask questions that may not get asked otherwise. “Why, why is this happening? And everyone in the room is super cool about filling me in and saying ‘and now we’re able to kind of step it out.’
To me, I’m just thrilled to be able to contribute in that way, and bring my own kind of Midwestern blue collar background to the process along with a parental perspective, and some of the art stuff has leaked into one of the episodes we’re doing. Being in the room – it’s a different muscle. It took a little bit to kind of see where do I fit in in that, and I’m still figuring it out. Being in this constant conversation with people and just figuring out where you fit in. It’s been really cool.
Here are several photos of Cook’s new son Phoenix Sky Andersen, along with her husband Nathan and older son Mekhai (Henry LaMontagne):
Gubler recently took Vanity Fair on a tour of his home, and you can watch a video below:
Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan) spoke to People about his mother Marilyn’s battle with multiple sclerosis, and his own work to help find a cure. “My love for my mom is real and I want her to beat this damn thing,” he said. “She’s my Super Woman and she needs to know that someone is out there fighting for her at all times.” Here are some photos and a video from the National MS Society’s Dinner of Champions this past Thursday, August 27, featuring Moore, his mother, costars Joe Mantegna (David Rossi) and Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia) and several Minds crew members:
MS Dinner Of Champions with @johnhatchitt @JoeMantegna @shemarmoore @Vangsness it was a great night. pic.twitter.com/e2EZgWSMqv
— Dayne Johnson (@Dayne9165) August 28, 2015
At MS Dinner of Champions honoring @shemarmoore pic.twitter.com/E0aToCALsu
— Sharon Lee Watson (@sleewatson) August 28, 2015
Shemar Moore giving a 56k donation! pic.twitter.com/6PbR7uevE4
— Sharon Lee Watson (@sleewatson) August 28, 2015
Celebrating with Erica Messer pic.twitter.com/zGHZQveIB2
— Sharon Lee Watson (@sleewatson) August 28, 2015
… And Breen Frazier pic.twitter.com/FtjW8jgp5C
— Sharon Lee Watson (@sleewatson) August 28, 2015
Hanging out with the lovely @Vangsness and Karen Maser pic.twitter.com/HRDzA19MoF
— Sharon Lee Watson (@sleewatson) August 28, 2015
@shemarmoore at the MS Dinner of Champions. #criminalminds pic.twitter.com/EYgDdeOZ4S
— Karen E. Maser (@KarenMaser) August 28, 2015
@JoeMantegna gives the MS Dinner of Champions award to @shemarmoore. pic.twitter.com/PBrAaDBhzJ
— Karen E. Maser (@KarenMaser) August 28, 2015
You can watch the season 10 blooper reel below:
Finally, check out this collection of 64 tweets and photos, which have been shared by the cast and crew over the past four weeks, followed by five videos:
@Cheekv @shemarmoore @JoeMantegna @NFL enjoyed my time on set Joe let me put somin special 4 my @dallascowboys. Lets break rating box Oct 14
— Michael Irvin (@michaelirvin88) August 5, 2015
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) August 6, 2015
Directing Michael Irvin in @CrimMinds_CBS #stupidspellcheck pic.twitter.com/l4QAYpb6hi
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) August 6, 2015
Go get them Thomas! mCM_SetReport pic.twitter.com/VUpUm1fC9O
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) August 6, 2015
Day 6 pic.twitter.com/zIvGPrUYOC
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) August 6, 2015
Details matter. #CriminalMinds #SeasonXI #setlife pic.twitter.com/fy6KzVP1gf
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 6, 2015
What a perfectly creepy place to dump a body, right? #CriminalMinds pic.twitter.com/kvYnpdjOCR
— Karen E. Maser (@KarenMaser) August 6, 2015
On set at @CrimMinds_CBS. Looking for that #unsub. And maybe my partner, Shaft. pic.twitter.com/8tIM6itIew
— Aisha Tyler (@aishatyler) August 6, 2015
@SpiresDarcy contemplating the next shot in this cool lil arboretum today. pic.twitter.com/2I3cPuAUj5
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 7, 2015
Mini joe is flexy sexy! I gnomeinate him to replace the gnome cuz wherever you go there he is @JoeMantegna @PamLeonte pic.twitter.com/8dDBFDZLmv
— BJ ROGERS (@bijerogers) August 7, 2015
Liz Graham aka Fabu script supervisor wanted on the set of Criminal Minds @scriptclay @CM_SetReport @CriMiFeed pic.twitter.com/2ND2sQeG1m
— Pam Leonte (@PamLeonte) August 7, 2015
This was made and sent to me by a fan. Are the others getting one too? pic.twitter.com/yFftBr4UmM
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) August 7, 2015
Joe Mantegna is back behind the camera directing! #CriminalMinds #setlife #SeasonXI @JoeMantegna @PamLeonte pic.twitter.com/TCTyw3PaI1
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 7, 2015
Final day of shooting #CriminalMinds Ep. 1103. ???? @VirgilWilliams, you're up next!
— Karen E. Maser (@KarenMaser) August 10, 2015
@Vangsness Here's Garcia getting ready for the first scene of the day! #CriminalMinds @CrimMinds_CBS pic.twitter.com/05Le83pZQg
— Karen E. Maser (@KarenMaser) August 10, 2015
That's a wrap! pic.twitter.com/8ihinos5kf
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) August 11, 2015
My director @larryteng brought his crash helmet. It's gettin' real out here. #CriminalMinds #livingthedream pic.twitter.com/N8PgkbBeiE
— Virgil Williams (@VirgilWilliams) August 11, 2015
Talking with my agent, the one and only Jack Gilardi. pic.twitter.com/Z5MzEDYPIA
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) August 11, 2015
Sneak peak of the Oct cover of Urban Tractor Mechanic. pic.twitter.com/R8osGUKyRR
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 12, 2015
When production comes to a halt. U can always count on a rock throwing contest. pic.twitter.com/6sQ47gDHsL
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 12, 2015
A lil BTS shot of @SpiresDarcy yesterday.#catchingthemoment #hardestworkeronthecrew pic.twitter.com/ns1BOcISPe
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 12, 2015
One is not like the other. #criminalminds #setlife #SeasonXI pic.twitter.com/F3eFiGKpqt
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 13, 2015
Man it sure is hot out here on set. The crew is burning up. #CriminalMinds pic.twitter.com/cXmgDxnzEx
— Virgil Williams (@VirgilWilliams) August 17, 2015
#blessings Joining #CriminalMinds cast for an ep this fall! World meets Tara #AishaTyler 's fiance Doug #RobKirkland pic.twitter.com/HnydkmMTsa
— Rob Kirkland (@ThatRobKirkland) August 18, 2015
Looking for them #unsubs. #whatididthissummer @CrimMinds_CBS #teamgoals pic.twitter.com/9X0BTTrN2v
— Aisha Tyler (@aishatyler) August 19, 2015
@severeCMaddict Thomas Gibson is 1105 & Felix Alcala #6
— Liz Graham (@scriptclay) August 19, 2015
Last week on location with the crew! Lucky me! #CriminalMinds #setlife pic.twitter.com/QSUudEib3B
— Liz Graham (@scriptclay) August 19, 2015
How lucky are we to have @aishatyler on set for #SeasonXI?!? #CriminalMinds #setlife #AishaTyler pic.twitter.com/wnwjAk3p9W
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 19, 2015
@severeCMaddict "The Night Watch"
— Liz Graham (@scriptclay) August 19, 2015
Just another day on Set #setlife @CM_SetReport pic.twitter.com/2evfI81hrr
— Liz Graham (@scriptclay) August 20, 2015
The beauty you miss by not attending on Sunday's. pic.twitter.com/TqcvMeElUJ
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 20, 2015
The work to create the look.#hmi'swithsmoke2createshafts. pic.twitter.com/34wISyLgM3
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 20, 2015
Kicking it with Joe and Thomas between takes. After this, pillow fight! @CrimMinds_CBS pic.twitter.com/EFJH29RhoF
— Aisha Tyler (@aishatyler) August 20, 2015
Something's just don't belong in Sunday Get-togethers.#Fleabag pic.twitter.com/trAK4hAgkF
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 20, 2015
@smonroetaylor + @JesseLuken = bad ass UnSubs. #CriminalMinds pic.twitter.com/8B6sB1JJRu
— Virgil Williams (@VirgilWilliams) August 21, 2015
No smoking on set. #criminalminds #seasonXI #setlife pic.twitter.com/aaRgB0tDjQ
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 21, 2015
Hotch and Lewis on the case. @CrimMinds_CBS #squadgoals pic.twitter.com/MBZmfWDE7Y
— Aisha Tyler (@aishatyler) August 22, 2015
Sometimes less light is better.#day1ofNightWatch pic.twitter.com/pJ7KlfWmnd
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 22, 2015
More less is more…. pic.twitter.com/AaK48JDw7Q
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 22, 2015
Guess the Rats in DTLA are bigger then we thought. pic.twitter.com/Pka3iwLWUE
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 22, 2015
Happy Friday All, fun times being had by all. pic.twitter.com/j2xY6Sxg2Z
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 22, 2015
Oh the fun we have on Friday Nights in dtla.#readytogohome #Ihearmybedcallingme pic.twitter.com/8QlxMIZ361
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 22, 2015
3 weeks from tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/0bHeT1sHPk
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) August 22, 2015
@DebbyBrown17 Right now just Joe and Thomas from core cast. I play lousy. It's team golf thank God.
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) August 22, 2015
Rooftop fun to start the day. pic.twitter.com/8uFspvfhBQ
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 25, 2015
Nice photo @SpiresDarcy, see there are times when I work. Not hard but work nevertheless. pic.twitter.com/FGlF9BID8f
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) August 25, 2015
Check out our new set security. #setlife #CRIMINALMINDS #SeasonXI @lunanoel pic.twitter.com/e3vU1pmQFr
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 27, 2015
Feeling mighty this Monday? #criminalminds #seasonXI #setlife pic.twitter.com/4B9AX5jVPF
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 31, 2015
Infinite fan mail. #criminalminds #seasonXI #setlife pic.twitter.com/O7MEqVE7Nq
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 1, 2015
Big thanks to my uber talented costar @aishatyler and director #ThomasGibson ! #CRIMINALMINDS #season11 pic.twitter.com/S7Kg4rotk9
— Rob Kirkland (@ThatRobKirkland) August 28, 2015
"Gone 'til November…" That's a wrap! Big thanks to this great cast & crew! #CRIMINALMINDS #season11 #episode238 pic.twitter.com/KCQWDVv7gC
— Rob Kirkland (@ThatRobKirkland) August 28, 2015
And here are the videos: