Jane Lynch Returns To ‘Criminal Minds’, Plus More News, Tweets & Photos
17 min readAccording to TV Guide, the upcoming twelfth season of Criminal Minds will feature the return of Jane Lynch as Diana Reid, the mother of Dr Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler). She’ll appear in two episodes scheduled to air in early 2017, starting with episode 11, as part of a “heavy Reid story.” Here’s a quote from Executive Producer Erica Messer:
We’re really excited. It’s a fun Reid story and she’s really excited to come back and reprise her role. She’s been a busy lady and we’re still here, so we’re happy to be able to offer that opportunity for her to come back.
Messer spoke to TV Line about season 12, including this comment about Luke Alvez, the new character played by Adam Rodriguez:
The fun thing about that character is, not that he’s a new [Derek], but what is Garcia going to think of the new guy? There’s something real in the workplace environment where a friend leaves and you’re like, ‘I’ll never love anyone the way I loved that friend,’ so she has to warm up to him.
Rodriguez used to play Eric Delko on another CBS crime drama, CSI: Miami, which made him a good fit for Criminal Minds. As Messer told TV Insider, “Adam’s our missing piece. The show’s criminal profiling dialogue isn’t easy, but because of his history, he sells it without question.”
Here’s a video featuring Rodriguez, shared by CBS:
Rodriguez did a photoshoot for CBS Watch! Magazine back in July, and you can find the scans here. You can also read a segment of the interview below:
Is it intimidating to be the new guy in a series with such a long-standing cast?
I love the feeling of butterflies about anything. I can’t call it anxiousness, because it’s not anxiety. But when I have that feeling, I have to run toward it—whether it’s meeting my wife or joining the cast of a hit show and being the new character [to replace a departed one]. I love the challenge of it. And I’ve been on the other side of it—when I left CSI after season 7, there was someone who came to replace my character.
Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia) did an interview with #NerdProblems last month, in which she discussed season 12 and recent cast changes. Here’s an excerpt:
KRISTIN: There have been quite a few changes over the years as we watched some original characters go and new ones be introduced. This past season Shemar Moore, who played Derek Morgan, bowed out. And now we know Thomas Gibson will no longer be on for season 12. How are the remaining characters going to overcome those losses, because they are huge heartbreaks for fans watching?
KIRSTEN: It’s rough on everyone to be sure, and I wish I had a beautiful clean answer for you. I don’t know who will overcome losses, some losses aren’t meant to be overcome, but all losses make for good stories and good character development and all the jazz that makes a show compelling and watchable. The best parts of any story to me are the unexpected things, and we have really imaginative, smart writers— I can’t wait to see what they make with the ingredients they have on hand.
Vangsness also spoke to Parade last month, and here’s a quote:
What’s it like to have Paget back?
It’s fantastic. She is such a good actor. She makes lines so compelling just by her own Paget Brewster intellect-informed thing. It is just so great to have her energy as a human on set. Then as an actress, she’s adding so much. We’re actually heavier on ladies now than we are on guys, which is a first and it’s really fun. I love all the dudes. It’s not that. We do a show where there’s a lot of female victims, and I don’t think that’s an accurate thing that we want to promote in the world, so it’s nice to have that balance that the people who are doing the protecting and helping are of the female persuasion, too.
And here’s another interview with Vangsness, from Starry Constellation Magazine, including this excerpt:
Q) And everyone is loving that Paget Brewster will be back on “Criminal Minds!”
A) It’s great that she is back! It’s neat because the fans’ reflection of that was, “Oh my gosh! She’s back,” which is pretty much what we were all doing. And I just found out the day everyone found out. She couldn’t tell anyone. It makes a lot of sense that she is now the head of the team. This is our first episode with this happening, but it is just lovely.
Aisha Tyler (Dr Tara Lewis) did a live chat with The Talk co-host Julie Chen earlier this month, and you can find the interview below (jump to approximately 10:30 for Tyler’s comments on Criminal Minds):
Tyler also spoke to People about becoming a series regular during season 12, as well as the firing of Thomas Gibson (Aaron Hotchner). You can watch the video below:
Finally, check out these tweets and photos, which have been shared over the past month, followed by several videos:
Oh, the job perks… @CrimMinds_CBS night shootin' with @_Adam_Rodriguez and @JoeMantegna pic.twitter.com/ObptZYEUvy
— paget brewster (@pagetpaget) August 24, 2016
Sweet work creatures! How the FBI vests cling to your nubile chests. ps I love you each for your minds&hearts also. https://t.co/6RtuPg5EzM
— Kirsten Vangsness (@Vangsness) August 24, 2016
Yes I kept a small closet for Prentiss in wait for her return! #CriminalMinds #returnofonehotbabe https://t.co/xOtuBOpVgv
— BJ ROGERS (@bijerogers) August 24, 2016
Check out the team heading down to hot and humid Florida! #CriminalMinds #setlife #SeasonXII pic.twitter.com/IUjZWqYbMn
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 24, 2016
From tags to costumes!!! #CriminalMinds #costumeoverload pic.twitter.com/IIi1NsW0IY
— BJ ROGERS (@bijerogers) August 25, 2016
Today's Office pic.twitter.com/elXdJk6Z9t
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) August 25, 2016
@R31dfan To block the direct sunlight.
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) August 25, 2016
@anastasia_2404 1205
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) August 25, 2016
Just another day on the set of @Criminal Minds @GUBLERNATION @pagetpaget pic.twitter.com/tW0ekv9vOO
— Pam Leonte (@PamLeonte) August 25, 2016
Though an empty white board in my office, it's full of creepy and scary possibilities! #CriminalMinds pic.twitter.com/7CKsUZ3RjO
— Karen Maser (@KarenMaser) August 25, 2016
Look who built a little nest outside of the #CriminalMinds stage. Quiet while rolling guys! #setlife #SeasonXII pic.twitter.com/qhEj4hkEwn
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 25, 2016
Some days are better than others…@CriMiFeed pic.twitter.com/85Q31FeCyz
— Joseph Geisinger (@joseph17981) August 26, 2016
Here we are setting up video village in the halls of the BAU! #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #setlife pic.twitter.com/lhBRgn5Dw9
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 26, 2016
Virginia here we come beware! #CriminalMinds #BehindTheScenes pic.twitter.com/6Y2Akf6LAl
— BJ ROGERS (@bijerogers) August 27, 2016
@anastasia_2404 Anti-Terror Squad
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) August 28, 2016
#Monday in barrel form. #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #setlife pic.twitter.com/qyjk84Yiat
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 29, 2016
Then you're in for many many treats! Can't wait for the season 12 to start airing so u all can see! #CriminalMinds https://t.co/NIVpfLVH1Y
— Karen Maser (@KarenMaser) August 30, 2016
Construction doing their thing…the sheriffs office for the next episode!#CriminalMinds #lLookBehind pic.twitter.com/msRZTjzsO4
— BJ ROGERS (@bijerogers) August 30, 2016
#BAU after hours. #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #setlife pic.twitter.com/89Jqio8g6y
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 30, 2016
Meet Luke Alvez, Newest Member Of The BAU – https://t.co/aBMfk7iJuN #CriminalMinds pic.twitter.com/Ak2bcnUukw
— Criminal Minds (@CrimMinds_CBS) August 30, 2016
Thank you @bijerogers ! The Wardrobe Designer Duchess of #CriminalMinds pic.twitter.com/FKbE6CdtXH
— paget brewster (@pagetpaget) August 31, 2016
That @pagetpaget is #returnofonehotbabe #WordOfMouthMomentum? https://t.co/DX2xi8xH3w
— BJ ROGERS (@bijerogers) August 31, 2016
First look at #CriminalMinds season 12 photos. Countdown is on to the 9/28 premiere and debut of @_Adam_Rodriguez pic.twitter.com/VHgY4P2jYU
— Watch! Magazine (@cbswatchmag) August 31, 2016
A month later and Reid's lunch is STILL in the #BAU fridge! #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #setlife pic.twitter.com/N8uWd1YBlp
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) August 31, 2016
Thursday is heart heartthrob ?FBI addition#addiction#thoseLips#Thoseeyes…forget the eyes @_Adam_Rodriguez pic.twitter.com/PeIJQei53n
— BJ ROGERS (@bijerogers) September 1, 2016
Thank God there is air conditioning pouring into this set. Im not on set today. Crew member sent me this. Vacay pic.twitter.com/js4IMtD9fE
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 1, 2016
Interior….. Or exterior? #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #setlife pic.twitter.com/F0vqotkL4x
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 1, 2016
Welcome back Paget! https://t.co/d7YbF1UDv1
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) September 1, 2016
Today is Day 1 of episode 1206. @GUBLERNATION Directing. Written by Erica Messer. "Elliot's Pond"
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 2, 2016
@CMCrazies Airs 11/9 in the US
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 2, 2016
? what am I doing??? https://t.co/Sesvqa35ia
— AJ Cook (@ajcookofficial) September 2, 2016
This is the long shot. My sister friend @ajcookofficial being unconsciously adorable. pic.twitter.com/KYuos50QDF
— Kirsten Vangsness (@Vangsness) September 2, 2016
I call this "Get someone to take it Kirsten, I want to see your whole face." pic.twitter.com/FCec6j8Sxf
— Kirsten Vangsness (@Vangsness) September 2, 2016
And I call this "Ladies of the Round Table & Interloper" @pagetpaget @aishatyler @ajcookofficial @GUBLERNATION pic.twitter.com/WPDt5pPQl6
— Kirsten Vangsness (@Vangsness) September 2, 2016
I love all of these ladies. That includes you too @GUBLERNATION https://t.co/sX37Mji4M7
— AJ Cook (@ajcookofficial) September 2, 2016
It's always a great day when @GUBLERNATION is directing!! pic.twitter.com/iByUCvRgK1
— paget brewster (@pagetpaget) September 3, 2016
He is a pretty, pretty man. ? https://t.co/qI6gk9KdSC
— Aisha Tyler (@aishatyler) September 3, 2016
Love(and creepy stories) alive&well at CmLandia. Except Reid is upstaging Garcie's hair thing. https://t.co/gcc9n25FiL
— Kirsten Vangsness (@Vangsness) September 3, 2016
One we are filming now is written by our brilliantly imaginative https://t.co/zyNuvh4mDR. Erica Messer. https://t.co/0yykXT1dHn
— Kirsten Vangsness (@Vangsness) September 3, 2016
Happy Labor Day from the BAU!!! #CriminalMinds #setlife #SeasonXII pic.twitter.com/olqkB2eaQv
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 5, 2016
Will be on Criminal Minds soon! So excited to be working with all these actors?? #criminalminds pic.twitter.com/g0Dj89N2QQ
— Josh Michael Hoffman (@joshoffman) September 5, 2016
@CM_POI_6741 yes that's true!!!
— Liz Graham (@scriptclay) September 6, 2016
Are you ready for Sept 28th??? https://t.co/nvm3buDyJ9
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) September 6, 2016
Location Scouting episode 1207. @JoeMantegna directing, written by Breen Frasier. pic.twitter.com/9Xz3X4716e
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 6, 2016
@JoeMantegna "Mirror Image"
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 6, 2016
Another sunny day on the set of #CriminalMinds! #setlife #SeasonXII pic.twitter.com/haA9okDBW4
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 6, 2016
Scouting the Santa Clara River for episode 1208 pic.twitter.com/QPah0H9F3f
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 7, 2016
Watch out! The UnSub is right behind you! #CriminalMinds #setlife #SeasonXII pic.twitter.com/DHpqpCnjX3
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 7, 2016
#TwinPeaks Alum Sherilyn Fenn To Guest Star This Fall On #CriminalMinds: https://t.co/7Ro7Tnn4lN pic.twitter.com/0RZB3Hfkh5
— Criminal Minds (@CrimMinds_CBS) September 7, 2016
They definitely keep us well fed on the set of #CriminalMinds. #setlife #SeasonXII pic.twitter.com/OjOoPxXr49
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 8, 2016
Check out the pizza party we threw for our child actor auditions!!! So much pizza… #Criminalminds #SeasonXII pic.twitter.com/rcqDYXXc3U
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 9, 2016
Happy Friday! The next one is on @JoeMantegna after our costume meeting #CriminalMinds #joemantegna #directing pic.twitter.com/3Wndx6CA6W
— BJ ROGERS (@bijerogers) September 9, 2016
Andre and the SFX boys playing in the Corn !!!!! pic.twitter.com/JBzE0376CS
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) September 10, 2016
Midnight in a corn field is not really where I want to be on a Fri. pic.twitter.com/WAQUpOwXhl
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) September 10, 2016
directing my 10th episode of criminal minds. it's called "elliot's pond" and it's going to spook your socks off pic.twitter.com/xfJ9ZGlf7y
— matthew gray gubler (@GUBLERNATION) September 11, 2016
"elliot's pond" house that i just basically designed to look like my dream house pic.twitter.com/EycRvoQHB4
— matthew gray gubler (@GUBLERNATION) September 11, 2016
My office patio. A 1207 "Contraption" meeting. Wait until you see what this evil UnSub thing does. Airs: 11/16/16 pic.twitter.com/xUvcEd6pfW
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 12, 2016
No caption can properly define the excitement! #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #setlife #prentissisback! pic.twitter.com/gV3qaUNmls
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 12, 2016
Erica Messer wedged between Andre Ellingson (Special FX) and Tom Elliot (Stunts) at the Honeywagon pic.twitter.com/yBBZLI3Me8
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 12, 2016
Scouting 1207. Alley graffiti. Sometimes you have to look close. pic.twitter.com/7dccOU0Esv
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 12, 2016
@CM_POI_6741 @inandoutburger @tawniamck Yes, her first of the season.
— Karen Maser (@KarenMaser) September 13, 2016
On those days we can't fly out to Virginia. 😉 #justkidding #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #setlife pic.twitter.com/CfIG4miNNj
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 13, 2016
@CM_POI_6741 @HanaMelJ 1212
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 13, 2016
Wow. That FBI van has got some good jazz hands. pic.twitter.com/sw66IcxdKg
— Krish Ribeiro (@K_T_Rib) September 14, 2016
@CriMiFeed #CriminalMinds Behind scenes Sound Boom Operators Todd & Bill workin' episode 6 (S12)??? pic.twitter.com/L8A6sA5rIk
— Joseph Geisinger (@joseph17981) September 14, 2016
We're going back to Florida! #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #setlife pic.twitter.com/BIzubyI0Oq
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 14, 2016
Scouting episode 1208 pic.twitter.com/XC6aFEAREy
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 14, 2016
@jenniferjcreau Paget starts in ep 1203
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 15, 2016
Hope @pagetpaget likes her new set chair? I wanted her to know how I feel about her return. pic.twitter.com/68llzRySCd
— Krish Ribeiro (@K_T_Rib) September 15, 2016
When @pagetpaget makes this face….. It's a good day. pic.twitter.com/6RbDxJlZZm
— Krish Ribeiro (@K_T_Rib) September 15, 2016
I switched out @pagetpaget's chair with one more appropriate for a star of her stature. #criminalminds #pagetvskrish pic.twitter.com/FNGyUz8ORJ
— Krish Ribeiro (@K_T_Rib) September 15, 2016
What an amazing cast & crew to work along side the past couple days. I go to sleep tonight w/ gratitude. Night twitterverse #CriminalMinds
— Pilar Holland (@pilarholland) September 15, 2016
Is there an #UnSub behind these walls… Or just JJ making coffee? #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #setlife pic.twitter.com/cIDMUkoAn5
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 15, 2016
#CriminalMinds @CriMiFeed "A"cam Dolly Grip Cory B. & A cam 1st AC Keith P. they're t/best ???? pic.twitter.com/JjEVz7mHGj
— Joseph Geisinger (@joseph17981) September 15, 2016
On Friday this is the most important wall in the #writersdepartment. #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #TheGreatWall pic.twitter.com/0Eq5IPw3f7
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 16, 2016
Yaaaassss !!!! pic.twitter.com/aHz3sqHyuS
— paget brewster (@pagetpaget) September 16, 2016
Less than two weeks. Get ready! pic.twitter.com/ipRTA5kHf3
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 17, 2016
Wow! That poster changed a lot.
— paget brewster (@pagetpaget) September 18, 2016
Look who is back in the directing chair! #CriminalMinds #setlife #SeasonXII @JoeMantegna @PamLeonte @thedailydewey pic.twitter.com/M8ikLOlIfh
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 19, 2016
The A Squad is on set this week…. https://t.co/XdCyw8UVfh
— Charles Dewey (@thedailydewey) September 19, 2016
Don't you wish your bedroom was this spacious? #CriminalMinds #setlife #SeasonXII pic.twitter.com/weD4nUHUEo
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 20, 2016
Were coming to get cha #CriminalMinds #FBI pic.twitter.com/L532WYZLHF
— BJ ROGERS (@bijerogers) September 21, 2016
Another day making the show you love! #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #setlife pic.twitter.com/jqJFGOjMkA
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 21, 2016
Downtown L.A. Lofts are always a fun place to shoot. pic.twitter.com/7FEoheK5kA
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) September 21, 2016
#crewlife @techies_life I?it when 1st scene otd nothing works! No prblm we got this ????? pic.twitter.com/4o1xQG0G2G
— Joseph Geisinger (@joseph17981) September 21, 2016
Tech Scout ep 1208 pic.twitter.com/fH1WMX9lOs
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 22, 2016
@CM_POI_6741 Writer: Karen Maser. Director: Christoph Schrewe."Scarecrow".
— Harry Bring (@LLPOS) September 23, 2016
Check out this view from outside the BAU! Can you identify the office? #CriminalMinds #setlife #SeasonXII pic.twitter.com/eMkDgWOAhA
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 22, 2016
Gettin rdy t start #tgifriday #CriminalMinds ???? pic.twitter.com/g4Uc43NPZy
— Joseph Geisinger (@joseph17981) September 23, 2016
Well, this doesn't look good… #CriminalMinds #SeasonXII #setlife pic.twitter.com/H0UThHgYTA
— CM_SetReport (@CM_SetReport) September 23, 2016
Another loft, another town. #noelevator #lotsoflifting pic.twitter.com/Edcm42VxT6
— johnhatchitt (@johnhatchitt) September 23, 2016
And here are the videos:
Only 1 week left until the premiere of #CriminalMinds Season 12! pic.twitter.com/0X7ozTOapF
— Criminal Minds (@CrimMinds_CBS) September 21, 2016
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