Despite reports saying otherwise, Paramount+ confirms it is still developing a Criminal Minds revival. For 15 seasons on CBS, Criminal Minds terrified audiences with its stories of the worst killers humanity has to offer and the dedicated FBI agents who track them down. The series followed the members of the Behavioral Analysis Unit as they solved case after case until it came to an end in 2020. However, thanks to its availability on streaming - Netflix especially - Criminal Minds has remained one of the most popular television shows in the world.

That's why it isn't too surprising that Paramount+ is already pursuing more episodes. News of the Criminal Minds revival first broke in February 2021, exactly one year after the show went off the air. It was said that Erica Messer, who served as showrunner for much of Criminal Minds' run, would be back alongside several of the original cast members. Months later, series star Paget Brewster confirmed she and her fellow FBI agents had been approached; however, it was then Brewster who cast doubt on the Criminal Minds revival in July, stating on social media she believed it wasn't happening anymore.

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Now Paramount+ has cleared up any confusion on fans' parts during their Television Critics Association panel. Despite Brewster's words last summer, the Criminal Minds revival is still very much in development. The official statement regarding the show is as follows:

We are still very much in development on Criminal Minds and we'll have more to share soon on that but it is alive and well.

Scene of the cast from Criminal Minds

The lack of progress from last year to now certainly aided in the impression that Criminal Minds was gone for good, but evidently that isn't the case. There could very well be more stories ahead for the BAU; it just might take longer than expected for them to arrive. As for why Criminal Minds has been so delayed, there could be a few factors at play. The coronavirus pandemic is still complicating a good number of productions, and cast availability could be an issue. Brewster had said Paramount+ was looking to bring back the Criminal Minds cast from seasons 12 through 15, which would include plenty fan favorites. However, some have taken on new jobs; for example, Daniel Henney now stars on Amazon's The Wheel of Time, which could make scheduling difficult.

Regardless of why Criminal Minds is taking so long, fans shouldn't give up hope just yet. The show's continued strength on streaming is likely one of the driving forces behind this revival, meaning Paramount+ must be very interested in making it happen. Yes, there might be several obstacles in the way, but the door is far from closed. Stay tuned for more updates on what Paramount+ might have in store for Criminal Minds.

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Source: Paramount+ TCAs presentation