Here's why Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior only lasted for one season. CBS is a network with something of a love affair with procedurals, and given the huge success of many of these shows, it's easy to see why. NCIS had somewhat humble origins before evolving into one of the most popular shows on TV, spawning spin-offs like NCIS: Los Angeles. The same goes for CSI and Hawaii Five-0, both of which had various offshoots. However, despite the success of Criminal Minds, the show never managed to launch a successful spin-off.
The thriller show debuted in 2005 and quickly became a ratings success, even after star Mandy Patinkin abruptly departed Criminal Minds after two seasons. The show ultimately ran for 15 seasons, though plans are already in the works for a revival with some of the original cast returning. The first spin-off arrived in the form of Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, with the show's team being introduced during a season 5 episode of the main series.
That backdoor pilot episode introduced the Behavioral Analysis Unit "Red Cell" team, led by Forest Whitaker's Agent Sam Cooper. Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior arrived in 2011, and outside of Whitaker, featured a great supporting cast, including future Constantine star Matt Ryan and Michael Kelly, with Kirsten Vangsness also reprising her role as Penelope Garcia from the main series. Despite being a spin-off of one of the most popular procedurals on TV and being fronted by a name cast, reviews for Suspect Behavior were tepid and it was canceled after thirteen episodes due to low ratings.
Spin-off Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior got off to a good start ratings-wise, but interest quickly dipped. Despite featuring such a good group of actors, the ensemble never gelled in the same way that Criminal Minds BAU team did, plus the core concept didn't really differ from the main series enough to set them apart. Sadly, for those viewers who did get into Suspect Behavior, it ended on a major cliffhanger involving the fate of Janeane Garofalo's Agent Beth Griffith that was left unresolved.
Another spin-off was attempted in 2015, with Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders fronted by Gary Sinise and Anna Gunn. This series made an earnest effort to mix up the Criminal Minds - where Amber Heard once appeared - formula by following a team of international FBI agents who solve crimes involving American citizens in foreign countries. Beyond Borders even managed to secure a second season, but was eventually canceled in 2017. Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior was a promising show that just didn't come together, and never quite found its own identity outside of its predecessor.