The Criminal Minds reboot is moving forward, but what are the chances that it will feature Shemar Moore's Derek Morgan? After some back-and-forth since it was announced in 2021 that Paramount+ had officially ordered a 10-episode season of the Criminal Minds revival. Most of the core cast is returning for Criminal Minds season 16, but there are questions about whether past fan-favorite members of the BAU like Derek Morgan will appear in the new season.
Morgan was part of the original cast when Criminal Minds debuted in 2005. Throughout the next decade, Morgan played an integral role the Behavioral Analysis Unit's (BAU) operations, and at one point became acting BAU chief, replacing Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson). Aside from his expertise in profiling, Derek was also notable for his strong relationship with his co-workers and his banter with Penelope Garcia (Kristen Vangsness) were always fun to watch. Morgan also functioned as Spencer Reid's (Matthew Gray Gubler) quasi-brother. That's why it was heartbreaking to see him leave BAU in Criminal Minds season 11 to retire early and focus on his family.
Now that Criminal Minds season 16 is moving forward, whether Moore will reprise Morgan in the reboot becomes a key question. At this point, no word yet about his potential involvement. The actor is currently busy spearheading CBS' ongoing police procedural S.W.A.T. which is approaching its sixth season. That being said, since the Criminal Minds revival will only have 10 episodes per season compared to its usual network run that had upwards of 20+ outings, it would be more plausible in terms of scheduling for Moore to reprise his role as Morgan in the Paramount+ project while continuing his other work. It's worth noting that after he exited Criminal Minds in 2016, Moore returned in season 13 when Garcia was particularly having a difficult time. While a personal crisis isn't the only justified reason to see Morgan back in the BAU, it establishes the idea that he would always be willing to lend a helping hand when his friends are in trouble.
Why Moore’s Derek Morgan Left The BAU
Aside from being offered a chance to spearhead his own police procedural, there were also reports that Moore had some issues with Thomas Gibson which led to his exit. Ironically, not long after his departure, Gibson was fired from Criminal Minds. In terms of narrative, the police procedural found a way to write off the character without having to kill him which was expected since the series was used to rotating cast members. After suffering a near-death experience where he was horrifically tortured, Morgan started to contemplate his life and what was important to him. So, when his pregnant wife Savannah was shot, it was the final push that sealed his decision to retire early and prioritize raising a family instead. After helping the BAU land the suspect that attempted to kill his partner, Morgan bid his FBI team goodbye. The character's exit was heartfelt, but the fact that he wasn't killed off has kept the door open for him to return to Criminal Minds.
Paramount+'s Criminal Minds revival will have an incomplete cast. While most of the core characters are already confirmed to return, it will be missing two profilers in Spencer Reid and Matt Simmons (Daniel Henney) due to various reasons. This means that unit chief Emily Prentiss (Paget Brester) could bring in someone new to lend them a helping hand, or she could just call an old friend like Morgan to assist them in their new case.