Summary

Matthew Gray Gubler returns briefly in Criminal Minds: Evolution as Spencer Reid.
Fans are disappointed by Gubler's limited appearance but excited to see him back.
Viewers speculate on how Reid's storyline will go and anticipate his smart and memorable presence.

Thanks to the famous guest stars like Amber Heard and compelling regular characters, it's no wonder Criminal Minds is still going strong. Now, Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 is premiering soon, and a beloved character is coming back. After premiering in 2005, Criminal Minds season 15 premiered in January 2020, and fans wondered if that would be the end. Then, thankfully, the show came back to Paramount+ in 2022, and the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is still solving crimes and catching serial killers like Tim Curry's terrifying Billy 'The Prince of Darkness' Flynn.

As fans get ready to watch new intense Criminal Minds: Evolution episodes, they're excited to see a familiar face. But, unfortunately, there's one thing that they're not as thrilled about.

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By Aya Tsintziras

Matthew Gray Gubler Is Returning For Criminal Minds: Evolution... But Only Briefly

Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) on Criminal Minds

In September 2024, TV Line reported that Matthew Gray Gubler is reprising his role of Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, which is also referred to as Criminal Minds season 18. But, sadly, he's only coming back briefly. As the publication explained, Gubler will be in some of one episode.

While fans are excited to see Gubler again, especially since they've been wondering for a few years if he would work with the BAU again, it's definitely a shame that he is making such a brief appearance. A similar situation happened on NCIS when Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon) left. Although some fans like the new boss Alden Parker (Gary Cole), others think no one will ever compare to Gibbs. No matter how many memorable characters are still on Criminal Minds, like the tough David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), everyone still misses Gubler's Spencer Reid.

Reid is such an excellent part of Criminal Minds because, like beloved Chicago Med doctors and major and minor characters on The Rookie, he's likable but complex. Reid is equally known for his intelligence and awkwardness, and as he gets further along in his career, he has to deal with childhood trauma. He also gets into some terrifying situations as a result of his job. Fans became so invested in him it was sad to learn he wouldn't be coming back for Evolution.

In a Reddit thread, fans shared their thoughts, and Redditor @Thebrokenphoenix_ wrote, "It’s better than nothing I guess." @shipsatdown said:

"I’m sure we won’t get more than a few minutes of Spence on screen however, I’m looking forward to seeing him again."

Redditor @kinzjazfan replied:

"Finally but he solves everything in a second."

What Could Matthew Gray Gubler's Criminal Minds: Evolution Storyline Be?

Fans have thought about what Matthew Gray Gubler's Criminal Minds season 18 appearance could be like, and since he'll only be back for briefly, there's not much that he can do. However, viewers are sure he will be as smart and memorable as ever.

In the same Reddit thread, Redditor @lisforlda referred to beloved Buffy the Vampire Slayer character Giles Rupert (Anthony Stewart Head) and wrote:

"For those who know their Buffy I would like a Giles 'I'd like to test that theory' moment. BAU are seriously stuck, Spence appears sorts the problem and effs off again. If all we get is a short moment then just let him be clever. Proper serious intuitively clever. No emotional support fluff."

Another fan is worried Reid could die since he's not coming back for long, but that doesn't seem likely to happen. Maybe Reid will consult or advise on a case, or visit one of the characters who is still on the show. No matter how Reid comes back, Criminal Minds fans will be thrilled to see this quirky and smart agent again.

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Release Date: September 22, 2005
Network: CBS, Paramount+
Showrunner: Erica Messer
Directors: Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Rob Bailey, Matthew Gray Gubler, Joe Mantegna, John Gallagher, Douglas Aarniokoski, Guy Norman Bee, Larry Teng, Nelson McCormick, Alec Smight, Charles S. Carroll, Rob Spera, Charles Haid, Diana Valentine, Rob Hardy, Tawnia McKiernan, Bethany Rooney, Karen Gaviola, Sharat Raju, Thomas Gibson, Aisha Tyler, Anna Foerster, Gloria Muzio, John Terlesky
Writers: Bruce Zimmerman, Virgil Williams, Edward Allen Bernero, Janine Sherman Barrois, Chris Mundy, Simon Mirren, Debra J. Fisher, Kimberly A. Harrison, Jay Beattie, Dan Dworkin, Karen Maser, Oanh Ly, Stephanie Sengupta, Aaron Zelman, Kirsten Vangsness, Erica Meredith, Andi Bushell, Holly Harold, Alicia Kirk, Jeff Davis, Randy Huggins, Edward Napier, Jayne A. Archer, Chikodili Agwuna