A popular Paramount+ crime drama will end its television run after 20 seasons. The cancellation is particularly notable, as the show continues to attract viewers on the streaming platform.
According to Deadline, Criminal Minds: Evolution will end with its upcoming season. The previous Paramount+ leadership team reportedly recommended ending the series. This also marks the first official cancellation under the platform’s new leadership, headed by Co-Chair and Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys.
The development also reverses the platform’s earlier plans for the franchise. Paramount+ renewed Criminal Minds for Season 20 in March 2026, ahead of the 19th season’s premiere. The upcoming installment, expected in 2027, will now serve as the franchise’s final chapter.
The decision to end the TV show comes despite its continued streaming success
The series continues to rank among Paramount+’s Top 10 titles. However, its streaming performance may not fully reflect the financial considerations behind its continuation. Deadline reports that the decision may depend on how the show’s performance compares with its production costs. Another possible factor is the challenge of maintaining a broadcast-style procedural on a streaming platform.
Showrunner and executive producer Erica Messer shared her reaction to the news, reflecting on Criminal Mind’s journey across CBS and Paramount+. She said, “While suddenly navigating the end of this chapter, I’m filled with gratitude for our remarkable cast, writers, directors, and crew who have poured their hearts into this show, and for the incredible fans around the world whose unwavering loyalty has kept Criminal Minds going for two decades.”
Messer also expressed excitement about the final season, adding, “We’re looking forward to sharing season 20 with everyone, and celebrating the legacy of this special show we’ve all built together.”
Criminal Minds debuted on CBS in 2005 and followed the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. After 15 seasons, the show concluded in 2020 before returning as Criminal Minds: Evolution on Paramount+ in 2022. The revival features Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, and Adam Rodriguez. Erica Messer leads the series as showrunner and executive producer, alongside executive producers Breen Frazier, Chris Barbour, Glenn Kershaw, and Mark Gordon.
The final season of Criminal Minds: Evolution will arrive in 2027, but Paramount+ has yet to announce a specific premiere date.