Why 'Criminal Minds' Is Coming To An End: A Look Back At The Iconic Series

Richard April 21, 2025

Hey there, fellow crime drama enthusiasts! If you've been wondering whether Criminal Minds is being cancelled and why, well, here's the scoop: yes, it's true, Criminal Minds is officially coming to an end. But don't fret just yet! The show will wrap up its illustrious run with a 15th season, consisting of 10 episodes, airing right after the current season. It's been an incredible journey for this long-running CBS hit, and now, we're finally getting some clarity on its conclusion.

Criminal Minds has been thrilling audiences for over a decade, bringing us the gripping adventures of an elite FBI team of criminal profilers, led by the incomparable Joe Mantegna, alongside beloved cast members Paget Brewster, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, Aisha Tyler, Kirsten Vangsness, Adam Rodriguez, and Daniel Henney. Each week, they take on a different serial killer, creating an edge-of-your-seat experience for viewers. It's remarkable to think that after 14 years, the show's ability to craft chilling and inventive storylines has remained so strong.

View this post on Instagram
Hey #CriminalMinds fans—we’ve got big news. First, mark your calendar for the Season 14 finale, Feb 6 at 10/9c. Next, get ready for a momentous ride: Season 15 will be our epic final season.
Read also:
Tobias Dorzon Nfl Years Journey Through Football Fame And Glory
A post shared by Criminal Minds (@crimmindscbs) on Jan 10, 2019 at 5:16pm PST

Why Did CBS Decide to Pull the Plug Now?

There's something almost humorous about the way CBS has handled the renewal process for Criminal Minds. Typically, the network has kept fans guessing until the very last minute, but this time, they're giving everyone a heads-up. Instead of leaving fans in suspense until March or May, CBS is letting everyone know early. For instance, Season 13's renewal was still up in the air as late as March 2017, and even Season 14 wasn't confirmed until May 2018, with only 15 episodes ordered. This time around, the decision was made to give fans a proper send-off, ensuring that the final season feels like a fitting conclusion rather than a rushed exit.

According to the plan, Season 15 will consist of 10 episodes that will be filmed back-to-back with Season 14. This means that while the season finale of Season 14 will air on February 6, production will continue seamlessly into the final season. It's a smart move, allowing the writers and producers to craft a cohesive storyline that ties everything together.

A Statement from CBS: Honoring the Legacy of Criminal Minds

Amy Reisenbach, CBS' Executive Vice President of Current Programs, shared her thoughts in a statement, saying, "Criminal Minds is the quintessential CBS hit. We are incredibly proud to have aired it. It exemplifies everything we do best—delivering high-quality television that resonates with audiences. Its success extends beyond just the airwaves; it has thrived online, in syndication, and internationally. We wanted to ensure that executive producer/showrunner Erica Messer had the time and creative freedom to write a finale that truly honors the characters and the fans who have supported the show over the years. By keeping the production continuous, 10 episodes felt like the perfect number to give Erica enough room to conclude the series with the impact it deserves."

The Business of Cancellation: Money Talks

Let's be real here: one of the main reasons CBS has waited so long to renew Criminal Minds each year is tied to the business side of things. While CBS owns most of its dramas outright, Criminal Minds is co-produced by CBS Television Studios and ABC Studios, meaning CBS only owns half of the show. This setup leads to extensive negotiations every year, and as a show ages, it becomes more expensive to produce. Cast and crew salaries increase annually, and at a certain point, the costs outweigh the benefits. So, while the ratings may still be strong, the decision to cancel often boils down to the bottom line: money.