Will Thomas Gibson Return to 'Criminal Minds' for Season 15?
The former BAU chief disappeared abruptly in season 12.
Integral to the first Criminal Minds line-up was Thomas Gibson's Aaron Hotchner, the severe, authoritative BAU unit chief constantly pulled between his job and his family. "Hotch" was abruptly written out in season 12 after Gibson, who had reportedly struggled with anger management issues, was said to have kicked an on-set writer/producer. The character of Hotch promptly went into witness protection for the safety of his son, Jack, resigning from the BAU to keep his identity private. With Criminal Minds ending just three years later, the big question: Will Hotch return for season 15?
Given that Hotch had been such a huge part of the series as a whole, the question might have seemed like a no-brainer—if he hadn't left on such bad terms. Speaking to TV Line, Messer was vague about the possibility of Gibson returning: "What I’d love to do is honor the history of the series in some way that is satisfying for all of us, and I don’t know exactly what that will be."
In an interview with Deadline, however, Messer was more optimistic about bringing back fan favorites—which include Gibson, Shemar Moore, and Mandy Patinkin—for the final season. "I am very hopeful that we can honor all of those characters who have been beloved and with this team, with the audience for years, but I don’t know what that’s going to look like," she said.
The circumstances surrounding Gibson's departure remain murky. Well, from CBS and ABC's point of view, perhaps less so; after initially suspending Gibson, the networks behind the crime procedural released a terse statement: "Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds. Creative details for how the character's exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date." Gibson, however, says that he never "kicked" the producer/writer in question, telling People: "He came into that room and started coming towards me. As he brushed past me, my foot came up and tapped him on the leg...If I hadn’t moved, he would have run into me."
His costar Shemar Moore, however, quickly posted a now-deleted video in which he noted: "Lot of birdies chirping out there. The gossip is real...I’ll just say this: I believe in karma." Rumors swirled that Gibson had been difficult to work with, especially after his ex-manager filed a lawsuit alleging Gibson's "lack of professionalism." Gibson, however, has kept himself busy with other projects in the years since, acting in 2017's Axis, July's Shadow Wolves, and an upcoming movie entitled The Writer's Bible that Gibson wrote and directed, as well as starred in.
Considering that Gibson and ABC/CBS have, to this day, conflicting stories about what led to his departure, it's possible that he wouldn't be invited back to the set. It's also possible, of course, that Gibson would be invited to participate in the show's final season and would decline the offer, whether due to tension over his exit or projects he's presently involved with. There's certainly no evidence that he returned to the show for the filming of its final season—but there's no evidence that he didn't, either.
Whatever happens, it's a done deal: Criminal Minds finished filming its final season in May, and is expected to air midway through the 2019-2020 season.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
Jenny is the Digital Director at Marie Claire. A graduate of Leeds University, and a native of London, she moved to New York in 2012 to attend the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She was the first intern at Bustle when it launched in 2013, and spent five years building out its news and politics department. In 2018 she joined Marie Claire, where she held the roles of Deputy Digital Editor and Director of Content Strategy before becoming Digital Director. Working closely with Marie Claire's exceptional editorial, audience, commercial, and e-commerce teams, Jenny oversees the brand's digital arm, with an emphasis on driving readership. When she isn't editing or knee-deep in Google Analytics, you can find Jenny writing about television, celebrities, her lifelong hate of umbrellas, or (most likely) her dog, Captain. In her spare time, she also writes fiction: her first novel, the thriller EVERYONE WHO CAN FORGIVE ME IS DEAD, was published with Minotaur Books (UK) and Little, Brown (US) in February 2024 and became a USA Today bestseller. She has also written extensively about developmental coordination disorder, or dyspraxia, which she was diagnosed with when she was nine. She is currently working on her second novel.
-
How Princess Kate Has Changed "Stuffy" Royal Tradition Amid Her Absence From Public Life
"This is such an effective and modern way of using her influence," one royal commentator said.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
This Look Is Basically the Kaia Gerber Fall Accessories Starter Pack
The model's all-white, off-duty look includes all the pieces she wears most.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Styles Destroyed Jeans With a Polished Birkin Bag
She lives for the contrast.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
How Victoria Justice Learned to Use Her Voice on the Set of 'Victorious'
The former Nickelodeon star recalls what it was like to speak up to adults on set as a child.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones Tease an Announcement: "We've Got Some News to Share"
The former 'Normal People' costars and IRL best friends seem to have a new project in the works.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The Woman Who Inspired Martha in 'Baby Reindeer' Calls the Series "a Work of Fiction" In a YouTube Interview
A woman has come forward as the alleged inspiration behind Martha in the hit Netflix series.
By Sadie Bell Last updated
-
The Best 'Friends' Episodes of All Time
Could these BE any better?
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Kim Cattrall Didn't See or Speak to Her Costars When Filming 'And Just Like That' Cameo
That's some type of commitment.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published