As usual, the renewal of veteran crime drama Criminal Minds came down to the wire with CBS and lead studio ABC Studios going back and forth on terms. Making things less complicated this time was the fact that all Criminal Minds veteran cast members already had deals for next season.


Also as usual, CBS is not confirming the size of the order or any other details. There had been speculation that the network may renew Criminal Minds for a final 13-episode season but for now, that is just speculation. We will get a better sense when CBS releases its schedule on Wednesday morning.


After a long run at 9 PM, Criminal Minds moved to 10 PM this season. It has improved the time period and is doing well in delayed viewing.


The crime drama ended its 13th season on a cliffhanger, I hear with the blessing of CBS. A cancellation would’ve robbed its loyal fans of a proper ending and would’ve deprived the series of hitting the 300th episode milestone, ending its run with 299.


Now Criminal Minds‘ Season 14 premiere will also mark the show’s 300th episode, giving it an extra promotional juice.


Criminal Minds revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country’s most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. Joe Mantegna stars as David Rossi, along with Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss, Matthew Gray Gubler as Dr. Spencer Reid, A.J. Cook as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis, Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia, Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez and Daniel Henney as Matt Simmons.


ABC Studios produces in association with CBS Television Studios. Long-time showrunner Erica Messer, Mark Gordon and Breen Frazier executive produce. Jeff Davis was the series creator.