Criminal Minds has still not been renewed for Season 12, and fans are getting increasingly more worried. There is no word on whether CBS is going to scrap the crime drama this year in favor of dramas on which they make money.
So far, numerous long-running crime dramas have been renewed. All the NCIS shows have been renewed, with the longest running original confirmed for two more seasons. This is despite Michael Weatherly's departure at the end of Season 13. It set precedent that losing an original character should not stop a TV show from being renewed.
Why does that matter? Because Shemar Moore left Criminal Minds recently. The news was shocking for many fans, and instantly led to the worry that it would not be renewed. There is no replacing Derek Morgan, and the show has already struggled to find a replacement for Paget Brewster's Emily Prentiss.
Witness the manly awesomeness that is @shemarmoore https://t.co/rIUtZe4Puz #CriminalMinds pic.twitter.com/No3ThnQgpe— Criminal Minds (@CrimMinds_CBS) April 28, 2016
— Criminal Minds (@CrimMinds_CBS) April 28, 2016
According to Deadline, the two networks are trying to work on a new licensing deal. This will affect whether Criminal Minds will be renewed or not, and fans will hope that it works in their favor. The problem is for the fans and the writers, it could be after the Season 11 finale that news is known. That means Season 11 needs to wrap up most of the questions set throughout the season and give the characters some closure, just in case.
if criminal minds ever gets cancelled i will throw an actual fit— a-scheme-a (@benadrylqueen) April 25, 2016
— a-scheme-a (@benadrylqueen) April 25, 2016
There were rumors that CBS was also waiting to see how spinoff Beyond Borders, starring Gary Sinise, did. The show started slow, but is seeing a ratings boost. Initially, it looked like the original show was only getting a possible renewal, but things may now change. Fans of both will not likely find out until May 10, when CBS and ABC set their partnership requirements and sign off on another agreement.
Quiz: How Well Do You Know Dr. Spencer Reid On #CriminalMinds? Find out: https://t.co/9SpX0ZLRRM pic.twitter.com/9ctz7ZvOCj— Criminal Minds (@CrimMinds_CBS) April 27, 2016
— Criminal Minds (@CrimMinds_CBS) April 27, 2016
The Criminal Minds season finale is coming and it just hit me that it still hasn't been renewed. I MAY DIE IF IF GETS CANCELLED— lara (@benoight) April 22, 2016
— lara (@benoight) April 22, 2016
Rumors are still circulating and fans are growing ever more worried. If the partnership deal fails, it could mean Criminal Minds does not get a 12th Season after all.
[Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images]