Original Criminal Minds Star Responds To Matthew Gray Gubler’s Return As Reid In Evolution Season 3

Kirsten Vangsness reacts to the news that Matthew Gray Gubler is returning for Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 as Spencer Reid. Not having Spencer Reid as part of the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution has been bogging down the Paramount+ show for the past two seasons. Almost everyone from the CBS series returned for the revival, and considering how beloved Gubler was as Reid, there’s understandable interest in knowing when he’ll appear. Luckily, after years of waiting, it has already been confirmed that BAU’s golden child will return in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

In light of this development, Vangsness took to her official Instagram account to comment on the news by reposting an article about Gubler’s return. While she didn’t include any commentary, this not only confirms Reid’s appearance in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, but it also effectively expresses her excitement over the matter. Check out her post below:

Why Reid’s Return Is Big For Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

Gubler Has Set His Next Big TV Comeback

Ahead of its release, it was already announced that Gubler wouldn’t be part of the returning roster for Criminal Minds: Evolution. Unlike Daniel Henney, who has yet to come back as Matt Simmons because of his commitment to Wheel of Time, there was initial confusion about why the Reid actor wasn’t around. There were reports that it was because he turned it down, but ultimately, it was determined that his absence boiled down to scheduling conflicts. Gubler wanted to venture out and do something different after playing Reid for 15 seasons on the CBS series, which his co-workers supported.

However, the situation is different this time for Gubler’s return in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3. The actor is set to lead his own CBS procedural, which is expected to come out next year. Considering the format and his billing, this could be the final time that he could participate in the Paramount+ version of his old show. Granted that he won’t be back full-time in the upcoming year, seeing him in any capacity as Reid again is better than not seeing him in the role ever.

Our Take On Gubler’s Return As Reid In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

It Could Be Reid’s Goodbye

Initially, the show was coy about the genius’ whereabouts, with Deputy Director Bailey revealing that he was working on something else. In Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, however, Emily Prentiss shared that Reid was actually on sabbatical. This made it seem like it was only a matter of time before he rejoined the BAU. Considering how much he suffered on the job, taking some time off was ideal.