“He’s Family”: ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’ Star Teases Another Matthew Gray Gubler Return

Fans of Criminal Minds: Evolution had to endure three long seasons before the return of their beloved genius, Dr. Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler. Though it was heartening to see Reid back at J.J.’s (AJ Cook) side during her time of grief and mourning her husband, the comeback felt underwhelming. His presence was brief, and while there’s only so much he could have done in a single episode, it still felt like a missed opportunity to utilize his brilliance, especially with the lingering Voit dilemma still throwing the BAU for a loop. Gubler’s return merely whetted our appetites for more of him, leaving us to wonder if the reboot will ever see more of him. The production has played coy about his continuous involvement in the series, but perhaps there’s still hope that the BAU hasn’t seen the last of his sharp mind.

During a recent interview with PEOPLE, Aisha Tyler, who plays Dr. Tara Lewis on the Paramount+ crime drama, was inevitably asked about the possibility of Gubler making another return in the near or distant future. As expected, Tyler had her guard up. Deflecting the question with playful caution, she refrained from explicitly stating what the situation with Gubler was. “I can’t tell you that! You tried it!” she responded before going on to reveal just how closely guarded Gubler’s status on the show really is. According to Tyler, the cast has been sworn to secrecy, even from their own families. “I can’t even talk to my family about what’s going on with him. I’m sworn to secrecy. I love Matthew so much.”

While she couldn’t give fans the definitive answer they were hoping for, Tyler instead went on to rave about Gubler, describing him as “such a light on set” and someone who is “such a fun, smart person” to work with (much like Reid). The actress further shared that, despite the actor’s absence as a series regular on the show, his bond with the cast remains strong. “We also are always texting with him and, of course, we’re excited to have him back,” she continued. “He’s obviously somebody that the fans love very much, that we love very much, and so I think what people will feel is just all of that affection and that history. He’s family, do you know what I mean?”

Why Is Matthew Gray Gubler Not a Series Regular on ‘Criminal Minds: Evolution’?

That’s a million-dollar question that fans wish could have a favorable answer. When Criminal Minds was announced to return under its rebranded title, Spencer Reid was easily the character fans were most eager to see again. So, it came as a disappointment, and a bit of a shock, when news broke that Gubler would be the only core cast member not returning. Gubler’s absence was then explained to be due to scheduling conflicts.

In the time between Criminal Minds’ cancellation after Season 15 and its revival with Criminal Minds: Evolution (Season 16) in 2022, Gubler got busy and had other personal and work commitments that made returning as a series regular unfeasible. One such commitment is the upcoming CBS series, Einstein, which will see Gubler in the lead as Lew Einstein, the brilliant great-grandson of Albert Einstein. The series is scheduled to premiere in the next TV season and will serve as a welcome substitute to the intellectual side of Reid that fans have sorely missed.

As for the possibility of Gubler returning to Criminal Minds, the intense secrecy surrounding the topic may actually indicate hope. Rather than writing the character off entirely, a move that would undoubtedly disappoint fans, the show’s creators seem to be leaving the door slightly ajar. They’re likely keeping the option open for Gubler to make occasional appearances whenever his schedule allows, preserving the chance for Reid to reenter the BAU fold in the future.