Yes! Criminal Minds: Evolution Can Finally Bring Back An Original CBS Show BAU Member After An Unexpected Update

Many beloved BAU agents have been missing from Criminal Minds: Evolution, but after a surprising update, one could theoretically return in the revival’s upcoming fourth season. The police procedural series serves as a continuation of the popular CBS show and features many of the same characters. From Emily Prentiss and JJ to David Rossi, the cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution has its fair share of original figures from Criminal Minds, which has been quite exciting for fans. However, some viewers can’t help but feel disappointed about a handful of absent characters.

The good news is that Matthew Gray Gubler reprised his fan-favorite role as Spencer Reid in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, episode 3. The bad news is that his return was only temporary. Meanwhile, many audience members are waiting for the day that Shemar Moore’s Derek Morgan reunites with his former colleagues (especially Penelope Garcia) at the BAU. Unfortunately, that probably won’t happen anytime soon. But, a different character could rejoin the Criminal Minds cast in the wake of the cancelation of his TV show.

Amazon Cancels The Wheel Of Time

The Fantasy TV Series Ends After 3 Seasons

Per Deadline, Amazon Prime Video canceled The Wheel of Time in May 2025, one month following its season 3 finale. The report reveals the streaming service nixed the fantasy series for financial reasons despite liking where the show was going creatively. Of course, many were upset to learn that The Wheel of Time wouldn’t continue with a fourth season. On the bright side, its cancelation does open the door for one former Criminal Minds actor to appear in Criminal Minds: Evolution — Daniel Henney.

Wheel Of Time’s Cancelation Paves The Way For Matt Simmons’ Return To The BAU

Daniel Henney Could Reprise His Role As Simmons In Criminal Minds: Evolution

In the Amazon Prime Video series, Henney starred as al’Lan Mandragoran, a Warder and companion to The Wheel of Time‘s protagonist, Rosamund Pike’s Moiraine Damodred. He appeared in all three seasons. But, now that the show has been canceled, Henney’s schedule is probably open, clearing the way for his return to Criminal Minds: Evolution.

As fans of the original CBS crime drama know, Henney played Matt Simmons, a BAU Supervisory Special Agent, in the Criminal Minds universe. His character was introduced in season 10. However, Simmons wasn’t a part of the BAU team right away. Instead, he was first a member of the FBI’s International Response Team (IRT) in the short-lived spinoff Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. When it was canceled after its second season, though, Simmons joined the BAU in Criminal Minds season 13 and remained there until the show’s first ending (aka the season 15 finale).

Why The BAU Needs Matt Simmons In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4

The More Original Characters, The Better

Like the explanation behind Reid’s absence in Criminal Minds: Evolution, Simmons has been working on a classified assignment in the revival, leaving the door open for his return in future episodes. But, now that Henney’s TV series, The Wheel of Time, is over, it’s time for Simmons to reunite with the BAU. Since season 3 has already been filmed, Simmons could appear in season 4 at the earliest.

Paramaount+ has already greenlit Criminal Minds: Evolution season 4. So, Henney reprising his role as Simmons in the upcoming episodes just feels like a no-brainer. The more characters from the original CBS TV show, the better, as the revival relies heavily on nostalgia and there’s nothing more nostalgic than the return of old characters. Only time will tell if Criminal Minds: Evolution jumps on the opportunity to bring back Henney as Simmons, though.