After months of silence, CBS has officially renewed "Criminal Minds" for its 13th season. The long-running crime drama went through a lot in its 11th season, especially following the exit of original cast member Shemar Moore. Also, the show had to endure Thomas Gibson getting cut from the show after an on-set altercation with a producer.
According to Variety, "Criminal Minds" Season 13 is the 19th returning series CBS confirmed for its 2017-2018 line-up. The other shows that have been renewed include "The Big Bang Theory," "Blue Bloods," "Madam Secretary" and "Survivor." Newer shows have also been renewed, including "Bull" and "MacGyver."
Fans of "Criminal Minds" were worried that the show might not be renewed for another season, considering the ratings drop in Season 12. The season only averaged at a 75 million weekly viewers and 1.4 demo rating, which is down to 17 and 22 perfect from its Season 11 scores, TVLine reported.
Meanwhile, Moore is slated to return to the "Criminal Minds" Season 12 finale. The actor was part of the show from 2005 to 2016, during which he exited at the end of Season 11. But come the Season 12 finale, Moore will reprise his role as Derek Morgan.
In the "Criminal Minds" Season 12 finale, Derek gives the BAU a lead in the case against serial killer and escaped convict Mr. Scratch. Moore's return is another exciting treat for fans.
Aside from his return to "Criminal Minds" Season 12, Morgan also appears on another CBS series, which is a reboot of the "S.W.A.T." movie. He is attached to star and produce the show. The show is based on the Colin Farrell-starrer wherein Morgan plays a S.W.A.T. lieutenant who is torn between his loyalty to the streets and his duty to serve.
"Criminal Minds" stars Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler, Aisha Tyler, Kirsten Vangsness, Adam Rodriguez and Damon Gupton. The show is executive produced by Mark Gordon, Erica Messer and Breen Frazier.
"Criminal Minds" Season 12 returns to CBS on April 26 with the show's final three episodes of the season.