The Unresolved Tension: 7 Shocking Truths About Spencer Reid And JJ Jareau’s Relationship In Criminal Minds: Evolution

The enduring, complex, and often controversial relationship between Dr. Spencer Reid and Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau remains one of the most talked-about storylines in the entire Criminal Minds universe. As of December 12, 2025, the narrative has taken a fresh turn with the continuation of the series in Criminal Minds: Evolution, forcing fans and the BAU team to confront the lingering question of what truly exists between the two agents, especially with Reid's recent absence and potential return. This deep dive uncovers the seven most shocking truths about their dynamic, from their early days to the latest developments in the revival.

The core of their bond is a profound, platonic love built over decades of shared trauma and professional intimacy. However, a single, divisive confession in the show’s original run forever altered the perception of their connection, creating a rift that the new Paramount+ series, Evolution, is now carefully navigating.

Dr. Spencer Reid and Jennifer "JJ" Jareau: A Relationship Timeline and Profile

The relationship between Spencer Reid and JJ Jareau is arguably the most important non-romantic bond in the original series, evolving from a mentor-mentee dynamic to a deep, familial connection. Their shared history forms a crucial pillar of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU).

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• Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler):
  • Role: Supervisory Special Agent, FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU).
  • Defining Traits: A certified genius with three Ph.D.s and three B.A.s, known for his eidetic memory and encyclopedic knowledge. Often portrayed as socially awkward, he relies heavily on his BAU family for emotional support.
  • Relationship Status: Has had several complicated romantic relationships (Maeve Donovan, Lila Archer), but his deepest bond remains with JJ.
  • Current Status in Evolution: Absent from the initial seasons, but his return for a surprise cameo/appearance has been a major fan discussion and a recent development in the series.
• Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (A.J. Cook):
  • Role: Supervisory Special Agent, BAU Media Liaison and Profiler.
  • Defining Traits: Highly empathetic, protective, and fiercely loyal. She is the emotional anchor for the team, balancing her demanding job with her family life.
  • Relationship Status: Married to Detective Will LaMontagne, with whom she has two sons, Henry and Michael.
  • Current Status in Evolution: Remains a core member of the BAU, dealing with the new challenges of the pandemic-era UnSub, Elias Voit, while also managing her family life and professional grief.

The Seven Shocking Truths Shaping the 'Jareau-Reid' Dynamic

The enduring mystery and fan obsession surrounding "Jareau-Reid" (often called 'Jeid' by shippers) is rooted in a series of highly charged, emotional moments that blurred the lines between platonic friendship and romantic love.

1. The Controversial Season 14 Confession Was a Last-Minute Decision

The most significant event in their relationship was JJ's confession in the Season 14 finale, "Truth or Dare." While being held at gunpoint, JJ was forced to confess a secret and admitted that she had "always loved" Reid. This revelation stunned fans, critics, and even some cast members. The shocking truth is that this plot twist was reportedly not a long-planned storyline but a last-minute creative choice by the writers to create high-stakes emotional drama for the season's end. This abrupt and divisive moment immediately polarized the fanbase, with many feeling it betrayed JJ's established marriage to Will LaMontagne.

2. The Revival Is Actively Trying to 'Forget' the Romantic Tension

When Criminal Minds returned as Evolution on Paramount+, the creative team made a clear effort to sideline the romantic fallout from the confession. The focus shifted back to the core BAU team dynamics, JJ’s established family life, and the professional hunt for the new UnSub, Elias Voit. By not having Reid present for the initial seasons, the show effectively put a pause on the "Jeid" storyline, allowing JJ's character arc to focus on her career and family, including a heartbreaking plot twist involving her husband, Will. This strategic move aims to reset the narrative and re-establish their connection as the deep, brother-sister-like bond it was for the majority of the series.

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3. Reid Was JJ’s First Call for Her Most Important Life Event

Long before the confession, the depth of their bond was cemented by a crucial, non-romantic gesture. When JJ gave birth to her first son, Henry, in Season 5, she made a point of asking Reid to be the godfather. This request solidified his role as a permanent, familial figure in her life, not just a colleague. It is a powerful example of their profound connection, indicating a relationship so close it transcends typical workplace friendship and enters the realm of chosen family.

4. A.J. Cook Has Discussed JJ's 'Grief' Over Reid's Absence

The most current development concerning their dynamic comes from the new series. A.J. Cook (JJ Jareau) has spoken in recent interviews about the challenge of filming Evolution without Matthew Gray Gubler (Spencer Reid). She mentioned that JJ’s character arc, particularly in the later seasons of Evolution, involves a subtle grief over the absence of her closest confidant. This confirms that even off-screen, the characters' bond is so vital that Reid’s absence is a palpable emotional hole for JJ and the entire BAU team, underscoring the irreplaceable nature of their relationship.

5. The Confession Was Immediately Retracted and Downplayed

Despite the high-stakes nature of the Season 14 confession, the show’s writers and executive producer, Erica Messer, quickly worked to resolve and downplay the romantic implications in the Season 15 premiere. In a subsequent conversation, JJ explained to Reid that the confession was made under duress and was a way to express her deepest feelings for him, acknowledging that she loves both Reid and her husband, Will, but in different ways. This resolution aimed to keep the BAU family intact and preserve the integrity of JJ's marriage, though it left many fans feeling the storyline was a disappointing cop-out.

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6. Matthew Gray Gubler’s Return Is the Hottest Topic in the Fanbase

The most up-to-date and compelling truth is the news of Matthew Gray Gubler's long-awaited return as Dr. Spencer Reid for a surprise cameo in a recent episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution. A.J. Cook expressed excitement about reuniting with her long-time co-star, calling it "like riding a bike." While the specifics of his return and whether it will directly address the lingering romantic tension remain under wraps, his presence alone will force the series to acknowledge the elephant in the room and the emotional impact his absence has had on JJ and the team.

7. Their Relationship Is a Classic Example of the 'Unrealized Romance' Trope

Ultimately, the enduring fascination with Spencer and JJ is a testament to the power of the "unrealized romance" trope in television. Their chemistry, deep history, and mutual protectiveness created a foundation that many fans hoped would evolve into something more. The show played with this tension for years, and while the romantic route was ultimately rejected in favor of a profound platonic love, the possibility of "what if" continues to fuel fan discussions, art, and theories on forums like Reddit, proving that their bond—romantic or not—is the emotional heartbeat of the series.

What Does the Future Hold for Jeid in Criminal Minds: Evolution?

The narrative direction of Criminal Minds: Evolution suggests a commitment to JJ's established family life and a desire to move past the divisive romantic plot line of Season 14. However, the confirmed return of Matthew Gray Gubler, even for a limited appearance, provides a crucial opportunity to give their relationship a meaningful, updated conclusion.

The most likely path forward is a reaffirmation of their deep, familial bond. Reid's return will serve as an emotional reunion, allowing JJ to process her "grief" over his absence and for the two to stand side-by-side as partners again. While the romantic tension may always exist as a subtext for some fans, the current focus is on the BAU as a family unit, with Spencer Reid and JJ Jareau remaining the closest, most trusted friends in the team's history.

Fans should anticipate a powerful, emotional scene that honors their journey without necessarily sacrificing JJ's marriage to Will LaMontagne. The latest season is about confronting the past while fighting the new evil, and for Spencer and JJ, that means confronting their bond and moving forward as the unstoppable partnership they’ve always been.