The BAU Is Back: Everything We Know About The Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 Cast, Including A Major Star's Return

The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is officially back in action, and the excitement for the upcoming season of Criminal Minds: Evolution is reaching a fever pitch. As of December 2025, the biggest news surrounding the cast is the long-awaited return of a fan-favorite original cast member, confirming that the team is nearly complete for the next chapter of hunting the most dangerous Unsubs.

This comprehensive guide details the full returning cast, their essential biographical profiles, the fresh faces joining the team for Season 3 (or Season 18 of the franchise), and the major updates about the stars who defined the original Criminal Minds. The BAU veterans are gearing up for another intense season on Paramount+, promising a deeper dive into their personal lives while they track down new, terrifying serial killers.

The BAU Team: Full Biography and Profiles of the Returning Cast

The core of the Criminal Minds: Evolution team, consisting of six beloved veterans, is set to reprise their roles for Season 3. These actors have defined the franchise for over a decade, bringing depth and complexity to the Behavioral Analysis Unit.

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• Joe Mantegna (SSA David Rossi)
  • Full Name: Joseph Anthony Mantegna, Jr.
  • Date of Birth: November 13, 1947
  • Role: Senior Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) and Unit Chief in the BAU. Rossi is a founding member of the BAU, a published author, and a legendary profiler who came out of retirement to return to the team.
• Paget Brewster (SSA Emily Prentiss)
  • Full Name: Paget Valerie Brewster
  • Date of Birth: March 10, 1969
  • Role: Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) and the current Unit Chief. Prentiss is a highly skilled profiler with a background in Interpol, known for her sharp leadership and diplomatic skills.
• A.J. Cook (SSA Jennifer "JJ" Jareau)
  • Full Name: Andrea Joy Cook
  • Date of Birth: July 22, 1978
  • Role: Supervisory Special Agent (SSA). Starting as the unit's media liaison, JJ evolved into a formidable profiler, known for her emotional intelligence and dedication to victims' families.
• Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia)
  • Full Name: Kirsten Simone Vangsness
  • Date of Birth: July 7, 1972
  • Role: Technical Analyst. Garcia is the heart of the BAU, providing crucial data and technical support from Quantico. Her return for Evolution was a pivotal moment for the revival.
• Adam Rodriguez (SSA Luke Alvez)
  • Full Name: Adam Michael Rodriguez
  • Date of Birth: April 2, 1975
  • Role: Supervisory Special Agent (SSA). Alvez is a former Army Ranger and member of the FBI's Fugitive Task Force, bringing a unique tracking and apprehension skill set to the team.
• Aisha Tyler (Dr. Tara Lewis)
  • Full Name: Aisha N. Tyler
  • Date of Birth: September 18, 1970
  • Role: Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) and Forensic Psychologist. Dr. Lewis conducts forensic interviews and psychiatric evaluations, offering a crucial psychological perspective on the Unsubs.

The Shocking Return: Matthew Gray Gubler is Back as Dr. Spencer Reid

The most significant and exciting cast update for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3 (Season 18 overall) is the confirmation that Matthew Gray Gubler will reprise his iconic role as Dr. Spencer Reid. This news, which was first revealed in late 2024, has been a massive source of celebration for the global fanbase.

While Dr. Reid was a notable absence in the first two seasons of Evolution, the show's creators consistently left his character's status open-ended, explaining that he was on a secret, high-level assignment.

The latest reports indicate that Gubler is slated to return for at least one episode in the upcoming season. This limited appearance is enough to satisfy the curiosity of millions of viewers who have missed the genius profiler's presence, complex quirks, and unparalleled knowledge of serial killer psychology. His return will undoubtedly be a major plot point, potentially offering closure on his mysterious mission or setting up a future, more permanent return to the BAU's headquarters in Quantico.

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New Faces and Potential Future BAU Members in Season 3

To keep the series fresh and introduce new dynamics to the veteran team, Criminal Minds: Evolution is bringing in new talent. This not only expands the topical authority of the show but also ensures the Behavioral Analysis Unit has new resources to tackle complex threats, such as the network of serial killers established by the antagonist "Sicarius."

Aimee Garcia Joins the Ensemble

The most prominent new addition for Season 3 is actress Aimee Garcia, best known for her roles in shows like Lucifer. Her casting is a strategic move to bring a fresh perspective to the team, though the specifics of her role—whether she will be a recurring character or a potential permanent member of the BAU—are still under wraps.

Garcia’s involvement suggests the BAU will continue to face complex, modern-day threats that require specialized skills, possibly in technology, cyber-profiling, or even a new form of media liaison to handle the intense public scrutiny that comes with hunting high-profile Unsubs.

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The Fate of the Original Criminal Minds Cast: Where Are They Now?

While the focus is on the returning core, the legacy of the original Criminal Minds series is carried by the actors who have moved on to new projects. The fate of these original cast members remains a constant source of fan discussion and curiosity:

• Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan): Moore is currently the lead on the CBS drama S.W.A.T., where he plays Sergeant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson. His schedule on the successful series makes a full-time return to the BAU unlikely, though his character is often referenced.
• Thomas Gibson (Aaron Hotchner): After his departure from the original series, Gibson has focused on other projects, with no current plans announced for a return to the Criminal Minds universe.
• Mandy Patinkin (Jason Gideon): The original BAU Unit Chief, Patinkin, has had a highly successful career in film and television, including a lead role in the acclaimed series Homeland. His character's narrative arc in Criminal Minds makes a return unlikely.

The return of Matthew Gray Gubler, even for a single episode, opens the door for other original cast members to make guest appearances in the future, further solidifying the topical authority of the Criminal Minds franchise as a whole.

The Evolution of the BAU: From CBS to Paramount+

The shift from a long-running procedural on CBS to the darker, more serialized format on Paramount+ with Criminal Minds: Evolution has allowed the writers to explore deeper character arcs and more continuous, intense storylines. The first season of Evolution centered on the hunt for the elusive serial killer Elias Jasper Voit, also known as "Sicarius," a storyline that carried significant personal and professional trauma for the entire team, especially David Rossi.

Season 3 is expected to build on this foundation, further examining the emotional toll of profiling on the agents—a key element that distinguishes Evolution from the original series. The return of Dr. Reid and the addition of Aimee Garcia will inject new energy into the dynamic, ensuring that the next season is the most anticipated yet for this continuously evolving crime drama.