‘Criminal Minds’ Ends After 15 Seasons

CBS’s long-running procedural Criminal Minds ended last week with a two-part series finale after 15 seasons. The dramatic two-hour finale involved one last mystery for the Behavioral Analysis Unit to solve, the death of the crew’s jet, and tearful goodbyes. 

The FBI agents of Criminal Minds have been travelling all over the United States to profile and catch psychopaths. The show first aired in 2005, with Mandy Patinkin and Thomas Gibson leading the ensemble cast as Jason Gideon and Aaron Hotchner, respectively. Both stars have since moved on, but original cast members Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook, and Kirsten Vangsness made it to the series finale. Other stars of the show’s 15 seasons include Shemar Moore, Paget Brewster, Joe Mantegna, and more. The show was created and produced by Jeff Davis and spurred two short-lived spinoffs, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. 

The show ended with Vangsness’ computer genius Penelope leaving the BAU for non-profit work while the rest of the team boarded their brand new jet for another case. 

By Oorie Garabedian

Photo: CBS