Criminal Minds: Paget Brewster Becomes Series Regular Again!!!

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Didn't we tell you things would probably start shaping up nicely for Criminal Minds Season 12?

Despite an incredibly rocky behind the scenes departure for leading man Thomas Gibson, the series is doing their best to ensure fans will be happy.

That happiness includes the return of Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss – as a full-time series regular!!

Brewster had been slated for a return before the backstage upheaval and was even actively filming.

When we reported the news, we wondered for how long her stay would be. Now we know. Permanently! 

Well, for as long as permanent is in this business. 

Will Prentiss be the new team leader? That would be truly amazing, as she has a much different style than Hotchner did. 

She has always been a fan favorite, but left at the end of Criminal Minds Season 7 to pursue comedy. 

She returned for a limited engagement in 2010, but was asked to stay on a recurring basis, which ultimately meant serving in every installment for two seasons!

Brewster left again in 2012 when she got the role with John Stamos in Grandathered.

She's appeared on a number of shows since departing this CBS drama.

Still, she visited Criminal Minds and has always maintained an active role on the series.

“We’re all so excited to have Paget with us full time,” said Criminal Minds executive producer/showrunner Erica Messer.

“The BAU family has definitely missed her, on screen and off. Having her back on set has been great, it’s like she never left.”

Brewster is returning to a very different BAU team, though.

That much has been made clear over the past few weeks.

We've already learned that Adam Rodriguez will be joining Criminal Minds as a special agent with the FBI working hand in hand with the Task Force to hunt down those fugitives who were lost at the end of Criminal Minds Season 11

He'll be a series regular, and that proves just how much airtime tracking these fugitives with have in the upcoming season.

Aisha Tyler has also been confirmed to be joining as a series regular.

We can't wait to see what happens with this addition.

I know some of you have your doubts about Tara Lewis, but give her another season to work herself into this new team. 

Tyler is a very talented actress, and given a new crew with which to work, it might feel a little bit different.

Personally, I'm really looking forward to what's coming. How do you all feel at this point? 

Share your thoughts in the comments and watch Criminal Minds online if you've missed any of the action setting up the next season!

Will you still tune in, even with Gibson gone?

Does Brewster's return lessen that blow?

And what will possibly happen next with this cast?!?

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.

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