Honestly, if you told me back in 2020 that we’d still be profiling unsubs in 2026, I probably would’ve raised an eyebrow. But here we are. Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4 is officially on the horizon, and the buzz is different this time. It’s not just about the gore or the "wheels up" moments anymore. It’s about how this team, which basically feels like family at this point, survives a world that’s getting progressively darker and more digital.
The renewal isn't just a rumor. Paramount+ gave the green light for the fourth season (which is technically Season 19 if you’re a purist) way back in March 2025, right before Season 3 even hit our screens. That early vote of confidence says a lot. People are still watching. They’re still obsessed with the psychological chess match between Emily Prentiss and the monsters under the bed.
The Alvez Era and Why It's About Time
If you’ve been keeping up, you know Season 3 was... a lot. Between Elias Voit’s amnesia—which, let’s be real, was a wild swing for the writers—and the hunt for "The Disciple," some of our favorites felt a bit like background noise.
Showrunner Erica Messer has basically promised that Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4 is going to fix that. Specifically, she’s putting the spotlight on Luke Alvez.
Adam Rodriguez is finally getting his "overdue" personal arc. For the last couple of seasons, Luke has been the reliable muscle, the guy with the witty banter, and the one half of that "will-they-won't-they" tension with Garcia. But we haven't really dug into his head. Messer teased that while we’ll start wondering what’s up with him in the premiere, things really kick off in Episode 2. Word is, Adam Rodriguez is even stepping behind the camera to direct this season.
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It’s a smart move. After the heavy focus on Rossi’s trauma and Prentiss’s leadership struggles, focusing on Alvez feels like a breath of fresh air. We’re likely going to see more of his life outside the BAU, maybe even some ghosts from his past in New York or a deeper look into why he carries himself the way he does.
Moving Past the Voit Shadow
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Elias Voit.
Zach Gilford’s portrayal of Sicarius was arguably the best villain the show has ever had. He was terrifying because he was ordinary. But you can only keep a serial killer in a glass box for so long before the plot starts to feel a little Silence of the Lambs—lite.
In the Season 3 finale, we saw Voit finally get his comeuppance in a way that felt semi-final. He helped take down Tessa LeBrun (The Disciple), and he’s headed for a maximum-security nightmare. But is he gone for good? Messer has hinted that Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4 will explore Voit’s "newfound celebrity." Even if he’s behind bars, his influence on the dark web and the public’s morbid fascination with him will haunt the BAU.
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That said, we’re getting a brand new, season-long unsub.
The show is shifting back to its roots a bit. While the "Gold Star" and "Sicarius Network" arcs were massive, they were also incredibly complex—sometimes too complex. For Season 4, the plan is to rely on "simple, scary stories." Think of it as the classic Criminal Minds vibe but with that gritty, prestige-TV edge that the Evolution era brought to Paramount+.
The One-Year Time Jump
One thing that’s definitely happening: we’re jumping forward in time. Again.
Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 4 will pick up about a year after the events of the Season 3 finale. This is a classic Messer move. It allows the characters to heal (or fester) off-screen.
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- JJ’s Grief: We saw her lose Will in Season 3. A year later, we’ll see how she’s handling being a single parent while hunting killers. That kind of emotional weight makes the show feel human.
- The Garcia/Alvez/Tyler Triangle: This is the part everyone has opinions on. With Tyler Green seemingly sticking around as a BAU consultant/ally, the dynamic is getting crowded. A year-long jump means their relationships will have shifted into something new by the time we see them again.
- Tara and Rebecca: After their engagement, fans are basically just waiting for a wedding invite. Whether that happens or gets sidelined by a new case remains to be seen.
Production and Release: When Do We Actually Get It?
Filming for Season 4 actually started in late May 2025. Paget Brewster (our beloved Prentiss) was posting about her physical therapy and getting back into "Prentiss shape" months before they even started.
If they stick to the current production cycle—which has been pretty consistent—we’re looking at a mid-to-late 2026 release date.
The show has found its groove on Thursdays. It’s a 10-episode format now, which, honestly? It works. It trims the fat. No more "filler" episodes where the unsub is a guy who’s just mad at his boss. Every episode in the Evolution era feels like it matters to the bigger picture.
The Reid Question (The One We Always Ask)
Look, I know what you’re thinking. Is Matthew Gray Gubler coming back? He finally made a cameo in Season 3 at Will’s funeral, and it felt like the internet collectively exhaled. It was just one episode, but it proved the door is wide open. For Season 4, there’s no official confirmation that Dr. Spencer Reid is back full-time. He’s still "on a special assignment" in the show’s universe.
But with the show being renewed so far in advance, the writers have the luxury of time to work around Gubler’s schedule. If he doesn’t return as a series regular, expect the "Reid crumbs" to continue.
What You Can Do Now to Prepare
- Rewatch Season 3, Episode 10: Pay close attention to the way Voit looks at the camera in his final scene. It’s not just a goodbye; it’s a warning.
- Follow the Cast on Social Media: Joe Mantegna and Paget Brewster are notorious for dropping "accidental" behind-the-scenes spoilers on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
- Check Your Subscription: If you’re watching internationally, the show often moves between Disney+ and Paramount+ depending on licensing deals. Ensure you’re ready for the 2026 rollout.