Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 premieres May 8 on Paramount+. Expect Elias Voit’s chilling return, a mysterious funeral, and the comeback of Dr. Reid.
For fans of long-running crime drama, Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling entries yet. Paramount+ just dropped the latest trailer, and it teases a season filled with dark intrigue, shocking alliances, and the return of beloved characters. With over 300 episodes, this rebooted version of the classic CBS series continues to push boundaries, and Season 18 looks primed to deepen the mythology even further.
The trailer reveals unsettling glimpses of what’s to come: serial killers with terrifying methods (think: spiders and premature burials), a funeral that could signal a major character loss, and a sinister warning from Elias Voit himself. As the BAU faces new horrors, the lines between ally and enemy blur more than ever before. And yes, Dr. Spencer Reid fans, there’s good news ahead.
Elias Voit Returns—And He’s Not Alone
Zach Gilford’s performance as Elias Voit has been a highlight since Evolution began, and his presence is central to the upcoming season. According to TV Insider, showrunner Erica Messer confirmed that “we will see Voit all season,” and the trailer supports that promise. Despite being stabbed in prison at the end of Season 17, Voit survives—and he’s back with a vengeance.
The season picks up six months after the attack, with Voit’s dark web followers unleashing chaos across the country. The twist? The BAU is forced to team up with Voit to track them down. Messer told TV Insider this will lead to “a whole ‘nother Voit-Rossi relationship,” hinting at an uneasy partnership that could unravel at any moment. This isn’t just another case-of-the-week format—Season 18 is leaning hard into serialized storytelling, with Voit’s manipulations at its core.
Adding fuel to the fire is the funeral shown in the trailer. While the identity of the deceased remains under wraps, the emotional weight on characters like JJ and Rossi suggests high stakes and lasting consequences.
Welcome Back, Dr. Reid: Matthew Gray Gubler’s Long-Awaited Return
After seasons of absence, Matthew Gray Gubler is officially back as Dr. Spencer Reid. This marks a highly anticipated return for fans who have long speculated about Reid’s mysterious assignment. Erica Messer previously kept hope alive by keeping Reid’s desk and nameplate visible throughout Season 17, and now, it pays off.
While details are scarce, Messer confirmed to TV Insider that Gubler will appear in at least one episode. His reintroduction could shed light on the mission that took both him and Daniel Henney’s Matt Simmons away from the BAU. Although Henney’s return remains uncertain due to scheduling conflicts, Gubler’s cameo alone brings a jolt of excitement and nostalgia.
Also potentially making a comeback is Josh Stewart as JJ’s husband, Will, whose involvement has been ambiguous since the actor hinted at stepping away from the role. Messer hasn’t ruled him out for future seasons, leaving the door open for more personal drama.
Who’s Leading the Charge in Season 18?
Season 18 won’t center on a single character the way Season 16 did with Rossi or Season 17 with Prentiss. Instead, Messer told TV Insider that this season features “everybody,” with significant arcs for JJ (A.J. Cook) and Tara Lewis (Aisha Tyler). This balanced focus ensures that long-time viewers get to reconnect with their favorite agents while the series pushes forward into darker, riskier territory.
The rest of the core cast, including Joe Mantegna, Kirsten Vangsness, Paget Brewster, Adam Rodriguez, and RJ Hatanaka, are all returning. Their collective chemistry has been one of the revival’s strongest assets, and Season 18 will test their bonds more than ever.
So, what exactly are they up against? Paramount+ describes this season’s UnSubs as followers of Voit who are “restless” and deadly, echoing real-world fears about online radicalization and cult-like communities. With Voit as both guide and threat, the team must navigate a moral minefield. “No matter how good you are, your team isn’t good enough,” Voit warns Rossi in the trailer—a chilling reminder that this is no ordinary enemy.
What Can We Expect From Season 18? (And Is Season 19 Confirmed?)
Premiering May 8 on Paramount+, Season 18 will release weekly episodes across 10 weeks. Each installment promises to peel back more layers of Voit’s complex psychology, the BAU’s vulnerabilities, and the deadly new breed of UnSubs emerging from the shadows.
And yes—Criminal Minds: Evolution has already been renewed for a 19th season. Paramount+ made the announcement alongside the Season 18 premiere date, showing strong confidence in the series’ staying power.
As always, the heart of Criminal Minds lies in its ability to humanize its characters while diving deep into the darkness they confront. With a returning fan-favorite, the rise of Voit’s network, and an ominous funeral on the horizon, this season is poised to be one of the most emotional and intense yet.
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