Criminal Minds: Evolution – A New Era and Unforgettable Storylines
After taking a brief two-year hiatus, Criminal Minds is back, stronger than ever, with its 18th season in full swing, and a 19th already ordered. Now in its 20th year, the show has evolved from its classic TV days to become a beloved streaming phenomenon. During IGN Live 2025, showrunner Erica Messer, along with cast members Joe Mantegna, Aisha Tyler, and Zach Gilford, shared their excitement about the upcoming season and discussed the show’s continued success.
The panel kicked off with a teaser from an upcoming episode where a woman wakes up in a buried box, leading to some humorous exchanges among the cast. Joe Mantegna joked, “We have people in boxes underground on occasion. It’s just another example of that!” Aisha Tyler added, “We bury a lady in a box every week! You’ve got to be more specific!”
The conversation soon turned to the character Elias Voit, portrayed by Zach Gilford. Elias has become a major figure since his introduction in Season 16, capturing the fascination of viewers who are drawn to his enigmatic, killer persona. Tyler explained, “There are people who idolize Elias. They see what he’s done and maybe want to emulate him.”
Showrunner Erica Messer reflected on the show’s enduring popularity, noting that its core theme of good versus evil resonates deeply with audiences. “At its heart, it’s always about the battle between good and evil, and that’s a story that will never get old. This season, with Evolution, we wanted to push our heroes further. Enter Elias Voit – he really challenges our team.”
Both Mantegna and Tyler also took turns directing episodes this season, something they expressed great enjoyment in. Mantegna honored the late Linda Lavin with one of her final performances in his episode, calling it a special moment. Tyler shared her excitement about directing, saying, “I love this cast so much that getting to direct them is a thrill. It’s such a close-knit group, everyone wants everyone else to succeed.”
One of the most intriguing developments this season is Elias Voit’s amnesia. Gilford, who plays Elias, expressed his fascination with this storyline, stating, “It’s rare to revisit a character three seasons in and have the chance to explore their evolution. It’s fascinating to play someone who has experienced such a significant shift.” The question arises: If someone regrets their past actions and has changed, do they deserve forgiveness? This will be explored as Elias grapples with his past and his conscience.
The panel wrapped up with some fun speculation about how their other iconic characters would fit into the world of Criminal Minds. Zach Gilford laughed at the idea of his Friday Night Lights character, Matt Saracen, navigating the BAU: “He’s a hard worker! He was smart, but I’m not sure if he was that smart,” he joked. Joe Mantegna quipped about his role as Fat Tony in The Simpsons, saying, “You’d have to keep Fat Tony away from craft services. He doesn’t get mad, he gets stabby!” Aisha Tyler’s Archer character, Lana Kane, was also discussed, with Tyler asserting that Lana would be a valuable asset to the BAU, though she might need to adjust her wardrobe: “Lana’s the greatest superspy to ever live, but maybe she should cover up a bit more for government work!”
Criminal Minds: Evolution continues to captivate fans, proving that after two decades, the story of good versus evil has a lot more to give.
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