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What episode of Criminal Minds does Hotch leave?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 13, 2026

After leading the team for over a decade, Hotch is phased out of the series entirely at the beginning of season 12. While Thomas Gibson's last Criminal Minds episode was season 12 episode 2, Aaron Hotchner wasn't officially written out until episode 6 of the same season.

What episode does Hotchner leaves?

In episode 12.6 titled "Elliott's Pond" it is revealed that Hotchner is leaving his post as longtime head of the BAU after discovering that serial killer Peter Lewis (Bodhi Elfman) is stalking Jack.

Why does Hotch leave in season 12?

To make matters worse, Hotch was written off the CBS procedural because Gibson was fired following reports of an altercation on-set. Let's look at who Aaron Hotchner was on Criminal Minds and what made Gibson's tenure on the show come to an end.

Why did Hotch get fired from Criminal Minds?

Thomas Gibson was fired from Criminal Minds after an on-set altercation. In August 2016, Thomas Gibson was involved in an on-set altercation with Virgil Williams, a writer-producer of Criminal Minds, while Gibson was directing an episode of the show.

What was Hotch's last episode?

However, after 11 seasons, his character disappeared. Hotch appeared in two episodes of season 12 before vanishing on a "special assignment." Later in the season, it was revealed that he was put into witness protection following his son's involvement in a number of stalking incidents.

20 related questions found

Does Hotch return in season 15?

On-screen, Gibson's sudden and extended absence was explained by Hotch and his son Jack going into WITSEC, when the ruthless “Mr. Scratch” was at large. In last season's premiere, after Scratch died, it was noted that Hotch would not be rejoining the team but continuing to enjoy the life of a full-time dad.

Who replaces Hotch in Criminal Minds?

Criminal Minds has found its replacement for Aaron Hotchner since Thomas Gibson was let go from the CBS series following a physical altercation on set last August. Damon Gupton has joined the cast and will first appear in the season's eighth episode.

Does Morgan leave Criminal Minds?

What episode does Morgan leave Criminal Minds? Only two episodes later in Criminal Minds' “A Beautiful Disaster” Derek's pregnant wife Savannah is shot. After helping capture the culprit and Savannah gave birth to their son Hank – named after his late father – Morgan says goodbye to the team and quits the BAU.

When did Morgan leave Criminal Minds?

Moore made appearances in Seasons 12 and 13, bringing Derek Morgan briefly back to the world of Criminal Minds. But Season 11 was the end of his run as a main character. Morgan never appeared again in the final two seasons of the series, leaving fans to hope that his life turned out the way he wanted it to.

Does Hotch come back to Criminal Minds Season 13?

After the death of Scratch in Season Thirteen, they left witness protection but Hotch opted not to return to the BAU in order to be a full-time father.

Does Reid leave Criminal Minds?

Criminal Minds Season 16 Has A Good Reason To Not Have Spencer Reid. Matthew Gray Gubler isn't among the returning cast for Criminal Minds season 16. Luckily, the show has a good reason why Spencer Reid won't be back.

Where did Hotch go in season 12?

However, after 11 seasons, his character disappeared. Hotch appeared in two episodes of season 12 before vanishing on a "special assignment." Later in the season, it was revealed that he was put into witness protection following his son's involvement in a number of stalking incidents.

What episode does Hotch come back in season 12?

Hotch never returned to the series after appearing in two episodes of season 12, and it was a shock to fans. But the BAU was told after some time that Hotchner's son, Jack, was being stalked, so they were in witness protection now, according to Country Living.

Who replaces Derek Morgan?

'Criminal Minds' Profile: Derek Morgan

He officially resigned from the BAU in Season Eleven in order to be with his new family. His position was taken over by Luke Alvez in Season Twelve.

Does JJ leave Criminal Minds?

Despite being a rather foundational member of the BAU team, J.J. was written off of the series during most of Season 6. The in-fiction reason was her forced transfer to the Pentagon, a cover story hiding her real work on a task force in the Middle East. Apparently, the Pentagon job had been offered to J.J.

Who Abducted Derek Morgan?

Chazz Montolo is an international serial killer, mass murderer, proxy killer, gangster, stalker, and one-time proxy abductor who appears in Season Eleven of Criminal Minds.

Who does Penelope Garcia end up with?

As a result, she turns him down, and their relationship appears to have ended ("I Love You, Tommy Brown"). Garcia eventually becomes involved with an old flame, Sam. In the final episode of season 15, "And In the End..." , Luke Alvez asks her out for dinner, an offer which she happily accepts.

Why did Derek Morgan leave in season 11?

Unlike some other shocking Criminal Minds character exits, there was no behind-the-scenes drama involved with Shemar Moore's departure, with the actor simply deciding that after eleven seasons it was time to leave. He felt he'd explored every facet of Morgan as a character and he wanted to pursue other projects.

What episode do we find out Morgan was molested?

"Criminal Minds" Profiler, Profiled (TV Episode 2006) - IMDb.

Does Hotch resign in season 5?

He left the BAU in Season 12 and was replaced by fan-favorite Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), but even before that, there was a period during Season 5 where Hotchner stepped aside and tapped one of his team members to temporarily replace him.

How was Aaron Hotchner written off?

Hotch was written out of Criminal Minds in Season 12 due to actor Thomas Gibson's behind-the-scenes behavior. The initial excuse for Hotch's absence was that he was on special assignment, although it was later revealed that he really entered witness protection because the murderous Mr.

Does Prentiss replace Hotch?

That is, until last night's episode, when Criminal Minds addressed Hotch's absence and finally told us who would be taking over the BAU in his absence: none other than Emily Prentiss. That's right, Prentiss was offered the job.

Will Aaron Hotchner return?

As for Thomas Gibson's character, Aaron Hotchner, it is quite unlikely he'll be part of this new series. However, fans continue to have hope. But sadly, the studio terminated Gibson's time on the show early in 2016 after a physical altercation with a writer/producer.

Does Derek Morgan appear in season 15 of Criminal Minds?

Thomas Gibson, who played Aaron Hotchner, would not be returning for the final season. Messer revealed that Shemar Moore, who played Derek Morgan, would also not be returning for the final season.