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Who replaces Hotch on Criminal Minds?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 25, 2026

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.

Who takes over the BAU when Hotch leaves?

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.

Does Morgan replaced Hotch?

'Criminal Minds' Profile: Derek Morgan

For a time, he was the acting unit chief of the BAU, taking over as Hotch stepped down temporally. Morgan specialized in explosives, fixations, and obsessive behaviors. He officially resigned from the BAU in Season Eleven in order to be with his new family.

Who leads the BAU in Criminal Minds?

Unit Chief: Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss (2016–present)

Why did Hodges leave Criminal Minds?

On Aug. 12, 2016, following an internal investigation by Criminal Minds' production company ABC Studios, Gibson was formally dismissed from the show. He released a statement describing "creative differences" on set and his regret at the incident that occurred.

16 related questions found

Why did Jennifer jareau leave Criminal Minds?

Jareau was written out of the show after Cook was let go at the beginning of season six, for financial reasons relating to the premiere of the spin-off Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. Jareau's time at the Pentagon is explored in depth in season nine.

Why did Penelope leave Criminal Minds?

After such an "emotionally draining" experience, the actor said Garcia realizes that she needs a break. She can't do this year after year. "She will figure out more streamlined ways to make the world and the universe a happier, more peaceful, more friendly place," Vangsness added.

Why did Rossi return to the BAU?

As he had served in an early form of the BAU, it was initially hard for Rossi to acclimate to the current team structure, but he eventually adjusted. Rossi revealed to a local sheriff his reason for returning to the BAU, holding out a charm bracelet with the names of three children from one of his first cases.

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.

What is Derek Morgan's baby's name?

They eventually have a son named Hank Spencer Morgan, naming him after Derek's father and Reid. Morgan is intensely devoted to his coworkers, especially Technical Analyst Penelope Garcia.

Did Hotch resign?

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. Hotchner decides to enter the Witness Protection Program with his son to keep him safe.

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.

Was Derek Morgan molested as a child?

When Derek was a child, he spent a lot of time at the Chicago Youth Center where Carl Buford, the owner of the center, began sexually abusing him. After returning to Chicago as an adult, being charged with murder, and finding out that Buford was still assaulting young men, Morgan came clean to his team.

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.

Does Morgan leave Criminal Minds for good?

The Garcia/Morgan relationship was a big part of the reason why fans of Criminal Minds were dismayed when Shemar Moore left the series and Derek Morgan was written off in 2017. Moore left Criminal Minds with the desire to explore new opportunities and focus on his personal life.

What happens to JJ's husband?

JJ owes her husband's life to Emily Prentiss

In episode 24 called “Run,” Izzy takes Will to get medical attention for the gunshot wound, killing the medic that helps them. Out of nowhere, she then shoots her partner Chris, leaving him in an alley.

What is the saddest episode of Criminal Minds?

Top 10 Saddest Criminal Minds Episodes

  • #8: “Sex, Birth, Death” ...
  • #7: “Hope” ...
  • #6: “Seven Seconds” ...
  • #5: “Zugzwang” ...
  • #4: “Profiler, Profiled” ...
  • #3: “Revelations” ...
  • #2: “Mosley Lane” ...
  • #1: “100” Arguably the worst unsub the BAU has ever faced is George Foyet (aka the Reaper).

What agents died in Criminal Minds?

Jason Gideon and Stephen Walker are the only main characters to have died in the series. Although, Gideon didn't die while he was on the show, he died eight years after his departure. Walker joined the team halfway through season twelve. His death was the first episode of season thirteen.

Did Rossi have a son?

Finally, in "Epilogue," it is revealed that Rossi has a son named James who died after he was born, therefore possibly contradicting the first and third facts.

Who did Joe Mantegna replace on Criminal Minds?

For 15 seasons, "Criminal Minds" enthralled viewers by following a fictional group of criminal profilers who crack cases for the FBI. For 13 of those seasons, actor Joe Mantegna starred as special agent David Rossi, replacing original cast member Mandy Patinkin.

What happened to Hayden Montgomery on Criminal Minds?

Hayden reappeared in the present day, in the Season Eleven episode "Inner Beauty." In the episode, she has an awkward reunion with Rossi at her son-in-law Shawn's house before Rossi leaves to help the BAU investigate a case. At the end of the episode, Rossi returns to Shawn's house and reconciles with Hayden.

Does Garcia wear a wig?

Penelope Garcia wears both colors like a boss

This influence on the character's personality and style allowed Vangsness to get creative when the mood struck: "So, I colored it red and then I got bored with the red. Then I wore a blonde wig one day and I was like, 'I remember, I like this.

Why did Derek Morgan leave?

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.

Why is Reid not in season 11?

For Matthew Gray Gubler, his contract included time off to work on other projects, which is understandable given his 11 years playing the same character. As for his character, the early absences were explained by having Reid away visiting with his mother.

What happened to JJ's sister?

Roslyn committed suicide by slashing her wrists with her father's razor when she was 17 and JJ was 11 in 1991 or 1992, after being depressed and having a relationship with Ethan Howard, the school's guidance counselor.