Why did Derek Morgan leave in season 11?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 14, 2026
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.
Does Derek Morgan leave in season 11?
Amazingly, the series survived Gideon's surprise exit. In fact, its only natural key cast would leave over its fifteen-year run, with Thomas Gibson famously being fired during season 12. Another major departure came during Criminal Minds season 11 when Shemar Moore's Derek Morgan left the team.
Why was Derek Morgan kidnapped season 11?
SSA Derek Morgan was kidnapped.
While out buying treats for his pregnant fiancée, Derek was kidnapped by an unknown group of assailants. While being held captive, he was brutally tortured for hours. Thankfully, Derek was able to hang on until the team was able to track down the bad guys and save his life.
Does Derek Morgan appear in season 12?
Criminal Minds was renewed for a twelfth season with an episode order of 22 episodes on May 6, 2016. The season began on September 28, 2016. The entire main cast returned for the season, except Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan), who left the show during the eleventh season.
How did Derek Morgan leave?
'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.
28 related questions foundDoes Morgan come back to Criminal Minds after season 11?
Does Derek Morgan come back after season 11? Derek Morgan has returned before to 'Criminal Minds' since his official departure. Morgan didn't leave the BAU for good so to speak. He's returned twice to reprise his role and interact with the main characters again.
Why did Morgan leave?
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.
Why is Reid not in season 12?
Both Gubler and Reid needed some time away from the BAU
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.
Is Reid in season 12?
The show has had its twists and turns, but one almost no one saw coming was beloved character Spencer Reid, played by Matthew Gray Gubler, ending up in prison for half of season 12.
Is Reid in season 13?
The Season 13 finale of Criminal Minds will bring Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) back from sabbatical in order to save former FBI agent Owen Quinn (James Urbaniak).
What episode do we find out Morgan was molested?
"Criminal Minds" Profiler, Profiled (TV Episode 2006) - IMDb.
Who kidnaps Derek season 11?
4/5. After the ultimate cliffhanger from the last episode of Criminal Minds Derek Morgan (Shear Moore) is abducted and taken to a very remote cabin in the woods. Morgan is kidnapped by Edgar Solomon and his team.
What is Thomas Gibson doing now?
What is Thomas Gibson doing 2020? Since leaving Criminal Minds, Gibson has kept a low profile. He has credits in a few films (Axis and Shadow Wolves), and he's involved as a writer, producer, and star of a passion project called The Writer's Bible.
Why did Hotchner leave Criminal Minds?
In early August 2016, Thomas Gibson was suspended from Criminal Minds due to an on-set physical altercation with one of the show's writer-producers.
Why did Penelope Garcia leave?
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.
Is Spencer Reid a serial killer?
2 Unsub Killer
Dr. Spencer Reid might appear nerdy and innocent but he is actually responsible for the deaths of 8 unsubs during his time on the series.
Is Reid addicted to drugs?
Drug Addiction
In (Season 2, Episode 15) "Revelations", Tobias Hankel (James Van Der Beek), a psychotic serial killer, kidnaps Reid, drugging and torturing him over the course of two days before he is rescued. Reid is so traumatized that he develops an addiction to the narcotic painkiller Dilaudid.
How rich is Matthew Gray Gubler?
Matthew Gray Gubler net worth and salary: Matthew Gray Gubler is an American actor, director, editor, visual artist, and former fashion model who has a net worth of $10 million dollars.
Does Derek Morgan return to Criminal Minds?
Filming a network show like Criminal Minds is a ten-month commitment every season, which doesn't leave much time for other movies or shows, and Shemar Moore says he wanted to free up time to focus on his personal life too. Derek Morgan did, however, return for a few episodes in later seasons.
Is Penelope and Morgan still together?
They just stayed super close friends that seemed to constantly flirt with one another. Of course, the closeness of Garcia and Morgan and their unconventional friendship has prompted fans over the years to think the two could have something more, and some even hoped they'd get together eventually. But it never happened.
Where is Derek Morgan season 12?
While Morgan did have an emotional last season—he was kidnapped, nearly killed, found out his girlfriend and future wife was pregnant, etc. —Morgan didn't die at the end of it. Instead, his character chose to exit the B.A.U. to spend time with his family, particularly his newborn son.
Did Shemar Moore get married?
The actor and model has made women swoon for decades on both the big and small screen, but he is not married and has never been married. The star has been linked to quite a few famous women over the years, however, including Anabelle Acosta, Halle Berry, and Toni Braxton.
Does Derek Morgan come back after season 12?
Moore's character left after overwhelming circumstances, including being kidnapped and finding out his fiancé was going to have his son. With the blessing of Penelope and Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), Morgan left, but he's returned before, including in the season 12 finale and again in season 13.
Does Derek Morgan come back in season 14?
Morgan made a surprise appearance during Season 13, Episode 5 as a special guest, besides returning in a flashback during Season 14, Episode 10.