Criminal Minds Season 19 cast revealed: 8 returning stars plus new actor joining Paramount+

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Criminal Minds Season 19 Returns Eight Core Cast Members
• Jeri Ryan Joins as Mystery New Cast Member in Season 19
• What to Expect from Season 19 Storylines and Cast Focus
• Notable Absences and Future Cast Possibilities for Season 19
• When Will Criminal Minds Season 19 Premiere on Paramount Plus?
  • Sources

Criminal Minds just unveiled its Season 19 cast lineup, confirming 8 returning stars and 1 new actor joining the Paramount+ hit. The beloved BAU team continues evolving as Star Trek icon Jeri Ryan steps into a mysterious new role. Here’s who’s back and what’s coming next.

Criminal Minds Season 19 Returns Eight Core Cast Members

Criminal Minds: Evolution will bring back its most iconic players for the fourth season on the streaming service. Joe Mantegna reprises his role as David Rossi, the seasoned criminal profiler at the heart of the BAU team. Paget Brewster returns as Emily Prentiss, while A.J. Cook continues as JJ Jareau, facing life as a grieving widow. The cast also includes Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez, Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia, and Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis.

RJ Hatanaka returns as Tyler Green, while Zach Gilford reprises his complex role as Elias Voit, the serial killer turned reformed fugitive. Showrunner Erica Messer has teased that Voit will continue, but in a dramatically different psychological state after his brain remodeling following a prison attack.

Jeri Ryan Joins as Mystery New Cast Member in Season 19

Star Trek: Voyager star Jeri Ryan officially joins the Criminal Minds family for Season 19. The 57-year-old actress brings her decades of television experience to Paramount+ in a role that has been kept under wraps. Ryan’s casting signals fresh creative direction as the BAU team faces new challenges. Fans have speculated about her character’s purpose, but showrunner Erica Messer has remained deliberately vague about details.

This new addition comes as Criminal Minds: Evolution continues its Paramount+ success story, three seasons into its streaming revival. The move represents the show’s commitment to fresh talent while honoring its loyal core ensemble. Ryan’s character details will likely be revealed in early Season 19 episodes.

What to Expect from Season 19 Storylines and Cast Focus

Character Updates

Character	Actor	Season 19 Arc
Luke Alvez	Adam Rodriguez	Major growth and spotlight role
JJ Jareau	A.J. Cook	Grief journey; son prepares for college
Dr. Tara Lewis	Aisha Tyler	Thriving, interrogating criminals
Elias Voit	Zach Gilford	Struggling with killer instincts, celebrity status

Season 19 will feature a one-year time jump from the Season 18 finale. Showrunner Erica Messer promises healing moments but also new challenges for the team. JJ will navigate motherhood while preparing her oldest son for college, adding emotional depth. Luke Alvez takes center stage with storylines that earned emotional responses during screening, while Tara thrives interrogating convicted killers.

Voit’s transformation continues as the BAU investigates his psychology, treating him as a celebrity killer. The season promises to explore darkness stemming from unwanted attention, wrapping within ten episodes.

“Alvez has a lot going on this season, and it really kicks off in the second episode of the season, which we’ve already shot. I think it’s his year to sort of grow and shine a little bit more. And Adam’s so good. I think there wasn’t a dry eye when we screened the second episode.”

— Erica Messer, Showrunner

Notable Absences and Future Cast Possibilities for Season 19

Matthew Gray Gubler, who recently returned as Dr. Spencer Reid for Season 18, may not appear in Season 19 due to his commitment to Einstein on CBS. Showrunner Erica Messer confirmed no appearances from Shemar Moore or Daniel Henney are planned, citing scheduling conflicts. Josh Stewart, who played JJ’s husband Will, won’t return after his shocking death in Season 18 Episode 2.

A.J. Cook emphasized that JJ’s grief won’t resolve neatly in one season, promising ongoing emotional exploration. The character’s journey as a single mother will shape her storyline throughout the season and beyond. Criminal Minds: Evolution continues balancing legacy cast with new talent, ensuring fresh narratives while honoring the original ensemble’s impact on television.

When Will Criminal Minds Season 19 Premiere on Paramount Plus?

Paramount+ has not yet announced an official Season 19 premiere date. Previous seasons released at varying times, with Season 16 premiering in November 2022, Season 17 in June 2024, and Season 18 in May 2025. Fans should expect an announcement within the coming months as post-production advances. Filming began on May 30, 2025, suggesting a timeline for fall 2026 or early 2027 arrival, though Paramount+ maintains unpredictable scheduling patterns for Criminal Minds: Evolution releases.

Sources

• Just Jared – Comprehensive cast revelation article dated March 18, 2026.
• TV Insider – Detailed Season 19 updates including cast confirmations and storylines.
• Collider – Jeri Ryan casting announcement and Star Trek veteran profile.