The Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is back as “Criminal Minds: Evolution” returns for its second season on Paramount+. The popular revival of the long-running crime drama will continue the stories of the FBI’s elite team of criminal profilers, picking up from the shocking finale of the first season.
Season 2 will see the BAU team confront their biggest threat yet as they investigate the mysterious Gold Star program and its connection to the serial killer Elias Voit, played by Zach Gilford. Voit, who built a network of serial killers during the pandemic, will be a key figure in the new season, with showrunner Erica Messer describing him as their “Hannibal Lecter.”
The season will also explore relationship drama, including a potential love triangle between Penelope (Kirsten Vangsness), Alvez (Adam Rodriguez), and Tyler (Ryan-James Hatanaka). Additionally, the impact of Deputy Director Doug Bailey’s death will be felt, especially on Prentiss’ storyline, with Paget Brewster taking a more centralized role.
The season will feature a mix of serialized and episodic storytelling, with some episodes focusing on the ongoing “Gold Star” arc and others featuring standalone cases.
All the main cast members are returning, including Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Paget Brewster, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, and Zach Gilford. However, Josh Stewart will not be returning as JJ’s husband, Will LaMontagne Jr. The season will also introduce a new character, Dr. Jill Gideon, played by Felicity Huffman, the ex-wife of former BAU head Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin).
“Criminal Minds: Evolution” Season 2 will consist of 10 episodes and is expected to premiere on June 6, 2024, on Paramount+. The first two episodes will be available to stream at launch, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly.
