A.J. Cook Teases Fans With New BTS From Criminal Minds

Behind The Scenes Snapshot

A.J. Cook, celebrated for her portrayal of Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau on Criminal Minds, surprised followers with a fresh batch of Instagram photos. Accompanied by the caption “Some #bts from #criminalminds 🎬”, the five images offer a candid glimpse into life on the show’s set. In them, Cook is seen huddled around monitors with her co-stars, adjusting her in-ear mic between takes, and poring over scripts in the familiar Behavioral Analysis Unit workspace.

Jj’s Fresh Stage Appearance

This latest peek follows Cook’s December post announcing a dramatic haircut for Season 19. Sharing a close-up of her new look, she quipped, “Oh yeah…I cut my hair,” while reminding fans that Season 18 of Criminal Minds: Evolution was still streaming on Paramount+. That Season 18 premiere—held on May 8, 2022—marked the team’s shift from network television to streaming, rekindling the series’ momentum with both returning cast and fresh faces.

A Legacy Of Leadership

Cook’s run as JJ dates back to the show’s original launch in September 2005. After a brief hiatus following the first season, she rejoined the ensemble in Season 3 and has remained a central figure ever since. Over nearly two decades, her character has matured from communications liaison to seasoned profiler, delivering emotional depth alongside the show’s trademark procedural intensity. Industry analysts frequently cite Cook’s sincerity and range as key factors in Criminal Minds’ enduring appeal.

Life Beyond The Bau

Off camera, Cook balances her career with family life and philanthropy. An alumna of the University of Victoria’s drama program, she often highlights causes like children’s healthcare and animal rescue on social media. Between set snaps, her Instagram feed shares moments with husband Jonathan Davis and their two daughters, as well as workout tips and red-carpet highlights—yet it’s the occasional behind-the-lens update that consistently rallies the fan base.

Paramount Plus Milestones

After wrapping a 15-year network run, Criminal Minds returned as Criminal Minds: Evolution on Paramount Plus. Cook commemorated the Season 18 debut with a confetti-filled post: “It’s Premier Day!! Season 18 is now streaming on @paramountplus #criminalminds #bau.” The revival reunited original cast members and introduced new agents, proving the franchise’s continued strength in the streaming era.

As production ramps up for the next installment, Cook’s latest BTS images signal another chapter in JJ’s journey. Though the Season 19 release date remains under wraps, insiders predict a fall premiere. Whether Cook’s JJ faces fresh challenges, reunites with past adversaries, or uncovers new leads, viewers can count on her Instagram updates to provide an early look at the action.

Cook’s willingness to blur the line between set life and social media not only fuels excitement but also offers fans an authentic window into the show’s heartbeat. From script read-throughs to wardrobe tweaks, her snapshots capture the camaraderie and craft that drive one of television’s most beloved crime dramas.

As the BAU prepares for its next deployment, audiences know where to find the first clues: on Cook’s Instagram feed, where every behind-the-scenes update feels like an invitation to join the team.

Trivia

A. J. Cook faced personal struggles, including a difficult pregnancy and the challenges of motherhood, which she has openly discussed.

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Reshmi Das

 

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.

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