Criminal Minds Evolution Returns For New Season On Paramount+ This May
A.J. Cook and cast prepare for darker adventures as hit crime drama unveils season premiere date
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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The behavioral analysis unit is back and ready to face new horrors. A recent Instagram post from A.J. Cook reveals that “Criminal Minds: Evolution” will return for its new season on May 8, exclusively on Paramount+. The ominous announcement comes with a chilling tagline: “Hell is empty and the devils are here.”
The post features a dark, atmospheric image that sets the tone for what viewers can expect from the upcoming season. The visual reveals a dramatic scene that aligns perfectly with the show’s reputation for exploring the darkest corners of criminal psychology.
The Bau Returns With A Vengeance
Season 18 marks the continuation of the “Evolution” chapter of the long-running franchise. After CBS concluded the original “Criminal Minds” series in 2020 after 15 seasons, Paramount+ revived the show in 2022 with “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” bringing back many fan-favorite cast members, including A.J. Cook who has portrayed Special Agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau since the show’s beginning.
The revival has successfully maintained the psychological thriller elements fans love while adapting to the streaming format with longer episodes and more serialized storytelling. Season 17 concluded earlier this year, leaving viewers eager for the team’s return.
In another recent post promoting the new season, Cook shared a teaser with the caption: “May 8th. Season 18. Paramount+. WTF is in that box?” – suggesting that the new season will continue the show’s tradition of shocking revelations and disturbing cases.
Cook’s Evolving Role In The Criminal Minds Universe
A.J. Cook has been with the series since it debuted in 2005, with a brief departure during seasons 6 and 7 before returning as a regular. Her character JJ has evolved significantly over the years, from a media liaison to a profiler and seasoned field agent.
Beyond her acting role, Cook has expanded her involvement with the series by stepping behind the camera. She recently shared on Instagram that she directed episode 2 of season 17, writing: “Such a pleasure to work alongside my cast mates and crew. Season 17 is now streaming on @paramountplus YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THE FINAL SCENE IN THIS EPISODE.”
This wasn’t her first directorial effort for the series, as she previously directed an episode in season 14 of the original run. Behind-the-scenes footage posted on social media shows Cook in her element as director, demonstrating her growth from cast member to creative force within the production.
A Multifaceted Career Beyond The Bau
Andrea Joy Cook was born on July 22, 1978, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Before landing her career-defining role in “Criminal Minds,” she appeared in several films including Sofia Coppola’s “The Virgin Suicides” and the horror sequel “Final Destination 2.”
More recently, Cook has expanded her repertoire to include voice work. She served as narrator for the audiobook thriller “One of Our Own” by Lucinda Berry, released in March. A behind-the-scenes video of her recording session was shared on Instagram with the caption: “Felicia can’t shake a disturbing call… Watch the amazing @ajcook from @criminalminds record #OneOfOurOwn.”
In a recent podcast appearance on “Funny in Failure,” Cook discussed various aspects of her career and personal journey, including “the power of the beach, leaving and coming back to Criminal Minds, directing, letting go, moving to LA from Canada, self-authenticity & being true to yourself, perfectionism, mindset shifts, being partially blind, hustle + more.”
Character Development And Cast Dynamics
Cook’s character on “Criminal Minds” has been described in promotional materials as “Compassionate, tough, unwavering—and always game for Cheetos,” highlighting the blend of strength and humanity that has made JJ a fan favorite.
The close-knit nature of the BAU team has been a hallmark of the series, with another recent post referring to Cook’s character as “The ACTUAL mother of the BAU,” referencing JJ’s protective nature toward the team and her own development as a mother within the show’s storyline.
This family dynamic among the cast extends beyond the screen, with various social media posts showing the close relationships between cast members through the years. One post captioned “Through thick & thin #CriminalMinds” showcases this enduring bond.
What To Expect From The New Season
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the marketing tagline “Hell is empty and the devils are here” – a play on Shakespeare’s line from “The Tempest” – suggests that season 18 will continue the darker, more serialized approach of the Evolution series.
Previous seasons of the revival have focused on interconnected cases and longer story arcs about sophisticated networks of killers, a departure from the original show’s more procedural format. The mysterious box referenced in Cook’s teaser post hints at another central mystery that will likely drive the season’s narrative.
With the premiere date set for May 8 on Paramount+, fans of criminal psychology, intense drama, and the beloved BAU team have just a short wait before diving back into the minds of both the hunters and the hunted.
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