The BAU is back, and apparently, being a legendary profiler doesn’t come with a “happily ever after” clause. “Criminal Minds: Evolution” is returning to Paramount+ for Season 19, and the team is about to learn that sometimes, the only thing worse than a serial killer is a serial killer with a dedicated fanbase.
“Senpai, Notice My Murder”
This season, the BAU finds itself caught in a deadly parasocial relationship. While the team investigates a fresh string of chilling cases, everyone’s favorite resident psychopath, Elias Voit (Zach Gilford), is busy trying to “atone” for his sins. Unfortunately, his high-profile infamy has inspired a new nightmare: “The Fan.”
“The Fan” isn’t just a copycat; he’s a calculating, precise, and relentlessly dangerous predator who views Voit as his idol. The central question of the season? How many bodies will “The Fan” drop just to prove he’s better than the man who taught him everything? It’s the ultimate toxic fandom, and the BAU is stuck in the middle of the comment section from hell.
The Lineup: Old Pros and New Faces
The core “jet-setting” crew is back in action, featuring Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, and Paget Brewster. Zach Gilford returns as Voit, alongside RJ Hatanaka.
The Guest Stars “Who’s Who”: This season is leaning hard into the “prestige” part of prestige TV with a guest list that looks like a Comic-Con VIP lounge. Keep an eye out for: Yvette Nicole Brown, Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson, meet the BAU), Jeri Ryan, Paul F. Tompkins, Justin Kirk, Cress Williams, Kofi Siriboe, Dash Mihok, and Nicholas Gonzalez.
Behind the Scenes
Showrunner Erica Messer continues her reign as the architect of our collective nightmares. Produced by 20th Television and CBS Studios, this season promises to push the team further under the shadow of Voit than ever before.
The Schedule: Summer of Suspense
Clear your Thursday nights and tell your friends you’ve “got a thing” (the thing is watching Joe Mantegna look disappointed in humanity). “Criminal Minds: Evolution” Season 19 premieres on Paramount+ on Thursday, May 28, with a double-episode debut to get the blood pumping. Get ready for brutal kills, insane mind games, and edge-of-your-seat action with ten fresh episodes of one of the best shows on TV. While you wait, be sure to rewatch the last two seasons for a refresher!
Watch the new trailer below, which offers a first look at “The Fan” in action. It’s dark, it’s gritty, and it’s exactly what you want to watch after double-locking your front door.
