‘Criminal Minds’ season 11: On renewal odds, Thomas Gibson’s future, and more

The good news that we can share for most of you who love “Criminal Minds” is relatively simple: Commercially, there is little doubt that the series will return to CBS with new episodes in the fall. However, be prepared for a long summer in some other ways.

Basically, where we are right now is a situation where the majority of the cast, including lead Thomas Gibson, are all in need of new contracts. This is what was reported (per Deadline) as late as last month, and unless something has changed, the status for many of these people remains in limbo. It may even be that way for some time; there is a precedent for the network to not begin contract talks until after issuing a renewal, and we have seen things happen with CBS dramas in the 11th hour before. There have been examples of last-minute deals working out (Gibson signing not too long before starting to film a season, deals getting done with the cast of “The Big Bang Theory”), but at the same time there has been situations a la “NCIS” and Cote de Pablo.

For the time being, though, we’ll stress optimism that everything will work out. This is a show that compensates well, has a huge syndication deal, and seems to be a pretty good working environment. Also, with it so far into its run now, why not see it through to the end?

We’ll be back tonight with a review of the finale, and it we can at least tell you if there are any big creative changes coming up.

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