‘Criminal Minds’ season 12: ‘Empire’ alum Adam Rodriguez set as new series regular

With the departure of Shemar Moore from “Criminal Minds” last season, it was pretty clear that the show would need to find someone else to join the BAU for season 12; as it turns out, they have booked someone who is certainly familiar with the world of CBS procedurals already.

In a statement today, it was announced that Adam Rodriguez, formerly of “CSI: Miami” and more recently of “Empire,” is going to be one of the new agents. There is not any word just yet on his character, but we do have a pair of statements.

Glenn Geller, CBS Programming Head – “We’re all big fans of Adam’s and are excited to welcome him back to the CBS family.”

Erica Messer, showrunner – “We have exciting storylines planned for his character and the entire BAU team as we head into our 12th season.”

We will first see Rodriguez early in season 12, and this ensures that the BAU is not short on employees at any point in the near future. The remainder of the regulars for season 11 will presumably be back, though there are still some questions when it comes to the status of one Aisha Tyler, who was recurring for much of last season as Dr. Tara Lewis. For our money, we’d love to have her back, though we’re also more than aware of how busy her schedule is with so many other shows coming up.

What do you think about Adam as a new addition to the team, and are you more excited now for season 12 than you were previously? Share below, and head over here to get some other news right now related to the series! Also, sign up over here to book some other TV news on all we cover, sent right over to you via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: CBS.)