Criminal Minds season 13 renewal: Why are we still waiting?

Criminal Minds March 23, 2017

Earlier today, CBS confirmed the news that a wide array of their primetime programming is going to be coming back on the air (you can check out which shows are coming back at the link here) — alas, Criminal Minds is a show that we’re still waiting to get a little bit more news about. It’s a show that’s done some good things in season 12 like breaking away from a procedural format more, but it’s also had some challenges, such as introducing new cast members and saying goodbye to an original series star in Thomas Gibson.

Now, the question you have to wonder is why we didn’t get the Criminal Minds renewal earlier today? Is it because of the ratings? Probably not. This is more of a situation tied to the fact that this show comes via ABC Studios, which means that there is a slightly different protocol in the works here than there would be for a show from CBS or Warner Bros. TV, who they frequently work with. The network and the studio often have lengthy negotiations, especially since at this point in a series’ run, it’s far more expensive to keep a show on the air for a network than it was in the early days.

We think that everything will probably by sorted out by the time we get around to May, but the fate of the Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders spin-off is probably a little more dicey thanks to the sole fact that CBS seems to be treating it already like it’s somewhat expendable. For now, the biggest thing that we can say is not to worry about the flagship show too much. Even with lower ratings in the 18-49 demographic this year, it’s still one of their top-rated drama series. You also have to remember that the majority of the CBS scripted fare, other than the continually-dominant Friday schedule, has posted some pretty big declines this year in live+same day ratings.

As for whether season 13 could be the last one for Criminal Minds, anything is possible. We don’t want to jinx the cast and crew by pointing in any one direction, since it probably depends mostly on the cost versus the numbers.

Remember, you can get some further news in regards to Criminal Minds, including our most-recent episode review, just by heading over to the link here!

Do you think that the renewal will happen, and how long do you see Criminal Minds on the air? Share now in the comments! (Photo: CBS.)

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3 Comments

Dave Trace
March 24, 2017 @ 1:11 am

You know criminal minds is one of the few shows you can enjoy fantasy but Penelope they could get rid of her she is just annoying and this Reid being in prison is plain stupid. It’s great recording the show you can fast forward past her.
Megan Thompson
March 24, 2017 @ 12:27 am

Perhaps it is because fans have been deserting the show in droves, due to the fact that there is nothing left of the show we once loved. The producers of this worthless piece of crap are still unwilling to admit they made a mistake in firing Thomas Gibson and tossing Hotch away like trash. They still do not understand that for the vast majority of fans, we are not loyal to the show, we are loyal to the characters we love. I personally have had no interest in watching since I first learned of Hotch’s departure. I never watched CM for the plot or storyline, I watched to see Hotch, and so did many of those who have embraced the #NOHOTCHNOWATCH movement. And Reid’s fans would do the same for him if the producers pulled with Gubler and axed him because of an over-sensitized story teller who was absolutely convinced it was his writing that brought people to the show instead of the characters.
Personally, since the producers are so unwilling to accept that the fans did not and still do not want the new guys they have been trying to shove down our throats, I believe that CBS should put this lame duck of a show down and let some other show have a chance to shine. I have thought that since August. And I will be very disappointed if they actually choose to renew “Criminal Minds.” Especially if they are still unwilling to bring back OUR Hotch. And FYI, CBS and ABC may legally own the show, but the truth is, this and all shows belong to the fans, as we decide if a show succeeds or fails. And if they are unwilling to accept when fans are unhappy or disappointed in the direction a show is going, then the show needs to end.
NC76
March 23, 2017 @ 5:38 pm

Perhaps it is because the quality of the show has dropped off considerable. The absence of Haothc and Morgan is really noticeable, the stories and unsubs have been sub par. Most of the remaining members of the BAU have little or nothing to do . The Spencer drama is dragging on too long. Last night’s episode was boring and ridiculous