Is Criminal Minds new tonight? Return date, Jane Lynch, and more

Is Criminal Minds new tonight on CBS? It’s understandable to want new episodes, but today we’ve got some news that will put a frown on many faces out there — you’re not getting it. There are only a few more installments to go this season, and clearly the network is doing its part to try to save them for as long as they can.

As for what you are getting on the network tonight instead, be prepared for two episodes of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders back to back starting at 9:00 p.m. Eastern. If you enjoy watching the show, we hope that you check it out live. It needs every bit of your help so that it has a chance of scoring better ratings and eventually a renewal.

Now, let’s move forward to the remainder of the season. Criminal Minds season 12 episode 20 is the next new episode (entitled “Unforgettable”), and it will air on April 26. Next week, there is set to be a two-hour edition of Survivor: Game Changers to compensate for its late start this season, so that’s the reason for the preemption there.

Meanwhile, the synopsis below for this episode helps prepare us on what we can expect, including one of the most personal stories you’ve gotten so far this season for newcomer Stephen Walker (Damon Gupton):

“When several federal government employees, including a close friend of Walker’s, succumb to symptoms of a heart attack, the BAU investigates. Also, Reid anxiously awaits his trial date.”

Just in case this information does not excite you enough about this episode, know that this will also feature the return of Jane Lynch as Reid’s mother Diana. How she factors into this story should be interesting; you would think that the writers would want to get their money’s worth in terms of bringing her back, but how do you include her with Reid separate from the remainder of the group? Unless the BAU finds a way to free him until trial or Diana is at court (which may be difficult given her Alzheimer’s battle), it’s hard to think of creative options to incorporate her into the story.

In terms of further Criminal Minds updates while you wait for this episode to air, be sure to visit the link here. Meanwhile, share some of your own thoughts and theories below, especially when it comes to how Lynch may be used in the episode. (Photo: CBS.)