‘Criminal Minds’ season 9: Showrunner Erica Messer inks deal; cast uncertain

The future for “Criminal Minds” is finally starting to shape up, though it’s in just about the slowest way possible. When the long-running crime drama was not picked up by CBS for a ninth season earlier this year, it was simply due to the complicated negotiations that were happening. Not only did most of the cast remain without a deal to return, but so did showrunner Erica Messer, who has been a part of the show in some capacity since the very beginning. (She has held her current title for the past few years.)

Now, the picture is starting to become clearer. According to Deadline, Messer has signed a new two-year deal with ABC Studios, who produces the drama series. This means that in theory, “Criminal Minds” could go as far as season 10 without another negotiation.

However, this still leaves question marks when it comes to the cast. While reports are that much of the group was waiting for word from Messer before figuring out whether or not they wanted to come back, there are still financial matters to be taken care of. Thomas Gibson has specifically been a part of heated negotiations in the past, so there is no questioning that he could find himself in a similar situation this year.

While we’re not necessarily sure that CBS will wait to renew a show that is so successful until the full cast has signed on the dotted line, they would likely want to see that some of them are starting to commit before pushing forward.

The season 8 finale of “Criminal Minds” airs later this month, and it will feature a special appearance by none other than “Star Wars” icon Mark Hamill. As always, we want to hear your thoughts on this story below!

Photo: CBS