Why Criminal Minds season 14 has only 15 episodes (for now)


Criminal Minds season 13

Just in case you are wondering whether or not the Criminal Minds season 14 episode order is a sign the show is ending, don’t think of it necessarily that way.

Today while at the TCA Summer Press Tour, CBS head Kelly Kahl made it clear that the big reason for the 15-episode order (the shortest for the series to date) doesn’t have anything to do with them wanting to move on from the series. Instead, it has more to do with the network ordering more shows than ever before. Because of this, they do have to reduce episode orders if they want to fit multiple shows in.

Basically, what the Criminal Minds season 14 episode order shows is that CBS is looking to fill the 10:00 p.m. timeslot on Wednesday nights with a new show starting in around February or early March. Basically, CBS wants to do what they did with Code Black this past season except they want most of the show to actually air during the season. (If you missed it earlier, it does appear as though there are discussions about potentially bringing Code Black back for another season.)

Kahl did make it clear (via TVLine) that there are still possible scenarios in which the show gets another couple of episodes added, but 15 is where it’s at for now:

“We consider that a full season … There’s still the possibility we might ask them for a few [additional] episodes, but that’s where we’re starting at.”

We do think there’s a good chance that the order ends up being extended by one or two, but that’s probably it. While we don’t think Criminal Minds is ending, we wouldn’t be shocked if most upcoming seasons are about at this length. There’s also a part of us that does wonder whether or not, in the long run, these shorter episodes could help the show — the more a series is off the air, the more that you can miss it. Maybe this makes some casual fans who only watch the show occasionally want to see it more.

Criminal Minds season 14 premieres this October with its 300th episode — for more news about that, check out the video below and subscribe for more news on the subject.

Related Be sure to check out some scoop on Criminal Minds and Matthew Gray Gubler

If you do want more news regarding Criminal Minds, just be sure to like CarterMatt on Facebook to ensure that you don’t miss it. (Photo: CBS.)

Love TV? Be sure to like Matt & Jess on Facebook for more updates!