Criminal Minds Season 12 is going to premiere on September 28, 2016 at 9 pm. without Thomas Gibson as Aaron Hotchner, the fictional character he portrayed. Thomas Gibson was fired from the drama on August 12, 2016 and was announced the same day by CBS producers. The exit of the character in the drama would be announced in later dates.
The cause of Thomas Gibson's dismissal from the drama is his onset altercation with the writer-producer Virgil Williams. After the said incident Gibson was announced suspended for at least two weeks but it was on August 12 that he was fired by the production. Although Gibson voiced his apology for allegedly kicking Virgil Williams, it did not convince them to keep him stay in the show. Another reason is that this was not the first time he had contended with fellow cast.
Gibson expressed resentment on the decision by the production when he hired a top law firm in Los Angeles to pursue legal claims against ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios. He admitted he find it hard to leave the show because he loved it.
Criminal Minds Season 11 garnered a 1.8 rating in the 18-49 demo and a 9.2 million viewers per episode, Season 12 is expected to give more than Season 11. More serialized storytelling and returning of past villains are the features that would add excitement.
Aside from Thomas Gibson, Shemar Moore who left on Season 11, will no longer come back but would be replaced by Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez, a Fugitive Task Force Agent.
If Thomas Gibson says goodbye, Paget Brewster says hello in her comeback not just for a brief appearance but for a full-time regular with her role as reprised Emily Prentiss. Viewers who became fond of her for just a cameo appearance before will certainly love her this time. Together with the actress, Aisha Tyler is also promoted as regular mainstay for the role of Dr. Tara Lewis.
