Could Shemar Moore return to Criminal Minds: Evolution? The showrunner shares insight.
Criminal Minds: Evolution has been a success for Paramount+. This series, a continuation of the original Criminal Minds (2005-2020), follows the FBI Behavioral Analysts Unit (BAU) as they track various serial killers across the United States.
The new series has the BAU tackling a network of serial killers that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. It maintains the essence of the original series with much of the main cast returning, including Joe Mantegna, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez, and Paget Brewster.
However, one notable absence is Shemar Moore, who played Derek Morgan. Morgan, an ex-Chicago cop, fit well with the team, using his sharp mind and addressing racial issues in cases. He also briefly served as the unit chief.
Moore left the show in Season 11, with Morgan resigning to care for his new wife and newborn son. He made guest appearances in Seasons 12 and 13 to assist the team.
The main reason Moore isn’t in the new series is his commitment to the CBS hit SWAT. Fans hoped that with SWAT ending after Season 7, Moore might return to Criminal Minds: Evolution. However, those hopes were dashed when CBS unexpectedly renewed SWAT for an eighth season. This renewal means Moore’s schedule remains full, but is there still a chance for his return?
Chances of Shemar Moore Returning to Criminal Minds: Evolution
In an interview with TV Line, Criminal Minds: Evolution showrunner Erica Messer mentioned that if Morgan were to return, it would be for personal reasons, not for a case.
“At this point, what could bring anybody back—Reid and Matt included—would be an emotional draw versus any case work.”
Given Moore’s central role in SWAT as Hondo, any appearance in Evolution would likely be a guest role rather than a full arc. In Seasons 12 and 13, Derek’s brief returns were about helping Garcia through trauma and revisiting a past case.
A personal storyline could involve Morgan facing a tragedy with his wife and son, with the BAU assisting him in seeking justice. Alternatively, a happier event like a BAU wedding or an agent’s retirement could bring Morgan back to celebrate.
While Moore is focused on SWAT, he might be open to returning as Derek for a single episode. The possibility remains uncertain, but fans of Criminal Minds: Evolution hope to see this beloved character back at the BAU in some capacity.
Related topics:
