CBS has officially renewed Criminal Minds for a 14th season, the network confirmed today.
Typically subject to tense negotiations between CBS and co-producer ABC, this was a relatively drama-free upfronts season for Minds, which transitioned well to its new 10:00 slot. The series had its cast locked in for next season fairly early, so that combined with its value in a tough hour made a renewal decision fairly painless. A cancellation would’ve especially hurt given the magnitude of the cliffhanger the show ended on and the fact that the season 13 finale was the show’s 299th episode. Now the show can hit an admirable episodic benchmark with its next season premiere and resolve things on their own accord.
All things are pointing to Criminal Minds staying Wednesdays at 10:00. Unless CBS decides to do something unexpected and, say, bench Madam Secretary to give Minds the Sundays at 10:00 slot, the show has proven valuable in its new role and I don’t think they’re going to want to push SEAL Team to 10:00 so soon or move something else to Wednesdays already. In all likelihood, the network’s full Wednesday lineup has a strong chance of remaining the same as it was this season, particularly if the network wants to take advantage of the NCIS lead-in while they still can.
Criminal Minds wrapped its 13th season last month on CBS.
