When Criminal Minds went off the air in 2020, it seemed like the door was closed on the BAU forever.

Thankfully, Paramount+ answered fans' wishes everywhere when it ordered Criminal Minds: Evolution, a 10-episode follow-up that brought some of our favorite characters back to crack a season-long crime.

Now, all eyes are on Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2. We've rounded up everything there is to know about the next season.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 Renewal Status

Paramount+ shocked fans when it renewed the revival series for a second season in January 2023.

Bringing a beloved show back is no easy feat, but the series managed to flawlessly transition the narrative to streaming, where past episodes of the show had performed so well.

"We're thrilled to bring even more twisted storylines to our loyal fans of Criminal Minds: Evolution with the order of another season," Paramount Streaming chief programming officer Tanya Giles said in a statement.

"The series has always been a consistent top performer for Paramount+ and fans have quickly embraced this new season with its more serialized elements."

"There are still many dark twists and turns yet to come for the BAU this season, and we can't wait for fans to see what's in store."

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2: How Many Episodes Have Been Ordered?

An official episode count has not been determined, but if we look at shows like EVIL and SEAL Team, which moved from CBS to the streaming service, we should be in for another ten-part season.

The good news? Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 1 introduced some excellent serialized elements that gave the franchise a new lease of life.

Ten episodes should keep the show fresh and exciting, with minimal filler.

For a show that's been on the air since 2005, that's the least we could ask for.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 Cast: Who's In? Who's Out?

We can expect Joe Mantegna to return as SSA David Rossi, Paget Brewster as BAU unit chief Emily Prentiss, A.J. Cook as SSA Jennifer Jareau, and Kirsten Vangsness as tech analyst Penelope Garcia.

Also likely to return is Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis and Adam Rodriguez as SSA Luke Alvez.

We were shocked to learn that Josh Stewart will not return as JJ's husband, Will LaMontagne, Jr. Their story was on the front burner last season, so this is a stunning development for the long-running character. We'll need to wait and see how he's written out of the show.

At one point, it seemed like Zach Gilford would only be kept around as Elias Voit for one season, but showrunner Erica Messer revealed he would be back for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2.

"We didn't know we were gonna fall in love with Zach so much that we wanted to come up with a story that could continue, really, until we started breaking those episodes," she dished to Variety in February.

"We're like, how do we keep Zach around? ... We're hoping to have Zach a lot in the season and sort of treat him — the simplest way to say it — as our Hannibal Lecter."

The exciting news is that Gilford embodies Elias to perfection. It's a change of pace for the actor, so it makes sense that fans have connected with the villain.

Variety reported some big news. Felicity Huffman has joined the cast as Gideon's ex-wife, Dr. Jill Gideon. Here's the offical description of the new character tied to Jason Gideon's past.

Jill is "a brilliant biological psychiatrist who agrees to help the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit investigate a murderous conspiracy theory.

"Jill is reluctant to return to the bureau’s elite team given her complicated history with David Rossi (Joe Mantegna) and her dead ex-husband, Jason Gideon (previously played by Mandy Patinkin).

But [she] soon realizes her specific skill set could help them uncover another clue to the elusive Gold Star mystery."

The big question that's been asked since Criminal Minds: Evolution landed a pickup was whether Matthew Gray Gubler would reprise his Dr. Spencer Reid role.

Obviously, that didn't happen on Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 1, so we can hope it might be in the cards for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2.

Plenty of other familiar faces could stage comebacks because the series had a rich tapestry of characters.

Hopefully, many returns are being kept under wraps, and we'll be left in shock when the series returns.

Does Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 Have a Premiere Date?

It sure does! Criminal Minds returns on Thursday, June 6.

Is There a Trailer for Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2?

Yes! The first teaser for the latest Criminal Minds season has been released, and it's an adrenaline ride.

It's eye-popping and puts many of the characters we love into perilous situations.

Check it out right now!

Where Can I Watch Criminal Minds: Evolution?

While the first 15 seasons of the original series aired on CBS, Criminal Minds: Evolution is a Paramount+ original, meaning that episodes will continue to be made available on the streaming service.

The series did get a DVD release, so you can get the episodes on home media if you don't have Paramount+.

What are your thoughts on all the TV news about Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2?

Hit the comments.

Paul Dailly was an Associate Editor for TV Fanatic.Follow him on X.