Criminal Minds is returning for the first episode of 2019. Many viewers are excited about the return of this long-running show but there are rumors that it might be canceled. Here’s what we know.
The upcoming episode is called Night Lights and it has the BAU team going to Portland, Oregon to investigate a chilling abduction. The abduction may be linked to a local couple, who had previously been killed in their home a week prior to the abduction.
Season 14 of Criminal Minds has seen a dip in viewership compared to previous season. The numbers for the 14th season are still impressive, as they are in the millions, but this current season is actually down in ratings from last year’s season. Criminal Minds averaged 0.75 ratings in the 18-49 demographic, and 4.67 million viewers. That’s a decrease of 24% and 19% respectively.
However, according to Screenrant, this is the first time that Criminal Minds has ever dipped into the single digits for ratings. The show, which has been airing since 2005, hasn’t been in the top ten for ratings since 2015.
It’s no secret that the show has seen some changes throughout the years, with only a few characters left from the original first season.
So, is CBS really thinking about pulling the plug on Criminal Minds? Right now, we simply don’t know.
The Season 14 wasn’t approved by CBS until the 13th season had wrapped. We may have to wait until the spring to learn more about a potential renewal for Season 15.
The fact that the show is still getting millions of viewers every week after 14th seasons is an amazing accomplishment. And that’s even with a 10 pm time slot.
At this point, we’ll have to wait until late May to learn more about the fate of Criminal Minds and a potential season 15.
Criminal Minds airs tonight, January 2 at 10/9c on CBS.
Stream Criminal Minds: Evolution exclusively on Paramount+. Try it FREE!
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