Criminal Minds: Evolution is now airing on Sat.1. Over the years, the cast has undergone a number of changes, some of which have been met with strong criticism.
Criminal Minds is one of the longest-running crime series on television alongside Navy CIS. After 15 years, 2020 was the end, at least for now. Because the revival Criminal Minds: Evolution then started a 16th season after all. It also saw a reunion with Emily Prentiss, played by Paget Brewster. The series and actress share a difficult past. Brewster was not part of the cast for years
Padget Brewster on leaving Criminal Minds: “One of the most hurtful things that ever happened to me “
From season 2, Paget Brewster was part of the Criminal Minds cast as Special Agent Emily Prentiss. In 2010, it was announced that she would not return for season 6. The official reason given at the time was budget cuts. However, Brewster revealed completely different, sexist motives on the part of an employee at CBS. In an interview with the AV Club in 2015, she explained the situation like this:
[Someone from CBS] called [producer] Edward Allen Bernero and said, ‘I want new women.’
(Paget Brewster in Criminal Minds)
Following the announcement of the involuntary departure of Brewster and colleague A.J. Cook, fan resistance arose and petitions were published. The broadcaster rowed back in parts and offered more episodes. She describes her feelings in the interview:
‘I was so happy there. I loved everyone there, and it was probably one of the most hurtful things that ever happened, to be fired because they wanted ‘new women’.
Brewster returned for a short time, but after season 7 in 2012, it was over. Four years later, however, everything changed. Hotchner actor Thomas Gibson was sacked after arguments on set. So the producers turned to Paget Brewster again to bring some stability to the struggling series with the familiar face, as Variety
reported at the time. She has been a regular cast member of Criminal Minds again since season 12 and also returned for the revival Criminal Minds: Evolution
