When Is Season 16 Of Criminal Minds Coming Out

Okay, let's be real. We're all wondering the same thing. When oh WHEN is season 16 of Criminal Minds dropping?

The Never-Ending Wait

It feels like we've been waiting approximately forever. Like since the dawn of time. Or, you know, since season 15 ended.

We saw Criminal Minds: Evolution (basically season 16, right?), but is there more on the horizon? Is there even going to be a season 17?

The Speculation Station

The internet is a swirling vortex of rumors. Some say it's coming soon. Others whisper of delays. Who do we believe?!

Honestly, I've stopped trying to keep track. My brain can only handle so much crime-solving speculation.

I’m starting to think the unsub is whoever is in charge of release dates!

My Unpopular Opinion (Prepare Yourselves)

Here it comes… brace yourselves. I think... maybe... Criminal Minds should stop after Evolution.

Gasp! I know, I know! Hear me out! Is it just me or did the original show get a little... formulaic?

Every episode felt like the same basic recipe: crime, profiling, Reid being adorable, and unsub gets caught. Delicious, but maybe we've had enough servings?

Evolution: A Fresh Take?

Evolution, on the other hand, felt… different. Darker. More serialized.

It allowed for more character development. More complex storylines. More Shemar Moore cameos (which, let's be honest, we all secretly crave).

Maybe Evolution gave us a perfect, slightly darker, ending? Maybe we should leave the BAU in this state?

The "Shemar Moore is Hot" Defense

Okay, full disclosure. My "unpopular opinion" might be slightly influenced by the sheer charisma of Shemar Moore.

Seeing him back as Derek Morgan even briefly, gave the reboot/sequel a special push!

But truly, it was good, right?

But Seriously, About That Release Date...

Back to the pressing matter: WHERE. IS. SEASON. 17? (Or whatever they're calling it.)

Paramount+, if you're listening... We're patient. Sort of. Kind of. Okay, not really!

Just give us a sign. A crumb of information. Anything!

The Power of Positive Thinking (and Refreshing)

In the meantime, I'm going to keep refreshing the Paramount+ page. And rewatching old episodes of Criminal Minds.

And maybe, just maybe, I'll write some fan fiction where Reid opens a bakery that only sells mathematical pastries. (Don't judge me.)

We can all dream, and we can all hold hope for our favorite team. Just don’t hold your breath!

Final Thoughts

So, is Criminal Minds over? Probably not. Is season 17 coming? Let’s hope so!

Will Reid ever find true happiness? That's the real mystery, isn't it?

Until then, happy profiling (of release date patterns, of course)!