Since the long-running popular serial killer show was revived as Criminal Minds: Evolution, viewers have wondered if and when Spencer Reid would return, and a recent episode has proven that it’s now just a matter of time. Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, episode 7 featured multiple references to past characters, including Reid, that heavily implied that his return is inevitable, especially in comparison to other former characters. Criminal Minds ended after 15 seasons in 2020 and was revived two years later in 2022, though not with the full cast.

Reid was one of the characters who didn’t return for Criminal Minds: Evolution, though not for lack of trying. Unfortunately, his actor, Matthew Gray Gubler, had other scheduling conflicts that kept him from appearing in the revival series. Gubler has made peculiar Criminal Minds comments and showrunner Erica Messer often addresses the possibility of his return, giving viewers hope. With Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 confirmed, Reid could return even sooner than expected.

Emily Reveals That Reid Is Only On Sabbatical From The BAU

Emily Didn’t Say Reid Left The BAU

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2, episode 7 introduced a new old character in Jill Gideon, Jason Gideon’s ex-wife, played by Felicity Huffman. Though it was the first episode she’s appeared in, she already knew the Criminal Minds characters, offering an opportunity for Reid to be mentioned. When she asked about other departed characters, like Hotch and Morgan, Emily said they left the BAU. However, when Jill asked about Reid, Emily said he was on sabbatical.

Emily saying Reid was on sabbatical, rather than saying he left the BAU, leaves the door open for Reid to return in Criminal Minds: Evolution . It also suggests that Emily, as unit chief, has been in contact with Reid about him potentially coming back to the BAU. The BAU team could certainly use Reid’s help with the “Gold Star” case, but, for now, it’s great news that he hasn’t officially left the team like some of the other characters.

Reid Doesn’t Need To Come Back To The BAU To Make A Criminal Minds Appearance

Reid’s Character Arc Can Be Separate From The BAU’s Cases

While Reid being on sabbatical suggests there’s a chance for him to return to the BAU team in Criminal Minds: Evolution, he doesn’t need to work with them to be on the show. Messer has already set one condition for Reid and Morgan returning in Criminal Minds: Evolution. She said the door is always open for the two fan-favorites to reappear, but,

“At this point, what could bring anybody back … would be an emotional draw versus any case work.”

So, while it’s been confirmed that Reid is only on sabbatical from the BAU team in Criminal Minds: Evolution, that doesn’t mean the sabbatical needs to end for him to appear. This is a positive for his character, considering what Spencer has been through in his 15 seasons of Criminal Minds. It would also make his return more emotional and logical, as there have been many cases Spencer should or could have returned for.

This also spells more personal trouble for the BAU team if Spencer’s return is emotionally driven. Criminal Minds: Evolution has been hinting at Will’s death since his actor, Josh Stewart, confirmed he won’t be back for season 3, and he won’t be appearing in season 2. Though Criminal Minds: Evolution shouldn’t bring back the complicated JJ and Reid romantic storyline, he is still one of the characters closest to her. The loss of her husband would be devastating, but it could be good for Criminal Minds viewers who have been waiting to see Reid again.

Why Reid Being On Sabbatical Makes Sense For His Character In Criminal Minds: Evolution

Reid Has Already Been On Sabbatical In Criminal Minds

Criminal Minds set up Reid’s exit years ago when Emily got him a teaching job in season 13. As aforementioned, Spencer has been through a lot during his time as a BAU team member. This included being framed for murder and then imprisoned for many months. When his name was cleared and he was released, Emily helped him ease back into his work by getting him a job as a professor. In reality, due to scheduling conflicts, Gray Gubler couldn’t appear as a main cast member in Criminal Minds season 13.

Given that this is the same reason he hasn’t been able to join Criminal Minds: Evolution, Reid being on sabbatical makes the most sense for his character. Though it’s clearly not the end of Reid’s story, it would also be satisfying if it was. As a genius, Reid has a lot to offer people, and fieldwork was never his strong suit. This is good for Reid’s mental health, but the bubble had to be popped eventually, and his return in Criminal Minds: Evolution is not just highly-anticipated, it’s inevitable.