Zach Gilford Exits Criminal Minds Season 20, Teases Possible Spinoff

Zach Gilford has left Criminal Minds but hints at a spinoff idea developed with showrunner Erica Messer.

Zach Gilford, 44, has departed Criminal Minds as the show moves into its 20th season, but the actor says the door may not be fully closed on his character. In an exclusive interview with Us Magazine, Gilford revealed he and showrunner Erica Messer developed a spinoff concept centered on his character Voit, though he acknowledged a joint studio arrangement complicates those prospects. Criminal Minds, which first premiered in 2005, follows FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit profilers working fictional cases. Not all cast members from the current lineup are returning for season 20, which is currently in production.

Why it matters

Criminal Minds is a long-running franchise with a dedicated fanbase, and cast changes heading into its 20th season will be closely watched by viewers invested in its ensemble.

What's next

Season 20 of Criminal Minds is currently filming, and it remains to be seen which cast members will fill out the returning roster.

Key facts

• Zach Gilford, 44, has exited Criminal Minds ahead of season 20
• Gilford and showrunner Erica Messer discussed a spinoff idea centered on his character Voit
• Gilford noted a joint studio arrangement is a complicating factor for any spinoff
• Criminal Minds originally premiered in 2005
• Season 20 is currently in production
• Not all current cast members are returning for the new season

Bias & framing notes

Both sources come from the same outlet, Us Magazine, with one appearing to be an exclusive interview and the other a broader cast rundown. No independent corroboration from other outlets is present in the provided sources. The framing leans toward fan-interest speculation ('shocking exit,' 'could he return?') rather than straightforward reporting, and key details about which other cast members are or aren't returning are not fully disclosed in the excerpts provided.

NewsClear — neutral news & congressional tracking · Bill of the Week