Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 is set to captivate fans with its thrilling return to Paramount+. As the third season of the Evolution revival and the 18th overall in the Criminal Minds franchise, this installment promises intense cases, familiar faces, and new dynamics. Here’s everything we know about the release date, cast, and plot details for Criminal Minds Season 18.
Release Date for Criminal Minds Season 18
Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 18 premieres on Thursday, May 8, 2025, exclusively on Paramount+. The season will consist of 10 episodes, with the first episode dropping on the premiere date and new episodes releasing weekly every Thursday. Filming began in August 2024 and wrapped in mid-December 2024, ensuring a polished production for fans. Paramount+ has also renewed the series for a 19th season, signaling confidence in the show’s enduring popularity.
Cast of Criminal Minds Season 18
The core cast of Criminal Minds: Evolution returns, bringing back the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) profilers fans love. The confirmed returning actors include:
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Joe Mantegna as David Rossi
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Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss
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A.J. Cook as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau
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Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia
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Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis
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Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez
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Ryan-James Hatanaka as Tyler Green
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Zach Gilford as Elias Voit
Plot Details for Criminal Minds Season 18
Criminal Minds Season 18 picks up six months after the Season 17 finale, where prisoners attacked the notorious Sicarius Killer, Elias Voit (Zach Gilford). The official logline reveals that Voit’s dark web followers are now wreaking havoc across the country, forcing the BAU to collaborate with an increasingly unpredictable Voit, who has his own agenda. This season will blend standalone “catch the bad guy” cases with the ongoing Voit storyline, moving away from the singular focus on the Gold Star mystery from Season 17.
