The seventeenth season of the American police procedural crime drama television series, Criminal Minds: Evolution, premiered on June 6, 2024 on Paramount+ in the U.S. and on Disney+ in other regions on June 7, 2024. The season's story arc follows members of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they investigate the mystery of "Gold Star", however, they are forced to work with Elias Voit when he "negotiates a deal that transfers him to federal custody, in the BAU's own backyard".
One day prior to the premiere of season seventeen, Criminal Minds: Evolution was renewed for an eighteenth season.
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The seventeenth season of Criminal Minds was announced on January 12, 2023. It is marketed by Paramount+ as the "second season" of Criminal Minds: Evolution; which was originally announced as a revival series.
The first two episodes of the new season was released on June 6, followed by weekly releases. The new season premiered on June 7, 2024 on Disney+ in Canada.
The entire main cast from the previous season will return, with the additions of Ryan-James Hatanaka as Tyler Green and Zach Gilford as Elias Voit who were promoted to series regulars this season, after recurring in the previous season.
On January 17, 2024, Josh Stewart revealed that after 16 years, he will not reprise his role as Will LaMontange Jr. this season, stating that his "days of playing Will LaMontagne Jr. are over."
Fans have speculated that Matthew Gray Gubler, the actor of Spencer Reid, may be returning to the show, having not been present in the previous season due to scheduling conflicts. On September 29, 2023, Gubler expressed his willingness to return.
In April, it was announced that Felicity Huffman would guest-star as Dr. Jill Gideon, the ex-wife of Jason Gideon. On May 10, 2024, it was announced that Clark Gregg, Brian J. White and Tuc Watkins will be recurring throughout the season as FBI Director Ray Madison, Vincent Orlov and Frank Church, respectively. Paul F. Tompkins will reprise his role from season 15 as Brian Garrity.
Filming and production for the seventeenth season of Criminal Minds officially commenced on January 18, 2024. Filming wrapped on May 10, 2024. Cast members Joe Mantegna, Aisha Tyler, A. J. Cook, Adam Rodriguez and Zach Gilford will be directing episodes this season