Thomas Gibson Leaving Criminal Minds?

May 22nd, 2009 - 1:31 am ICT by GD ( 55 comments )

The season finale of Criminal Minds left viewers wondering whether one of its leading characters will return on the show in its next season. In the last few months the rumor mills were working overtime with reports of the mess happening on the sets of the popular TV show with a number of writers leaving the show without giving any plausible explanation. It was also reported that one of the leading characters on the show might be leaving it for good, and after the finale episode, viewers seem rather convinced that Thomas Gibson is the one getting the axe.

However, Gibson wrote a letter to his fans last month that read: “Hi CM Fans, Thomas here. I just wanted to say that in response to all the conversation on the blog, that I love playing A. Hotchner on Criminal Minds; that we have the best crew, cast, writers, and production staff in the world. I have loved working on the show for four seasons and look forward to many more. I realize that none of this could happen without the support of our fantastic fans. We count ourselves very lucky to have so dedicated and enthusiastic an audience as you. Thanks for watching and we look forward to providing you with great shows for a long time to come. - Thomas Gibson.”

In spite of the reassurance from Gibson, fans are concerned that his term with the show might be up because the season finale showed his chances of survival were unlikely. In addition there are reports that a number of contracts on the show, including those of writers and a few leading actors are due to be renewed but may not be given the new lease. CBS said that the show would be back for its fifth season but said nothing about its cast or crew.

Related Stories

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Entertainment |

55 Responses

  1. Janey Says:

    I know that Mr. Gibson is a juvie and I was wondering if Reid was too, it seems to be alluded to that fact sometimes, and I thought I’d write up and get help on dealing with mine( and my diet and my insulin - I’m not overweight I just have no pancreas!)!

  2. JENNIFER BAKER Says:

    I LOVE CRIMINAL MINDS AND ALL THE CAST MEMBERS AND I ESPECIALLY LOVE THOMAS GIBSON I HAVE LOVED HIM SINCE I’VE SEEN HIM ACT SEVERAL YEARS AGO. SO I THINK THE OLD SAYING “IF IT AIN’T BROKE DON’T FIX TRY TO FIX IT” GOES WELL HERE. SO TO ALL THE CAST MEMBERS AND CREW OF THIS WONDERFUL SHOW KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND THE FANS WILL DO ALL WE CAN TO KEEP THE SHOW GREAT.

  3. LaurieS Says:

    Thomas Gibson, along with the entire cast, are the very essence of this show. I’ve never seen a cast that fits so well together. The writers are excellent and I agree with Jennifer’s post - if it’s not broken, don’t try and fix it. I sure would hate to hear that Hotchner was gone! I’m just believing he killed the intruder in the finale - that’s the only way I’ll sleep good until next season ;)

  4. Nora Says:

    I love crininal minds. Don’t change any of the cast members especially Thomas Gibson.

  5. Cheryl Says:

    I love criminal minds, Please leave as is, like everyone has said everything is good the way it is cast,writers,everything.

  6. Aly Says:

    This is one of the few tv shows I even watch and that I always make time in my busy week for. I was already SO disappointed when Gideion left, they can’t take Hotch away too!!!! I love the show! The cast and writers need to continue as is!!

  7. T Says:

    If the show doesn’t have the same cast, I will NOT be watching. I was ok when Elle left(I didn’t really like her character), upset when Gideon (loved him!) left - if they change the cast anymore or remove one more of the cast members (especially Reid) I just wont’ tune in anymore and from what I can see CBS and the other networks do not have any good prospects for the 2009 Fall season…

  8. Janey Says:

    You’ve said it T!Let’s ALL band together- that’s how they kept Cagney and Lacey together!

  9. Sophie.Amour Says:

    I hope Hotch, Morgan, Reid, JJ, and Prentiss will stay… I also don’t want Rossi and Garcia to leave… And I defently want Gideon back… t

  10. P Watson Says:

    If Thomas goes, so do I. Nuf said.

  11. Melanie Says:

    All the characters portray very well on their part. Removing one of those characters can harm the show…

  12. katie Says:

    I think the above people said it best…don’t change the cast if anyone goes I go.

  13. Rhonda Says:

    I LOVE Criminal Minds and the cast is what makes the show!! I was really upset when Gideon left. Hotch HAS to stay along with Reid, Morgan and Garcia. Please DO NOT MESS WITH A GREAT SHOW !!!

  14. PJ Says:

    Thomas gibson has been my favorite since darhma and greg so please hope he stays

  15. mary Says:

    I just watched cr last night — what’s going on — Gibson stepped down — don’t like changes!! Leave Gibson in charge. If a character needs to change — remove the woman in charge of the unit — not a very nice character — she doesn’t work within an otherwise great team! The tension that the writers are trying to create with her doesn’t work. If Gibson leaves or is demoted — CR is off my list of shows to watch. The formula worked before — changes questionable!!

  16. moonlighting Says:

    I am getting tired of devoting myself to a show (and this is a great one)and having the powers that be make changes that ruin the heart of the show..I hated to see Gideon leave..I was shocked to see Hotch step down even if its temporary it worries me when people mess with a good thing..I am a lover of Morgan’s but it changes the rythm of the show..Keep Gibson!!!Don’t mess with the only show I would buy all seasons of the series on dvd..

  17. Joy Says:

    I watched the same thing happen to a similar show, The Profiler, several years ago. Ally Walker was the only person I had heard of when I began watching, but the chemistry between all the actors worked and it was a good show until Ally decided she could not handle the content of the show and wanted off. They replaced her, but the magic was lost and the show was canceled.

    Mandy Patinkin wanted out of Criminal Minds just as he did out of Chicago Hope. While I think he’s a good actor; he’s unreliable. Quite frankly, I was surprised CBS even offered him Gideon after the stunt he pulled on Chicago Hope, but suck it up guys, Gideon will not be back.

    Now some idiots have decided for whatever lame brain reason to shake up the cast of CM. The chemistry between this cast and the roles they play, even though I wasn’t initally sure about Joe Mantegna, is awesome. To change anything will cause one of the best shows on any network to have the same fate as The Profiler.

    Some know it all, already axed The Unit; the only decent show to watch after hours of Sunday football games.

    If CM is changed with Morgan as the leader permanently or the character of Hotch is gotten rid of I will no longer watch the show. The show works as it is; why mess with it? Is it PC to have some woman come in and shake things up by demoting a white man and replacing him with a black? People today are sophiscated enough to understand that a man of Morgan’s caliber doesn’t have to be in charge because he’s black. He’s there because he’s good and brings his own specialty to the table; their equal in every way.

    Let the show stand or fall on its own merit as is.

  18. Haydee Torres Says:

    I simply love Criminal Minds. Please do not change anything.The chemistry between the cast is great. Why did Gideon leave?

  19. Anita Blackshear Says:

    I am a fan of CM, I seldom watch TV, but look for this show. I was upset when Mandy P. left, just as I was upset when he left Chicago Hope; I suppose he’s very wealthy not to need to work. Joe M. turned out to be a good replacement, I wasn’t sure at first; but it works. You CAN NOT remove Gibson as being in charge. The chemistry as is works well, with each in their prospective roles. Don’t mess with a good thing. Morgan is exceptional at being the one to chase the bad guys, keep him in his role as “tuff” guy. You’ll lose me if you make changes.

  20. Dee Holbrook Says:

    Thomas Gibson is the glue that holds the rest of the cast together. His story line that started last season and came to the horrifying conclusion this season has deepened his character with a new sense of deep feelings not shown before. Every member of the cast is wonderful and all fit together into the excellence of this exceptional show. I will watch as long as it is on.

  21. mia moon Says:

    thomas has the looks! i luv u! ur like my fav. i also like matthew gray gubler. he is cute but ur hot!

  22. Tylaa Wells Says:

    i look for to watching the show, it Thomas Gibson does not appear on the show i will be disappointed and am sure many many other will be.

  23. Shauna Rohan Says:

    I LOVE Criminal Minds!! I am ver addicted to it! If Thomas Gibson leaves, it won’t be the same. Bring Gideon back, too!!!

  24. jackie king Says:

    i truly enjoy watching cm as been said many times there is nothing you can do to improve the show,except how more of it.gideon was my favorite,now it would be hard to choose.so just leave it along and just reap the rewards

  25. lucilia pires Says:

    hello, cm fans! greetings from lisbon-portugal! I love cm, never miss or missed one! but i agree with you all, thomas out, iam out too!! New season starts this monday 21h30, on cable channel AXN- portugal, so I look forward!!!!Aaron is in a crises sure, we are sympathetic BUT…renew him! make him find a nice woman to make him smile more often! To continue loving Jack, to take the weight out of Aarons shoulders at the end of the day!I don’t know! A female doctor, some episode about a serial killer who pursuits nurses, or doctors or a victim he wasn’t able to kill,SOMETHING!!”Refresh” Aaron, he needs it, but dont put him out of leadership or out of the show! Or WE ALL…OUT!got it?Fans arent kiddin’ here, we all go serial killers on stop watching CM!!LOL!!God bless and good luck 2u all!Lia_ladylumps!

  26. Sherry Wells Says:

    hello, my son Tylaa, hooked me up with the show ever since that i lock myself in my bedroom so am not disturbed, if i was a married woman i think my husband would of left long time ago.

    I think maybe the producers of the show should perhaps consider shooting the show here in Beautiful Nassau, BAHAMAS,

    Sherry C. Wells
    Nassau,BAHAMAS

  27. nora Says:

    I just watched CR - extremely disappointed at TG stepping down from leadership role. I really think the “boss” woman has to go if anyone should go. Morgan is a great actor and plays an excellent role — but he does not present as the “leader-type” as TG. This is a very solid team but I don’t now what planet the writers or whoever is making these changes is from — seriously considering writing this show off my schedule! I think the fans of CR should consider boycotting such changes by not watching!!!

  28. MARJE Says:

    PLEASE TELL ME CM WILL STAY THE SAME. I THINK JOE M. IS DOING GREAT AND FIT RIGHT IN BUT THAT IS ALL THIS SHOW CAN TAKE. NO MORE CHANGES PLEASE.

  29. nora Says:

    Liked last episode. Without being too horrific — story of kidnapped children was handled very well — touching. Thought management of the team was also handled quite well. Each team member exhibited their individual strengths and leadership abilities. Good to see TG not in a demoted position. Tension over management of the team is NOT a positive inducement for watching the show.

  30. Jan M. Says:

    I love CM! Best show on TV. Please don’t change it, and get rid of that lady supervisor. Guess the writers are trying to duplicate real life - always a rat somewhere!!

  31. nora Says:

    Didn’t watch!

  32. JJ Says:

    OMG i love Criminal MInds!!!!! I am 16 years old and like obsessed with it i want to go to college for criminal justice! I love Thomas Gibson so much and i think Derek morgan is hot and so does my lil sister!I love all the people on there and my nickname JJ is only becuz my preacher mike named me that it stands for jabber jaws.I always wish that i could meet you all sometime it would be a dream come true.

  33. Amc-h. Says:

    I like cm very much, watches it all the time. I am excited when they run a marathon. I don’t want anyone to leave the show. I was sad when gideon left. But, you fans should not say a balck man cannot lead. I have seen a lot of cast members that shouldn’t even try to act. Yes, Morgan is tuff and handsome and can lead the BAU, if need be don’t sound like you may be p.we all love cm, keep the show coming. Hotch is a good leader, but don’t say Morgan can’t lead.

  34. Amc-h. Says:

    I like cm very much,love it when they run a marathon. I was disappointed when gideon left. I hope Hotch is not leaving, but don’t say Morgan can’t lead the BAU. Hotch does need another wife that understands his job and is not so needy. Keep the cast as is and keep the show coming. Fans are looking forward to another 5 more seasons.

  35. sandra Says:

    It was bad enough that Mandy left but the new guy works ok, but leave the rest of it ALONE. If you take Thomas Gibson out or change his role, I won’t watch. I love Morgan, but not the leader type like Gibson. It works the way it is.

  36. Blayne Says:

    Does Thomas Gibson “die” after to hell and back? When does the following episode premier?

  37. Nancy Says:

    i AM A HUGE CM FAN. i THINK I MIGHT EVEN BE OBSESSED. THE CHARACTERS ARE SO WELL DEVELOPED. AS A PSYCHOLOGIST, I LOVE WATCHING THE PROFILING. THIS CURRENT CAST WORKS TOGETHER LIKE CLOCKWORK. KEEP THEM ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  38. Marcy Says:

    love CM and the whole cast… do not let them go… they are awesome… 1 reason why I watch CM is because of Thomas, the way he presents himself….

  39. Grace Ashe Says:

    please do not change any of the characters on criminal minds!!! My husband and I watch every episode. what a great cast of characters!!! thomas Gibson…you rock! great producers, writers and actors…please dont change anything on criminal minds.

  40. JR Says:

    I hope he leaves the show. He really is not a great actor and his character is not very good. He reminds me of CSI Miama Horacio . Just a jerk.

  41. nora Says:

    Sounds like a transfer of feelings — not reality. Neither Horacio or Gibson are jerks — don’t see where you can honestly say that they are jerks because their characaters are not written to portray them as such. Wake up!

  42. Tara Sommers Says:

    My favorite show but if they take Thomas Gibson out of the cast or keep changing any other cast member, I will no longer be able to watch. Why, Do they always have to ruin a good thing?

  43. Lauren Says:

    Thomas Gibson cannot leave Criminal Minds, if he does they might as well end the seasons, they just won’t be the same.

  44. Joan Says:

    I’ve enjoyed watching Criminal Minds…..I hope they have many
    more Seasons….Keep the cast…
    as is….they work great together.

  45. Marilyn Says:

    I am a strong fan of Criminal Minds, especially for Aaron Hotch(Thomas Gibson). He is the right actor to play that role. I love the character he plays,makes him such an interesting man.
    I enjoyed Criminal Minds very much, and the cast, they are bound by some charisma which makes them a great group.
    Congratulations…

  46. donna Says:

    I am also obsessed with CM and have never been like this before. When we are away on business, our daughter records it for us. I swear, if they change anyone else out (I really miss A.J.Cook and Gideon, but JM is great)I will have no reason to watch T.V. except for the weather. These people seem like a family and every week, are a part of mine.
    We love all you guys, CM.

  47. donna Says:

    CM actors and writers are awesome.

  48. Ruby Bridgen Says:

    My very favorite show. Would not like it if Thomas Gibson left. He makes the show.

  49. Ashley Hicks Says:

    If Thomas Gibson leaves I won’t be very happy and I would cry every single day.

  50. Ashley Hicks Says:

    I really like CRIMINAL MINDS!!!! I am 16 years old and I am into criminal justice. I really do love Thomas Gibson and Reed is insanly cute. Ever since I started watching CRIMINAL MINDS I started loving Hotch a.k.a Thomas Gibson on it and I am a huge fan of CRIMINAL MINDS ever since i started watching it. If Hotch,JJ,Reed, leave the show I won’t be very happy I would cry all the time and I won’t watch it anymore without Hotch,JJ,and Reed on it.

  51. MARJE Says:

    Love this show. Leave it as it is. Gobson has to be the boss. Joe M. is a favorite of mine and I like him better than Manny P.Love Reed and Prentis and jj is ok. Now Garcia is a nut case, sorry , but I hate her low tops and lipstick. Can she just tone down a little bit. Boss lady, OUT OUT OUT.

  52. marion Says:

    Please keep the show like it is…I love everybody on it! Thomas please hurry back

  53. Donna Says:

    I strongly agree with all the other CM fans. What I am wondering is ” Why does ANYONE have to be cut loose?”
    My husband has had to wait for dinner due to us watching CM.
    There is sooo much crap on t.v.. We finally found one GREAT show that my entire family watches and discusses immediately after the show (after dinner). I guess it’s on it’s way out. I even watch the re-runs on A&E. Never tire of them.
    WE LOVE YOU GUYS!
    Donna

  54. MARJE Says:

    I miss Gibson. Is he coming back?
    I love the whole cast. I agree with another writer that Garcia could tone it down a bit. I know she is supposed to be the way she is, but her low tops are so not classy. Like Joe more than Manny. Also, back to Garcia, why does Morgan call her baby girl? It is kind of silly. I like that they are close and care so much for each other.

  55. jj Says:

    I love CM, but, I don’t like Garcia’s low tops, and her banter with Morgan seems contrived. I know what they are going after, and I get the impression they care for one another deeply as friends, but it seems so fake.

Leave a Comment

Please note: Comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment.


RSS feed for comments on Thomas Gibson Leaving Criminal Minds?