As Criminal Minds: Evolution continues on Paramount+, many hope that some of the show’s original actors (e.g. Shemar Moore) will return, but it would be difficult for Moore to reprise his role as Derek Morgan in season 3. Criminal Minds: Evolution is a revival of the CBS police procedural crime drama and premiered two years after its series finale. Consequently, the world of Criminal Minds lives on as Evolution heads into its third season. While many original actors have returned for the revival and are expected to be in season 3, Moore, unfortunately, isn’t one of them.

Production on Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3 began in August 2024, and while Paramount+ hasn’t announced a release date, many predict season 3 will be released in 2025.

Criminal Minds: Evolution season 2’s ending left many questions unanswered, including if Voit survived the prison attack. Thankfully, Paramount+ announced that the show had been renewed for a third season prior to its season 2 finale. So, fans don’t have to be worried about Evolution ending on a cliffhanger. Plus, characters like Emily Prentiss, David Rossi, Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, and Penelope Garcia will likely return in season 3. Although the cast list contains many veteran actors in the Criminal Minds franchise, some viewers can’t help but want more, like Moore (and Matthew Gray Gubler, of course).

SWAT’s Cast Status Makes It Improbable For Moore To Appear In Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 3

Many Actors Have Left SWAT Ahead Of Season 8

Deacon and Hondo standing together in SWAT Street looks concerned in SWAT Kenny Johnson in SWAT Rochelle Aytes as Nichelle looks angry while looking over her phone while speaking to Hondo in SWAT Chris and Street smiling in SWAT offices

One significant reason why Shemar Moore hasn’t returned as Derek Morgan in Criminal Minds: Evolution is that he has been busy headlining his own TV show — SWAT on CBS. Moore has been transparent about being open to reprising his role in the revival. However, the actor hasn’t been asked to return, and SWAT has all but taken over Moore’s schedule. Now that numerous SWAT cast members have left the series ahead of the season 8 premiere, the action drama needs Moore more than ever.

Moore has starred as Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson since SWAT premiered in 2017. Hondo has always been the face of the series, and he will likely continue to be for as long as the show runs. Moore must continue working on SWAT not only because he plays the main character, but also because he’s one of the few remaining original cast members left.

SWAT season 8’s cast exits indicate that CBS will hold on as tightly to Moore as possible, meaning he probably won’t have time to return in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

Alex Russell as Jim Street, Kenny Johnson as Dominique Luca, and Peter Onorati as Jack Mumford aren’t expected to appear in season 8. Rochelle Aytes has also been downgraded to a recurring cast member. So, SWAT season 8’s cast exits indicate that CBS will hold on as tightly to Moore as possible, meaning he probably won’t have time to return in Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.

Why Criminal Minds: Evolution Needs To Bring Back Morgan Sometime In The Future

Moore Hasn’t Played Morgan In 7 Years

Derek looking concerned in Criminal Minds

Shemar Moore exited Criminal Minds during season 11 but reprised his role as Derek Morgan for the season 12 finale and season 13, episode 5. Since then, Moore has sadly been absent from the series. Even though Morgan technically isn’t with the BAU anymore, the revival still needs to find a way to bring him back (despite the actor’s busy work schedule). Moore’s character was a cornerstone of the original series, and he’s been dearly missed since his departure. Plus, Morgan and Garcia had one of the show’s best friendships, and Criminal Minds: Evolution would significantly benefit from their reunion.