Deadline reported Monday night that CBS’ “Criminal Minds” will be moving forward with a thinner cast on the female side.
According to the report, the show opted not to pick up series regular AJ Cook’s option for the upcoming sixth season. Cook might be booked for a few season six episodes so that her character can be written out of the series, but she will definitely not be back as a regular.
Elsewhere, while Kirsten Vangsness will remain on board as a full-time regular, Paget Brewster’s role might be reduced next season. Negotiations were ongoing, but the likely scenario will involve Brewster retaining her series regular billing without being booked in every future episode.
The decisions were reportedly motivated by finances.