While initial indications were that the decision to end AJ Cook’s run as a series regular on “Criminal Minds” was motivated in finances, reports are now identifying the call as a creative one.
According to Deadline, which first speculated on the financial aspect of the move, the decision was a creative call made to “refresh a veteran drama series.” A new female character is expected to join the show as a replacement during the upcoming sixth season.
News broke Monday that CBS’ veteran hit “Criminal Minds” was trimming the female portion of its cast, dropping AJ Cook from the show and, though not removing her series regular billing, scaling back Paget Brewster’s role.