Criminal Minds Timeline ( Real )

tv_premiere
September 22, 2005

Premiere of Criminal Minds

The television show Criminal Minds premiered on CBS.

spin_off
May 2010

Spin-off Series Development Announced

CBS announces development of a Criminal Minds spin-off titled 'Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior'.

spin_off_premiere
February 16, 2011

Premier of Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior

The spin-off series 'Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior' premieres on CBS.

tv_renewal
March 14, 2012

Criminal Minds Renewed for Season 8

CBS renews Criminal Minds for its eighth season.

tv_milestone
November 5, 2013

Show Reaches 200 Episodes

Criminal Minds airs its 200th episode, marking a significant milestone for the series.

tv_series_end
February 19, 2020

End of Original Criminal Minds Series

The original Criminal Minds series concludes with its 15th season finale.

tv_revival
September 2021

Criminal Minds Revival Announced

Paramount+ announces the revival of Criminal Minds with many original cast members returning.

Criminal Minds Timeline ( Fictional )

team_formation
1997

Formation of the BAU Team

The Behavioral Analysis Unit forms its specialized team dedicated to profiling and capturing serial offenders.

case
1998

First Encounter with the Reaper

Team investigates their first case involving a killer dubbed 'The Reaper' who leaves minimal evidence.

team_change
1999

Jason Gideon's Return

Jason Gideon returns to lead the BAU team after a hiatus, bringing renewed focus.

character_event
2003

Death of Elle Greenaway

Elle Greenaway is critically wounded during a case, leading to her leaving the BAU.

character_event
2004

Introduction of Dr. Spencer Reid

Dr. Spencer Reid joins the team, bringing exceptional intellect and unique profiling skills.

case
2005

Morgan's Rookie Case

Derek Morgan takes on his first major case showing his expertise in the field.

case
2006

Unsub Threatens Hotchner

The team faces a dangerous unsub who specifically targets Aaron Hotchner and his family.

character_event
2007

JJ Goes Undercover

Jennifer Jareau goes undercover for a weeks-long operation to apprehend a serial killer.

character_event
2011

Hotchner's Resignation

Aaron Hotchner resigns from the BAU following threats to his family’s safety.

character_event
2007

Introduction of David Rossi

David Rossi comes out of retirement to join the BAU, bringing a wealth of experience.

character_event
2010

Prentiss Joins the Team

Alex Blake Prentiss joins the Behavioral Analysis Unit to aid in complex investigations.

major_event
2011

Reid's Abduction

Dr. Spencer Reid is kidnapped by a serial killer, leading the team to race against time for his rescue.

character_event
2013

Morgan's Promotion to Field Leader

Derek Morgan takes on more leadership responsibilities within the BAU team.

character_event
2015

Hotchner Returns Briefly

Aaron Hotchner returns for a brief consultation to assist with a high-profile case.

case
2016

Team's Response to Serial Bombings

BAU investigates a series of coordinated bombings across multiple cities.