With CSI spun out to within an inch of its life, what’s CBS to do? Find another established hit to exploit, natch! Yes, Criminal Minds, I’m talking about you.
Executive producer Ed Bernero confirms to me exclusively that “substantive” discussions are currently taking place between CBS and producer ABC Studios to expand the Minds franchise with an offshoot. “It’s safe to say there will be something soon,” he reveals. “We had talked about it from the beginning, but something always got in the way of it happening… like Mandy [Patinkin] leaving and the strike. But it’s definitely gaining momentum now.”
A consensus on what an alternate Minds would look like has not yet been reached, but Bernero says they’re “looking at all of the things the FBI does and how we can work that into the Criminal Minds world.” The idea would likely be introduced during a special episode of Minds to air later this coming season.
The big question, of course, is whether one of the show’s current cast will be poached to headline the new series. “I don’t think so,” Bernero says. “We’re very happy with the team we have. On the other hand, it’s possible characters could be on both shows… All options are open.”
Well, except for the one labeled “Mandy Patinkin.” That one I’m pretty sure is closed.
OK, Criminal Minds fans (I’ve seen the ratings, I know you’re out there), what’s your take on this potential version 2.0? Yay? Nay? Could care less? Sound off below!
Oh, and in other news, I’m getting ready to launch a revolutionary new weekly column that features questions from my readers (that’s you!) about spoilers, scoop and other assorted nonsense, so now all I need are those questions. Send them to ausielloscoop@ew.com — and tell your friends!
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There is only one Behavioral Analysis Unit. I don’t know what a spinoff could be. Maybe they could have a trial show where the characters are put on trial. IN that way people from the main cast could be witnesses.
I am not a big fan of them doing a spin off. I love Criminal Minds though! Awesome show! Great actors!
I don’t know, Mike. I know the theory is, “If it works, run it into the ground”, but I’m not sure if this is a show that needs a spinoff. But give me a halfway decent outline and I’m open to suggestions.
Oh, thank GOD. I was starting to worry about the lack of boring procedurals out there.
I am not sure how I feel about CM 2.0 (but I love Ausiello EW version). I like the dynamic they have now although that said I would love to see more of Prentiss
I don’t really care. Much like CSI, they can make as many as you want, AS LONG AS the team stays the same, and I mean all of them: Reid, Hotch, Garcia, JJ, Emily, Morgan and even Rossi (because Joe is awesome) and that CM#1 gets to keep the same writers and producers. Please Ed, don’t leave us. And I love that he still holds a grudge to Patinkin. I feel you man.
Forgot to say, probably won’t watch it. It’s not like they can clone Matthew Gray Gubler and Thomas Gibson – Or can they?
No thank you, not interested.
What about maybe the tech side of it? Like Garcia could be in both, then she & Nicholas Brendon’s character, Kevin, could be two of the main characters in a “techy” CM….
Yeah, I’m not so sure this is one they can stretch like they have CSI. The group already travels around the country, so they can’t do “regional” shows (ala Miami and NY.) I think they only way they could pull it off would be somewhat like how the L&Os have done it – use, essentially, the same “Criminal Minds” universe (i.e same bureaucracy, share the fictional “backdrop” like newspaper names, politicans, anything where they have to make something up to avoid using the name of a real place that might sue if they think they’re getting a bad rap *g*) and so forth. The “hinge” between the spin-off and the original could be that obnoxious lady who tried to get Hotchner kicked out. She must have more than one department under her control, so the new show could be another of her departments. It’s REALLY thin, but its the only way I can see it being done. That said, I’ll probably give it a chance, but no guarantee I’ll keep watching if it’s not as good as the original.
I enjoy Criminal Minds but I don’t them to make a Criminal Minds Lite.
I just want to say a quick shout out to
our Michael and his new awesome gig.
So what do we call ourselves now.
Ausphiles?
I don’t care if they do CM 2.0 cause I only watch the show for hot and sexy Shemar Moore and the psych doc. The other characters don’t interest me.
Not too thrilled. I definitely don’t want the excellent quality of Criminal Minds to lessen because of any divided attention with a spin off. I agree, if it happens, let them have their own writers and stuff. Don’t steal from the original. Especially not the actors. Even though I wouldn’t be crying if Rossi left, I know he won’t. So, all I have to say is, I like the team the way it is and would hate to lose any of the others. So, I’m glad that Bernero says they’re happy with the team like it is. So am I. And, part of what makes them great is their dynamic together.
It would have to be good on its own. Being tied to Criminal Minds won’t garner any loyalty from me.
ASK AUSIELLO IS RETURNING!!!
Who cares about Criminal Minds, this is the big news!!!
I love the show as is, and the teams on screen and off. Careful you don’t dissipate the energy and talent of this excellent show. And congrats to CM for staying firmly rooted in the top 20. Why such an urge to mess with success?
re: CM2.0–I’m there if it’s quality stuff.
re: “a revolutionary new weekly column that features questions from my readers (that’s you!) about spoilers, scoop and other assorted nonsense”
LOL (I knew ya way back when on tvguide.com)
I love Criminal Minds. It is one of the best shows on tv; a spinoff would not be a bad idea, just don’t take Shamar away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
here’s the thing, because I trust my beloved fellow bloggers at EW I am going to jump right away in the Aussiello train. I’m liking you so far… how about you add a mini bio on the new QA section. Not everybody knows who you are.
Good luck on the new gig. Your new fan!
BTW,I still like the other Michael ( Slezak) better…
; – )
Oh dear God, really?
A) One of the last things the world needs is yet another procedural. Especially when more original fare (like Moonlight, not that I’m bitter) is not supported. I know that CBS has success with this formula, as it seems like a lot of the television viewing public cannot get enough of it, but for those of us who are sick of it, the situation is not-so-pleasant. Here’s hoping that this craze burns itself out in the near future.
B) The original Criminal Minds is bad enough with the misogyny and violence. Does the world really need another one?
*sigh*
I guess I should be happy, as I already watch too much television, so I wouldn’t want an actual good/original show to air!
*sigh*
Welcome to your new home, Ausieello. I’ve missed reading your scoop!
What?! Seriously?!
Well, if they can find writers that are just as good and a cast that is almost as good it’s going to be a decent show. I don’t know what they could do. I’d give it a try but i’m not sure i would stick around.
And they absolutely CANNOT change the current show. It’s an awesome show, and i don’t want it ruined. So far they’ve dealt with changes pretty well, but there’s only so much it can take.
I enjoy Criminal Minds. I especially love Garcia and Reid. However, I am not a huge fan of spinoffs in general. It would depend a great deal on the casting and basic premise. If it were just another BAU team running around doing the exact same type of work, I can’t see it.
Normally I don’t like spin-offs case in point from Friends to Joey, and Grey’s to Private Practice, but I might agree on this one since Criminal Minds has had great success with and without Mandy, and good luck CBS.
Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah………blah.
How is your Q&A column revolutionary? Sounds exactly like the one you had at TV Guide so far – weekly and everything. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of your scooping skills… just not your hyperbole.
no!!!!! no spin off!!!!!! no, no
I’d be interested and would watch a spin-off. However, the new show needs to be the same caliber of acting and stories as the original if they want me to keep watching.
Only a good idea if it means Joe M. is leaving the show to head it. I could really do without his character on C.M.
I definitely wouldn’t watch it, though.
So this is where you are hiding! Glad you are back at work reporting exclusive scoopage. I wish you all the best.
NO!! Originality is so hard to come by on network television. I liked CSI till it got boxed and packaged two more times then I just got sick of it. How about CBS gives a show a chance to find an audience before they yank it? A solid ratings powerhouse isn’t made in one season. A show has to grow and find its footing. They shouldn’t expect lightening in a bottle with every show. And cutting a piece of soul out of a blockbuster show to make a bastard child of a spinoff isn’t the answer either.
I still watch the show but it has not been the same since Mandy Patinkin left. The verdict is still out as to whether I would watch a spin-off. Like CSI, I scaled back and only watch the Miami version now. It gets to be just too much to keep up with!