Exclusive: CBS Eyes 'Criminal Minds' Spin-off

Sean Tue, May 12, 2009 at 03:54 AM EST

I love "Criminal Minds", having gotten into it during the reruns of Season 3; since then, I've been hooked. I always enjoy the idea of a "backdoor pilot" instead of just pre-empting "Criminal Minds" for the actual show because it gives us a chance to get to know the new characters while still showing us the originals that we've come to know and love over the years (CSI: Miami and CSI: NY are prime examples of this). I absolutely love the series and, as far as I'm concerned, I would love to see a spin-off of the series...just as long as the originals stay exactly where they are! :-D (crossovers are okay once in a while, though.) :-)

I'm hoping (since I live here) that the season finale [which I think will be the basis for the backdoor pilot] with them going to Canada to catch a criminal will have something to do with it. :-) That would be nice to see how the Canadian law enforcement side puts themselves inside the minds of dangerous criminals. :-)

Teresa Sat, May 9, 2009 at 07:57 PM EST

It would be great to have a spin off of Criminal Minds. I think Skipp Sudduth should be a leading character!!

Marie Silvia Farah Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 03:59 PM EST

Please Leave Thomas Gibson in the show

Josee Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 04:11 PM EST

Moonlight Rocked
Sorry for mis spelling down below

Josee Mon, Mar 16, 2009 at 04:09 PM EST

Ok I agree with Gina Staffa don't make a spin off with Alex I couldnt handle it if it got cancelled aswell
Moonlihgt Rocked

Gina Staffa Thu, Mar 12, 2009 at 12:47 PM EST

I think CBS made a mistake again. Moonlight won a people's choice so they cancelled it. Go figure. Glad to see a guest spot of Alex O'Loughlin but please do not put him in a spin off. CBS will just tease use again with a great actor and cut us off like they did with Moonlight. I also have to watch Alex on SciFi every Friday night. If SiFi were smart they would continue the Moonlight series. But who knows may have some of CBS type people there since they canceled there award winning show Atlantis. I agree, can't they come up with something new?? It's always a spin off or a sequel. I really get tired of that stuff. Just give us what we want and watch based off of the People's Choice awards and you would have long running, money makeing shows.
888888888888888

Diane Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 06:46 PM EST

I love Criminal Minds. Both my husband and I watch it every week. How about putting Alex O'Loughlin in the spin off. I sure miss him in Moonlight. I watch that show on SciFi every Friday night. But really, can't they come up with something new?? It's always a spin off or a sequel. I really get tired of that stuff.

Marco Sat, Feb 7, 2009 at 12:24 PM EST

What about a Cold Case spinoff instead?

MissingAlex Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 05:19 AM EST

This was the spin-off that CBS offered to hunky Aussie Alex O'Loughlin from the cancelled show Moonlight.
http://www.daemonstv.com/2008/08/23/alex-oloughlin-stays-at-cbs/

Frankly, I don't care for Criminal Minds or any spinoff of this show.

Jake Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 04:19 AM EST

What about a Without A Trace spinoff? People are always missing. Instead of having it take place only in NY how about having it take place all across the US? I would also like to see an Amazing Race spinoff. Instead of starting from the beginning and ending at the finish line they should mix things up by starting at the end and finishing at the start. You might say so what? I'll tell you what. They have to complete tasks to get to the next round. The catch is if they don't finish high enough they get killed. This would make for a very exciting show. I say they should not go with a Criminal Minds spinoff since most people don't watch it anyway. However, I would like to see Catherine Bell in a regular tv series. She is a great actress and an even lovelier person. An NVIC sequel/spinoff won't really be one unless they move a major character from the original show. Anything less would be a copout, a fake, a phony baloney.

Lucas Tue, Nov 25, 2008 at 05:00 PM EST

i have to disagree about Reid, the kid lacks the age and social skills to lead any group. he is perfect where he is for now. maybe in 10 years.
I do however like the notion of expanding out and showing some of the other units in the Bureau. show us the forensics or the 'normal' agents and do it in such a way that the occasional drop in or call between the two could happen. I once saw a fan fic that had someone bring the CM crew to NYC to help Mac Taylor and the gang and it was actually a nicely done story. I'd love to see things like that even. especially since they are on the same night.

daisy Sat, Nov 1, 2008 at 04:44 AM EST

I really love this show. I have always been interested in criminal psychology, and after going to school for a degree in Criminal Justice, It is so wonderful! It really goes in depth with how profiling really works. It keeps a great story line all the way through, with many twists and bizarre themes. The characters in the show are established very well, with interesting personalities that really hold the show together.Catch all eps http://download-criminal-minds-episodes.edogo.com/ here...

MB Fri, Oct 24, 2008 at 05:54 PM EST

DON"T MESS WITH A GOOD THING!
I love ALL of the current characters (JJ, Emily, Reid, Morgan, Hotch, Garcia & Rossi). The original show has already had a lot of cast changes (Lola & Mandy leaving) and people are finally getting comfortable with the show. I just wouldn't want another major character to leave the show and start on another one right now. All the originals left ER, changing it forever!

KEEP DOING WHAT WORKS & MORE PEOPLE WILL WATCH!!!!

Jane Doe Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 04:30 PM EST

Eh... I don't know what to think about this. On one hand, CM is an awesome show with an awesome cast (PB!) and a really unique setup (for everyone calling it another procedural, have you even seen the show? If it's a procedural, its definitely a very non-traditional one).

But having spin-offs usually messes up the original, or at the very least the spin-off flops. I wouldn't mind seeing the producers do another show, but tying it in the CM just seems like a disaster waiting to happen.

tra7469@yahoo.com Tue, Aug 12, 2008 at 11:05 AM EST

This is one of the greatest show on TV.I Live to watch Crimimal Minds!!! Awesome! The show open your mind to how people really think. The Cast is wonderful Please do not change a thing!! I LOVE IT!!!!!! When will they start runing the repeat on A&E !!can't wait for a Maraton!!!

katie Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 12:32 PM EST

I think criminal minds is the worst show in the entire world I'd rather watch some thing more funny instead of this junk so if you make a spin off of criminal minds it will be erased imediately. oh yaeh I think that if you do make a spin off that mathew gray gubler stinks and should not be included

emmalee Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 12:19 PM EST

I think that there Should be a spin-off of Criminal Minds because another show that has a spin-off, but is on ABC, is Grey's Anatomy. Another Thing is that if they made a CM spin-off, they should have Reid headline the new spin-off cast. It would be good for Matthew Gray Gubler to have his own show, but first they must reverse "The Big Game", Ed and Chris!!!

Cheryl Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 07:44 PM EST

I love criminal minds I think its 1 of the best shows on t.v.. I think a spin off is a great idea ...

Alexandra Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 08:11 AM EST

The Criminal Minds fbi drama new season begins on Wed. September 24th. Set your TIVO, DVR, etc. Maybe then we'll have definite news on the spin-off.

Alexandra Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 08:05 AM EST

As for a spin-off..I'd be careful. A lot of shows have spin-offs that are not successful. As I have said before, do it if it's done right. CSI and Law & Order seem to have found a formula that works I guess.

guillebreteau Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 08:09 PM EST

Anyone knows when they returns? Im in argentina and i don't know when the fourth season returns... any idea?

VOXPOP Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 03:20 AM EST

A Criminal minds' spin-off would be most welcome if it were written as well as the original and cast appropriately.

meb2also2 Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 01:18 PM EST

I'd take a Derek and Veronica Mars combo any day. Throw in a few of the others from VM and a Gilmore Girls quota and we would all be in business for a while! It would at least help me deal with a lack of Jericho

Steve Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 06:49 PM EST

ALL of these shows have the same formula: CSI (all 3), NCIS and Criminal Minds, Without a Trace. One real smart but weird guy, one real good looking girl, at least one black or hispanic person, one idiot that you could do without (usually the new guy or someone about to be killed a la Star Trek), one quirky girl or guy who for some reason tends to be smarter than they would appear to those who judge, and then the guy you really kinda don't like (usually the guy you can do without).
That said, there are only so many stories you can do before they start to recycle into other shows or into themselves. Why start or even threaten to start another? Unfortunately it's the curse of network TV. Find a gimmick that kinda works and then pound on it until people switch to another genre. They did it to sitcoms in the 80's and early 90's, and "Reality" shows over the last 6 years or so. Maybe they'll get smart and try to get some of the better sitcom actors to come back and revive that genre death.

Veronica Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 05:59 PM EST

I am addicted to all these crime shows on T.V. (with a few exceptions:CSI,Miami). Therefore I would LOVE to see something new out there. However, with no connection to the Criminal Minds that we have come to love. It's time to spice this one up a bit!

Lake Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 02:27 PM EST

A spin-off would work if it were not directly connected to the BAU. Perhaps make a spin-off about computer crimes or such like the case in the movie Untraceable.

Liz Sun, Jul 6, 2008 at 09:22 PM EST

I don't know about a spin-off of Criminal Minds. I love this show, but I don't see how they could do it unless they started adding BAU's all over the place, which would seriously screw up with the original show.

Soraya Sun, Jul 6, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

Interesting! I would LOVE a spin-off.

tess malloy Sun, Jul 6, 2008 at 01:26 PM EST

I think they should focus more on this show right now. It's getting less interesting and they should work on more interesting stuff, like more on the character's lives and focus more on reid! there's been hardly any good reid moments in season 4

hat_trick Sun, Jul 6, 2008 at 08:09 AM EST

Man... I think it should have nothing to do with the FBI, but some other agency. That episode about the CIA agents and the mole was fun. Or they should try to make a show about Emily's mom being an Ambassador somehow, even though Embassies are pretty boring.

skywiccat Sat, Jul 5, 2008 at 07:04 PM EST

Woah!!! Hold back a second here. Before they jump off into spin off land, why aren't they doing better crossovers. CBS has how many shows that feature the FBI? Without a trace, Numb3rs, Criminal minds.... Criminal minds is a procedural about one team of the main unit of the BAU, why not make the spin off about the individual agents who were trained by the BAU, like Megan on Numb3rs????
My main objection to a spin off is that they cannot match the quirky goodness that is the ensemble cast as it stands. You've got the arrogant jerk (morgan), brainy super nerd (reid), Computer tech extrordinaire (garcia), and the incredibly over driven hard ass (hotchner). What other types of personalities are they gonna find that aren't just poor charicatures of the original cast???
Stick with some decent crossovers (unlike the POS that CSI and Without a trace did...they turned CSI into the Jack Malone show. Grrrrrr).

Carol Morris Sat, Jul 5, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

I like Mandy Patinkin, I think he should head the spin off

Erin Sat, Jul 5, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST

A spin-off will only continue to ruin CM in the same way that the baby story line is ruining CM. This was one of the last procedurals that hadn't yet broached too much personal drama or a weak spin-off. When a surgeon is faced with a hemorrhaging patient, she doesn't usually treat that patient by deliberately cutting another artery...

Drusilla Fri, Jul 4, 2008 at 05:59 PM EST

CM is a fantastic show. I've come to really care about the characters but I feel a spin off wouldn't work. It's just a money making idea based on CM ratings. It is a unique show and should be left as a stand alone show. If a spin off is created none of the cast should be poached for a new show.

person Fri, Jul 4, 2008 at 02:16 AM EST

Can it be about Agent Veronica Mars?

Alex Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 09:54 PM EST

A CM spinoff? This is a ridiculous idea! See what that did for CSI, and Law and Order? Spinoffs made the originals weak.

Criminal Minds is a fantastic show on it's own, and SHOULD NOT receive a spinoff.

Megan Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 07:30 PM EST

I really think this would be a bad idea...CM is all about the BAU, and there's only one. And I really don't think they could find another Garcia!!!

Aggie Escott Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 06:24 PM EST

We don't want another CM. There can be only one!!!
No seriously, CM is incomparable. Just make sure the standard of stories stays high, and leave TG mgg and JM (yes, I think JM is a really great character) well alone. Don't spoil it with a second rate spinny, like what happened to Vegas with the introduction of Miami. The stories were spread too thin.
Aggie

t3hdow Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 06:14 PM EST

Meridith pretty much nailed it on the head. I'm already bitter at CBS for taking away Jericho, a show they claimed to support (insidious lies), only to rely too much on the tried-and-true procedural crime drama formula. Now you're replacing them with yet another one, and a spin off at that? Come on.
I also concur that Criminal Minds is the most misogynistic of any crime drama, as the majority of episodes seem to revolve around crimes against women (even the one I flipped to last night). Not even the four Saw films combined murder as many females compared to sometimes a single installment of Criminal Minds.
I will give the show credit for the amazing cast, even sans Patinkin. They work well together and shouldn't be broken apart for any reason, including a spin off. Also, besides L&O: SVU (until the recent seasons), no spin off from a procedural does too well. It's just a bad decision from all angles.

Kathryn Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 06:01 PM EST

Unless my boy Spencer Reid is involved, I'm not interested. :)

...stud!

wendy Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST

no. please don't. csi was fantastic until they cloned it into 4 shows. now none of them are good...you CAN have too much of a good thing. leave cm alone, and let it be. bring back other shows deserving of air time: Moonlight. original, quirky, and fantastic. i'd watch that before any csi/cm clone. criminal minds is fantastic...leave it be please so that we can still enjoy it. must say i miss Mandy.

Rebecca Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 12:30 PM EST

I think that it could work. NCIS started as a spin-off of J.A.G., but with a different cast and look how well it did. NCIS has really become a great show. If its done right it could work.

KateDFW Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 12:28 PM EST

I love the show but I am very unsure about a spin-off. But put me in the group that I watch now because Mandy Patkin is no longer on the show. The stories of his diva behavior have soured me on him. Plus remember he did the exact same thing on Chicago Hope!

Jeffrey Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 12:11 PM EST

Criminal Minds is an amazing show. A spin off would really do well. I think they should leave the original cast alone and create something new. I love the creepy stories, acting and music on that show too. Very curious what they will come up with. CAN'T WAIT!!!

Monica Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 12:03 PM EST

Huh? Why should I care about another procedural show on CBS? CBS has got to be kidding on this one!!!

But then this is the network that canceled Moonlight and has dropped Swingtown like a hot banana (as another poster stated "not that I am bitter" but then again I really am!)

I am sooooo tired of the same old shows and there "less than the original" spinoffs just to fill the time slots.

Renee Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 11:20 AM EST

I like the Criminal Minds TEAM. The ensemble. I still haven't warmed up to the new guy. I would be willing to give it a try, but it is that group I enjoy.

Jaye Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 10:27 AM EST

i suspect that in real life there is more than one team at the BAU. and we have seen other folks in their bull pen. so they could pull an L&O and do a show with another team. and since they are in the same office, crossovers would be easy.

or they could even go a slightly different direction. this is the age of digital and I bet the FBI has a unit for computer crimes. do a show about that (ie, make the FBI the center of the franchise and not just BAU) and you might still have ways to cross in and out folks. they could use Brandon's character as a center point perhaps.

Kathy Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 10:02 AM EST

I love Criminal Minds. But it is not the same without Mandy. Joe M. just doesn't cut it. The characters seem to have real chemistry - especially Morgan and the quirky computer chick. I'm not sure a spin off would give us the same feel.

Bouncy Castle Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 09:24 AM EST

It's about time Skipp Sudduth was given the lead in his own show.... and my phone number!

Anitamargarita Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 09:19 AM EST

Okay - I read all your comments. Reid is his name. They cannot take him away from the original without ruining it, but he is also too young to be mentoring someone else. They need a Reid, Jr. on the new show or it won't work. I also TOTALLY loved the Nick Brendon character - my daughter walked in and shouted "Xander!" during his first episode. If he appeared in the new show that would be enough for me to give it a few weeks.

Terry Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 09:15 AM EST

I love Criminal Minds and it would be great to have another show just like it. Bring back Close To Home.

jr Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 09:11 AM EST

michael ausiello is awesome! i love this column & am looking forward to everything else he does! he fits in nicely w/ most @ ew.com (slezack, doc jensen, whitney, etc). love ya man!

Anitamargarita Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 09:10 AM EST

I only scanned these comments, but I am also ambivalent about Criminal Minds. Are their ratings that good? I am a regular watcher - but I have also noticed things that are arguably misogynistic, and most of the violence is against women. Why do procedurals shows use victims to show naked female flesh? Do they really think WE think that is hot? Newsflash: it's sick. But the regular cast is great and I like it when they focus on them, rather than how CSI does it. I can't tell you why it's better, but it is. I might watch a well done Criminal Minds spin off, but you HAVE to have someone like the long-haired skinny guy. I can't remember his character's name.

Pam Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 09:05 AM EST

I love Criminal Minds but CBS keeps canceling good shows so I don't know if I really want to start up with another CBS drama only to have it yanked out from under me. I don't think I'm going to give any of their new dramas much of a chance. It's too risky.

Dave Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 08:59 AM EST

I am a graduate student in Behavioral Education and love this show. My only complaint is the show does not use much behavioral terminolgy. A new show??? To many CSI's on the networks be careful with this idea.... The orginal CSI is great the others I do not watch...

Katy Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 08:35 AM EST

I too am addicted to Criminal Minds... love it! I've even got my coworkers and some friends into it. I would definitely give the spin off a chance.

Melissa Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 07:47 AM EST

I say nay. I love the present cast and their dynamic, I would hate to see that chemistry broken up. But, if they were to do it with a whole different group, simply introdced in an episode with the regulars, and leave the current crew from the BAU together, I might be open to it. They just need to be careful, CM is one of the few shows currently on TV that I find even remotely watchable (loved it from the get go), if they mess it up, I'll never forgive CBS.

Debbie French Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 07:37 AM EST

I love Criminal Minds. But, the only reason I started watching it was because of Mandy Patinkin. Since then I have come to like all of the other characters. But, I have never like Joe Montagna, so it has been a challenge to watch since Mandy left. A spin-off might be nice, but we will have to see.

Brian Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 07:36 AM EST

And yes, I am fully aware that there is a typo in my last comment.

Brian Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 07:35 AM EST

This has nothing to do with the show, but rather the appalling grammar and sentence structure on this site. Near the end of teh article, Micheal Ausiello writes: "Yay? Nay? Could care less?" The phrase is "Couldn't care less." "Could care less" implies that one does care. And just because most people use the phrase incorrectly, doesn't mean it's okay. Sloppy, lazy writing at best.

Linda Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 07:33 AM EST

YEAH!!!! Give me more of the best show on broadcast television. Love Criminal Minds!

Thomas Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 04:02 AM EST

Paget Brewster should be in it and... well that's pretty much it. I'd watch her just sitting in front of the camera for an hour.

m Powell Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 03:04 AM EST

I Think I would love it. I really hate law and order,too dark and although this is dark the characters have a little humor/kookiness going on to releave the seriousness.

Joy Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 03:04 AM EST

Jenny beat me to the first idea that came to my mind for a spinoff. I would totally watch Nicholas Brendon every week! Profiling is great, but the techies do the actual research to make things possible. The only thing that bothers me about Criminal Minds is that CBS refuses to post complete episodes on their website. If I miss one, that's it. Not the best way to build an audience. Somebody over there needs a brain transplant - STAT!

florence Thu, Jul 3, 2008 at 12:10 AM EST

who died on last season of Criminal Minds.

Dee Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 11:51 PM EST

Criminal Minds-Hit Show?

Dee Kottkamp Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 11:50 PM EST

I hate that show so no chance I will be watching it.

Tim Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 11:40 PM EST

Folks, too many of you are applying logic and real world aspects to a possible spinoff.

They could claim there was another team, heck 5 teams and they worked in secret and used a dog with ESP and some network exec would say ok.

The show manages to catch a serial killer each week, how much a jump is it to say they wouldn't have another team with some quirk to make itself different.

Handicapped Hot Girl with ability to feel last thoughts of a victim and her Karate black belt partner, scarred from having his whole family taken out by a killer. Oh yeah...

Dave J Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:57 PM EST

I would at least give the show a try. I am more interested in how they could make it unique. The idea of doing the tech side posted by another blogger sounds interesting.

Also, in an episode shot in New York (was it the season finale?), they talked about Derek (Shemar Moore) being considered to head up the New York field office. That might be an interesting spinoff idea where the focus is on a city and all the different crimes and investigations the FBI can get into as opposed to the current formula for multiple murderers.

Mary Roberts Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:39 PM EST

Aus, you are so CUTE! Posting at 3 a.m.! So excited to get back to work! Were you drinking diet Rasberry Snapple as you were posting? I checked TVGuide.com and then said to myself, "IT'S JULY 2nd!!!, time to go to EW.COM!!! Ausiello's Back!!!"

cs Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 10:08 PM EST

I love the show. There is a writer named Kay Hooper who writes a series of books based on a "special" unit of the FBI. The unit consists of folks with "special" abilities who hunt serial killers. Great books, would make a great series idea.

Pat Evans Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 09:45 PM EST

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!

rich Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 08:54 PM EST

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.

TVDIVA Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 08:48 PM EST

So this is where you are hiding! Glad you are back at work reporting exclusive scoopage. I wish you all the best.

Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 08:47 PM EST

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.

siona Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 08:43 PM EST

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.

jry Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 08:33 PM EST

no!!!!! no spin off!!!!!! no, no

jv Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 07:45 PM EST

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.

Blah blah Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 07:24 PM EST

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah.........blah.

Dillon Casey Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 05:57 PM EST

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.

Kirads09 Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 05:22 PM EST

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.

Ana Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 04:53 PM EST

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.

Meredith44 Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 04:38 PM EST

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!

coco Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 04:23 PM EST

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...
; - )

patti Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 04:20 PM EST

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rose Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 04:11 PM EST

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)

Jo Leigh Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 04:00 PM EST

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?

Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 03:48 PM EST

ASK AUSIELLO IS RETURNING!!!
Who cares about Criminal Minds, this is the big news!!!

Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 03:38 PM EST

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.

DeDum Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 03:31 PM EST

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.

Colleen S Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 03:21 PM EST

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?

thorswitch Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 03:18 PM EST

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.

Jenny Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 02:59 PM EST

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....

Jesse Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST

No thank you, not interested.

Alana Jones Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 01:55 PM EST

Forgot to say, probably won't watch it. It's not like they can clone Matthew Gray Gubler and Thomas Gibson - Or can they?

Alana Jones Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 01:52 PM EST

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.

mdb Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 01:51 PM EST

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 :)

Ashlyn Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 01:48 PM EST

Oh, thank GOD. I was starting to worry about the lack of boring procedurals out there.

Krystal Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 01:44 PM EST

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.

Dana Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 01:40 PM EST

I am not a big fan of them doing a spin off. I love Criminal Minds though! Awesome show! Great actors!