‘Criminal Minds’ season 12 update: Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss becomes series regular

“Criminal Minds” season 12 is going to have a new series regular, Paget Brewster. Fans of the show are familiar with Brewster for her previous appearances as Emily Prentiss in the CBS drama. Now, viewers can anticipate seeing more of Prentiss as Brewster reprises her character once more.

The 47-year-old actress has been promoted to series regular just as Thomas Gibson’s infamous exit was made official. Brewster is expected to fill the void created by Gibson, and fans expect her to have a significant role in the series just as key character Aaron Hotchner (Gibson) is now gone.

“We’re all so excited to have Paget with us full-time,” showrunner Erica Messer told The Hollywood Reporter. “The BAU family has definitely missed her, on screen and off. Having her back on set has been great, it’s like she never left.”

Brewster first joined “Criminal Minds” during its second season. She has since played her guest-starring role in various episodes on the following seasons. Brewster has been a regular guest star from seasons 2 through 7, also appearing briefly in season 9. Now she recently returned in season 11 on the CBS show as part of the storyline that saw another original star Shemar Moore exit the series.

With two major characters gone from “Criminal Minds,” fans anticipate Brewster to be playing a more important role. There are speculations that the actress’ character Prentiss could replace Hotchner as the new chief of FBI’s Behavioural Analysis Unit.

On a separate note, there are also reports purporting that Moore could be going back to the show after Gibson left the show. If this happens, his role as Derek Morgan is also a likely candidate for the BAU’s chief position. This would negate the anticipation on Prentiss becoming the new chief.

To date, nothing is confirmed yet on how “Criminal Minds” season 12 will pick up the story. What is certain for now is that Brewster is now a major game player in “Criminal Minds.”

“Criminal Minds” season 12 returns Sept. 28 on CBS. The show airs on Channel 7 in Australia.