Is there a possibility that Shemar Moore may return to the Criminal Minds universe? Based on what Joe Mantegna just posted online, fans are truly hoping for an epic TV reunion.
Longtime viewers of the TV franchise remember Shemar made an impact on Criminal Minds portraying SSA Derek Morgan for 11 seasons. After leaving the show in 2016 to star in S.W.A.T., he eventually reprised his role twice on the original series (once in season 12 and again in season 13). But as S.W.A.T. is officially ending in May 2025 after eight seasons on the air, many are hoping he'll return to the BAU and portray Morgan once again on the Criminal Minds: Evolution reboot for season 3 (season 18 overall).
While nothing has been said about Shemar potentially making an appearance on Criminal Minds: Evolution, Joe (who stars as SSA David Rossi) fueled the fire with a surprise post on Instagram. Uploading a photo of him reuniting with Shemar at the latter's home, Joe wrote a heartfelt belated message to celebrate Shemar's 55th birthday.
"Happy Birthday to my Golden Boy š," he wrote in the caption.
When fans realized Joe shared an update on his friendship with Shemar, many hoped this was a sign of Shemar wanting to come back for Criminal Minds: Evolution.
"Please tell me that since SWAT is cancelled, he is returning to Criminal Minds!!" one person begged in the comments. "OMGGGGGGG THE REUNION OMGGGG š„¹š„¹š„¹ā¤ļøā¤ļø," another screamed. "Rossi!!! And Derek Morgan šš miss you guys together on screen š," a different follower added.
Even though it's not clear whether Shemar will be involved with Criminal Minds: Evolution in the future, he has stated in the past that he's open to a return. As he shared with TV Insider back in February 2024, all the producers need to do is give him a call.
"All I need is an invitation," he stated at the time. "I never forget where I came from. Iāve gone back to the soap opera that started my career three or four times. It started with The Young and the Restless, and then it was Criminal Minds. And thatās my evolution. Without The Young and the Restless, thereās no Criminal Minds. And without Criminal Minds, thereās no S.W.A.T. If they asked me to come visit, I would definitely do that."
Given how Matthew Gray Gubler is making a big return as Dr. Spencer Reid in an upcoming episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3, there's always hope for Shemar to make a comeback as well!
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when sheās not watching the latest show on Netflix, sheās taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
