Is ‘Criminal Minds’ Casting An Actor In Season 12 To Replace Fired Star Thomas Gibson’s Hotch?

A lot of changes are taking place in CBS’ long-running crime series “Criminal Minds” in Season 12. After original cast member Shemar Moore exited the show last season, Thomas Gibson, who played Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) Chief Aaron “Hotch” Hochner, was fired after he allegedly kicked writer and producer Virgil Williams after the duo argued over creative differences while he was directing an episode.

CBS is now casting two new actors as series regulars and one of these new actors will succeed Hotch as BAU’s team leader, TVLine reports. Details on the second new series regular are kept under wraps for now. A representative of CBS was reached out for comment by TVGuide, but he/she said there is nothing new to be announced right now.

It should come as no surprise that CBS is looking to replace Gibson since the actor played a crucial role on “Criminal Minds.” The BAU needs a supervisor to oversee the investigation and delegate tasks to various team members.

Apart from these two new characters, “CSI: Miami” star Adam Rodriguez has been added to the Season 12 cast as FBI Agent Luke Alvez and Paget Brewster is set to return for multiple episodes as Interpol Agent Emily Prentiss. Furthermore, Aisha Tyler, who plays psychologist Dr. Tara Lewis, was promoted to series regular on the upcoming season of “Criminal Minds.”

Gibson also had some incidents in the past including reportedly shoving the CBS show’s assistant director, Ian Woolf, for which he was forced to attend anger management classes. The actor was also arrested for a DUI charge in 2013.

The Hotch portrayer is said to be exploring his legal options after hiring a Los Angeles-based law firm.

“Criminal Minds” Season 12 premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.

Do you want Hotch to be replaced? Hit the comments with your thoughts!