‘Criminal Minds’ Season 12 Spoilers: CBS Series Renewed For Season 13 Amidst Declining Ratings

“Criminal Minds” isn’t over just yet. CBS renewed the crime series for Season 13. That means that the profilers will be back for another season.

However, “Criminal Minds” hasn’t been doing too well in terms of ratings. According to TVLine, Season 12 is averaging just 7.5 million viewers per week which is 17 percent lower than Season 11. Additionally, the current season has recorded a 1.4 demo rating which is 22 percent below its previous season. In fact, Season 12 has held a 1.2 demo rating – an all-time low for the TV show.

Only “Criminal Minds’” most recently aired episode on Wednesday fetched a 1.3 rating with 7 million viewers watching episode 19. It only ticked up last week.

However, despite its dwindling numbers, the CBS series garners more viewers than may freshman dramas and even more than some of the eye network’s long-running shows. Furthermore, the show does well internationally. It is also profitable to air syndicated episodes of the series on multiple platforms.

READ: Everything you need to know about Shemar Moore’s return.

However, there is no denying that the numerous cast shakeups have dealt a blow to the show. Shemar Moore, a long-time cast member who played FBI Agent Derek Morgan, exited the series in Season 11. Soon after, Thomas Gibson, who played FBI Agent Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner, was suddenly fired because he allegedly assaulted a “Criminal Minds” writer and producer.

Although CBS tried to replace the departing cast members by hiring Paget Brewster (who plays Emily Prentiss) back as a series regular and bringing “CSI: Miami” actor Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez, it did little to soften the blow. Moreover, Aisha Tyler, who came on board last season, was promoted to a series regular.

“Criminal Minds” also added Damon Gupton as FBI Agent Stephen Walker, a move that was not decided by the showrunner. Nevertheless, fans still miss Hotch and Derek.

What hasn’t helped ratings either is the current storyline of Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler). He was arrested and thrown in jail for allegedly murdering a doctor in Mexico. Seeing Reid in jail isn’t what many fans want and his story will only conclude in the season finale. Some feel it’s been dragged while others feel it’s unnecessary. After all, Gubler’s character has been through enough misfortune in twelve years.

But if there is one thing “Criminal Minds” excels at it is beating all odds and still getting renewed.

“Criminal Minds” returns with the final three episodes of Season 12 on Wednesday, April 26 at 9 p.m. EDT on CBS.