Paget Brewster in, Rachel Nichols out for 'Criminal Minds'

Paget Brewster (second from left) will be returning to "Criminal Minds."

The old gang should be getting back together for the next season of "Criminal Minds," with Paget Brewster officially on board to return as Emily Prentiss.

Brewster's character left the show late this season after the actress' contract was modified to reduce the number of episodes she would appear in. Brewster filmed a pilot for NBC's "My Life as an Experiment," but the show wasn't picked up, leaving ABC Studios, which produces "Criminal Minds," the option to bring her back.

Deadline broke the story yesterday that the studio had in fact done so, while also deciding not to pick up an option for Rachel Nichols, whose Ashley Seaver was introduced this year, for next season.


Brewster joins fellow returnee A.J. Cook, who like Brewster was written out this season, but was then brought back, with J.J. Jareau returning in the final scene of this year's season finale.

According to Deadline, actor Thomas Gibson, who plays Aaron Hotchner, is the only member of the cast still not signed for next year, but the producers want him to return.

The studio's moves to reduce Brewster's workload and let Cook go angered fans when the news first broke late last summer, with reports saying they were made for financial rather than creative reasons. That especially didn't sit well when you're talking about a show which has been in the top 15 for years. Many blamed the cuts on the then forthcoming spin-off, "Suspect Behavior," which was canceled this month after a lackluster first season in the ratings.

Admittedly, the past two season have not been "Criminal Minds" strongest story-wise, but hopefully with the behind-the-scenes issues cleared up (as long as Gibson signs on), they can move past this and improve.