“Criminal Minds: Evolution,” the 2022 revival of the beloved crime procedural, delighted long-time fans by bringing back some of the most iconic characters from the original series. However, one notable absence left viewers wondering: where is Derek Morgan, the fan-favorite FBI agent played by Shemar Moore? While several core characters, including David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Emily Prentiss (Paget Brewster), and Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness), have reprised their roles, it seems increasingly unlikely that Morgan will return to the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) in the near future.
Shemar Moore’s Departure from “Criminal Minds”
To understand why a Derek Morgan comeback seems improbable, it’s important to look back at Shemar Moore’s decision to leave Criminal Minds in 2016, after 11 seasons of portraying the charismatic, emotionally complex agent. Moore’s departure was amicable, and he expressed a desire to pursue other creative opportunities and grow as an actor beyond the confines of network television. After leaving the show, Moore moved on to star in S.W.A.T., another CBS series, where he has continued to enjoy success as the lead actor.
Despite his exit from Criminal Minds, Moore has made a few guest appearances over the years, notably during the 12th season and the series finale in 2020. However, these brief cameos appear to have been special, one-time deals meant to give fans closure, rather than an indication that he would rejoin the series full-time.
Moore’s Commitment to “S.W.A.T.”
Shemar Moore’s current commitments to S.W.A.T. provide another strong reason why his return to Criminal Minds: Evolution is unlikely. S.W.A.T. requires Moore’s full attention, as he not only stars as Sergeant Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson but also serves as a producer on the show. Juggling two major television roles would be logistically challenging and exhausting for any actor, especially when both are action-heavy series with demanding filming schedules.
As long as S.W.A.T. remains on the air, Moore’s availability for a sustained role in Criminal Minds: Evolution seems minimal. While the actor has expressed nothing but love for his time as Derek Morgan, his future appears tied to his current series, where he continues to shine as a leading man.
Evolution’s New Narrative Focus
Beyond Moore’s personal commitments, the current trajectory of Criminal Minds: Evolution also suggests a Derek Morgan return might not be in the cards. The revival has taken a more serialized approach, focusing heavily on a single overarching case rather than the standalone episodic structure of the original series. This shift in storytelling has led to a different character dynamic, with much of the screen time dedicated to familiar faces like David Rossi, Jennifer “JJ” Jareau (A.J. Cook), and Luke Alvez (Adam Rodriguez).
While there’s always room for cameos or brief appearances, Derek Morgan’s presence doesn’t seem necessary to the core plot of the revival. The series appears content in focusing on the characters currently involved in the ongoing narrative and adjusting to the new pace and tone of the show.
Conclusion
Though many fans would love to see Shemar Moore reprise his role as Derek Morgan, the chances of his return to Criminal Minds: Evolution remain slim. Between his ongoing success on S.W.A.T., the narrative shift in the revival series, and his own career trajectory, Moore seems focused on new challenges and opportunities. While Morgan’s legacy remains firmly ingrained in the history of Criminal Minds, viewers may need to accept that his chapter in the BAU may have already reached its conclusion.
