"Criminal Minds" is a popular police procedural crime drama that aired on CBS for over a decade. It follows the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) as they track down and capture dangerous criminals. The show ended in 2020 but was revived in 2022 with a new season called "Criminal Minds: Evolution."

Throughout the show's history, several actors have left or been fired. Lola Glaudini, who played Elle Greenaway, left due to personal reasons. Mandy Patinkin, who played Jason Gideon, left because he was uncomfortable with the show's dark content.

Paget Brewster, who played Emily Prentiss, was fired but later rehired. A.J. Cook, who played JJ, and Rachel Nichols, who played Ashley Seaver, were initially fired but brought back after fan outrage. Other actors who left the show include Jeanne Tripplehorn, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Shemar Moore, Thomas Gibson, Damon Gupton, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Daniel Henney.