Here’s why Morgan left Criminal Minds in season 11: Criminal Minds is a thriller show that has been on CBS since 2005. It is about a group of FBI profilers who have to find and stop a never-ending stream of brutal serial killers. Criminal Minds was, along with NCIS, one of the most popular procedural shows on TV.
It ran from 2005 to 2020 but was brought back for a 16th season called Criminal Minds: Evolution. It was also popular enough to get two spinoffs, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders and Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior.
Mandy Patinkin played Jason Gideon in the first two seasons of Criminal Minds, but he left the show suddenly as season 3 was getting ready to start. Patinkin later admitted that the show was much darker and more disturbing than he thought it would be when he joined, and he quit because he didn’t like how violent it was. Even though Gideon left unexpectedly, the show kept going.
In fact, the only natural key cast member to leave was Thomas Gibson, who was famously fired during season 12 of the show’s 15-year run. In season 11 of Criminal Minds, Shemar Moore’s character, Derek Morgan, also left the team. Here are the reasons Morgan quit Criminal Minds.
RELATED POST: What Happened To Wyatt Pike On American Idol And Why Did He Quit Show?
On the Show “Criminal Minds,” What Happened to Morgan?
Thank goodness, the writers of Criminal Minds didn’t make it too hard on our hearts. Even though Morgan’s last season was emotional (he was kidnapped, almost killed, found out his girlfriend and future wife were pregnant, etc.), he didn’t die at the end.
Instead, his character chose to leave the B.A.U. to spend time with his family, especially his new baby son. Morgan’s last moments were filled with tears, but everyone, including his best friend Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) and his “baby girl,” Penelope Garcia, agreed with his choice to leave (Kirsten Vangsness).
RELATED POST: How Did Jason Hanold CEO of Hanold Associates Build An Iconic Career?
Why Exactly Did Shemar Moore Leave?
Shemar wanted to leave the show for the same reasons Morgan did, and none of them were bad. He told TVGuide that he wanted to try new things and “find out what I’m made of.” But Shemar was also looking for ways to grow as a person.
Instead, his character chose to leave the B.A.U. to spend time with his family, especially his new baby son. Morgan’s last moments were filled with tears, but everyone, including his best friend Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) and his “baby girl,” Penelope Garcia, agreed with his choice to leave (Kirsten Vangsness).
Will Shemar Moore Make a Guest Appearance on Criminal Minds?
People were upset that Matthew Gray Gubler’s character, Spencer Reid, might not be on Criminal Minds: Evolution. But what about Shemar Moore’s character, Derek Morgan?
Shemar Moore is currently in the show S.W.A.T., where he plays Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, a S.W.A.T. Sergeant who solves crimes in Los Angeles with the help of his team.
In a video interview with Moore, EW asked him if he’ll be on Criminal Minds: Evolution while talking about his show. Moore’s answers weren’t very hopeful, which was a shame. The performer said, “Would I go back to “Criminal Minds” and flirt with my baby girl and try to find UnSubs? Sure, that’s fine.
But Hondo kinda busy is all I’m saying.” The people in charge of the show have left the door open for Gubler and Moore to come back, but that doesn’t mean they will. Moore’s answer is especially disappointing, but S.W.A.T. is still going strong in its sixth season. Derek Morgan, played by Shemar Moore, probably won’t be seen on Criminal Minds again, which is sad, but at least it’s because of the actor’s schedule and not because he doesn’t want to come back.
