n the wake of Thomas Gibson
being fired from
Criminal Minds, the CBS drama has promoted Paget Brewster to series regular, EW has learned.
Brewster joined the show as SSA Emily Prentiss in season 2 and was a regular castmember through season 7. She returned for one episode in season 11 following
the departure of Shemar Moore. The actress was
already slated to guest star in multiple episodes this season before being promoted.
“We’re all so excited to have Paget with us full time,” executive producer Erica Messer says. “The BAU family has definitely missed her, on screen and off. Having her back on set has been great, it’s like she never left.”
The news comes on the heels of Gibson, who played Aaron Hotchner since the show’s launch in 2005, being dismissed after an on-set altercation with a writer on the show. Two days prior to the announcement of his departure, Aisha Tyler, who plays Dr. Tara Lewis, was
also promoted to series regular.
Criminal Minds returns Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS. Brewster’s first episode will air Wednesday, Oct. 12.
