Criminal Minds

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Criminal-Minds

Criminal Minds is an American police procedural crime drama television series created by Jeff Davis. The show first premiered on September 22, 2005, on the CBS network and concluded its original run on February 19, 2020. It primarily focuses on a group of criminal profilers who work for the FBI as members of its Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). The team uses behavioral analysis and profiling to investigate crimes and find perpetrators. The series blends crime-solving with psychological drama.

Plot[edit | edit source]

The series follows the work of the BAU, a specialized group within the FBI tasked with profiling criminals to solve crimes. The team analyzes the nation's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. Each episode typically features a new case, with the team traveling to various locations across the United States to assist in criminal investigations. The show delves into the personal and professional lives of the team members, exploring their challenges and successes as they employ their expertise to apprehend dangerous individuals.

Characters[edit | edit source]

Criminal Minds features an ensemble cast that has changed over its long run. Key characters have included:

- Aaron Hotchner (played by Thomas Gibson), the unit chief of the BAU. - Spencer Reid (played by Matthew Gray Gubler), a genius with an IQ of 187 and eidetic memory. - Derek Morgan (played by Shemar Moore), a confident and assertive agent specializing in obsessional crimes. - Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (played by A.J. Cook), the team's communications liaison. - Penelope Garcia (played by Kirsten Vangsness), the team's technical analyst and computer expert. - David Rossi (played by Joe Mantegna), a senior supervisory special agent with a long history at the BAU.

Production[edit | edit source]

The series was produced by The Mark Gordon Company in association with CBS Television Studios and ABC Studios. Throughout its run, Criminal Minds was filmed in various locations, primarily in and around Los Angeles, California. The show's creators and executive producers included Jeff Davis, Mark Gordon, and Erica Messer, among others. Criminal Minds received praise for its storytelling, character development, and the performances of its cast.

Reception[edit | edit source]

Criminal Minds garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim over its 15-season run. It was celebrated for its psychological depth, complex characters, and engaging plots. However, it also faced criticism for its graphic content and portrayal of violence. Despite this, the series remained a staple of CBS's lineup, leading to several spin-offs, including Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

The impact of Criminal Minds on the crime procedural genre has been significant. It has influenced numerous other series in its approach to character-driven storytelling within the framework of criminal investigation. The series has also been recognized for its efforts to explore the psychological aspects of crime and its effects on victims and perpetrators alike.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD