‘Criminal Minds’ Season 12 Cancellation Update: CBS Did Not Give Series An Early Renewal; Will Shemar Moore’s Return Change Network’s Decision?

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 finale is seemingly the last installment of the hit CBS crime drama. The speculation sparked following the network's announcement of the shows that will renew for another season. Apparently, 16 CBS programs will get to continue for another roll but "Criminal Minds" didn't make it to the list. Meanwhile, actor Shemar Moore is set to return in the season finale and hopefully, this changes the network's decision.

Though CBS' decision is not final, "Criminal Minds" Season 12 has faced deep controversies in 2016 following reports that actor Thomas Gibson is leaving the show due to a physical altercation with a writer. Fans of Gibson were not so happy about the changes in the show and it reportedly affected the ratings. From then on, speculations about the series cancellation have made the headlines in the last year.

However, such speculations didn't affect the team's determination to continue the story even without Gibson's character. "Criminal Minds" Season 12 has opened exciting arcs that still caught the viewers' interest. That said, the ratings of the show remained solid though not as high as before.

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 may not get an early renewal approval but it doesn't mean that the series will be canceled soon according to a report by Comicbook. Reportedly, some of the artists in the show are tied up with new contracts, which may require more negotiations about scheduling. For this reason, fans should need to wait a little longer until CBS confirms their final decision.

Meanwhile, "Criminal Minds" Season 12 is set to wrap up with the return of Moore according to an earlier report by Celebeat. Moore gave life to Derek Morgan's character and decided to leave the show during its eleventh season. If CBS is waiting for a boost in ratings before it renews the show, Moore's return could help and hopefully, the franchise gets renewed after.

"Criminal Minds" Season 12 is airing every Wednesday nights at 9/8c on CBS. For more updated about this hit TV crime drama, keep checking here at Celebeat.