'Criminal Minds' Season 13 Update: Is Thomas Gibson Coming Back? Showrunner Hints Returning Characters

When Thomas Gibson was fired from "Criminal Minds" in 2016, many fans were heartbroken and tried to file a petition to have him back to the show. Others even created one of the biggest hashtags in the social media world, #NoHotchNoWatch in an attempt to get the showrunners attention. Season 12 has just ended but ended with a cliffhanger and fans rejoiced seeing Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) once again. With his guest appearance, many fans are wondering if the show can also have Gibson back.

Gibson's Aaron Hotchner was one of the biggest foundations in "Criminal Minds", which is one reason why fans are still hoping to see him again soon. He was written off the show after an alleged altercation with one of the writers in an episode that he was directing. Earlier reports from Celebeat suggest that many fans would continue to boycott the show if they won't see Gibson back in the series.

Not only Gibson's disappearance from "Criminal Minds" broke fans hearts but Moore's departure too. Some fans were not satisfied with Moore's guest appearance on the show as it was too short for them and were hoping to see him longer during the season finale. In an interview with TV Guide, showrunner Erica Messer revealed that it could be the last time that Moore would make an appearance since he was cast in the pilot for "S.W.A.T."

Messer also hinted that they got Moore back even for just a day in "Criminal Minds" because they are aware that fans miss him. That being said, many fans have the highest hopes that the showrunners can have Gibson back in the series. For most fans, this is a good sign that there's a huge possibility that they can see the determined, extremely serious and is barely seen with his wit and humor BAU unit chief.

Asked whether all characters are returning in "Criminal Minds" season 13, Messer only said that she is hoping what fans have been expecting too. "I love this group. If I've learned anything in all these 13 years it's you can't truly prepare for anything," she said. "So I can't say yay or nay to that."