'Criminal Minds' season 12 release date, spoilers: Thomas Gibson shares his thoughts on the show's success

 cbs.com/shows/cbs-fall-preview-2016

BAU may have lost one of its best men last season, but actor Thomas Gibson revealed that there are a lot of things to look forward to when "Criminal Minds" returns for its 12th season in September.

Gibson, known for portraying the role of the aloof BAU chief Aaron Hotchner in the crime procedural series, explained in an interview with The National how the series has managed to remain interesting 11 years after its debut.

According to the actor, the writers of the show have managed to come up with the best plot that keeps the show relevant.

"We found a way to tell compelling stories, basically. Criminal Minds looks at what happened in a bad person's life to make them capable of doing unspeakable things to other people. I think the question of why they are compelled to do them – when it doesn't occur to most other people – is really interesting," Gibson stated.

But the actor also admitted that he is still having a hard time dealing with the changes in the cast over the years, especially when his long-time co-star Shemar Moore decided to say goodbye to his role as Derek Morgan in the series. According to Gibson, losing a colleague will always be hard, but it also gives a chance to the story to reinvent itself.

Meanwhile, new rumors claim that former cast member Paget Brewster will reprise her role as Emily Prentiss when "Criminal Minds" returns for its 12<sup>th season.

The speculations were ignited when the actress posted a photo of a pair of boots and an Interpol ID on Twitter with the caption "In our darkest hour there can be light." This could mean that the show will call back one of its fan-favorite characters after Derek's exit.

Prentiss and CBS have yet to confirm the character's return. "Criminal Minds" season 12 premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

News
The story of the pope known as the Apostle to the English
The story of the pope known as the Apostle to the English

Pope Gregory I, known as Gregory the Great, was one of the most important popes, and his positive legacy is still felt today - not least in Britain. This is the story … 

Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide
Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide

Christians are doubling down on efforts to stop assisted suicide becoming legal in England and Wales after Kim Leadbeater's bill was debated in Westminster on Friday. 

Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign
Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign

More than 100 Christian leaders recently came together at a parliamentary reception in London for the launch of Shine Your Light 2025 — a bold evangelistic initiative aiming to bring the message of Christ to streets, neighbourhoods, and marketplaces across the UK.

Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling
Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling

An NHS trust has been accused of continually flouting the law around women’s rights by requiring female nurses to get changed in front of a biologically male nurse who goes by the name of “Rose”.