After Jennifer Love Hewitt left Criminal Minds in season 10, there had been all sorts of speculation surrounding her possible return in season 11. Now it seems like she might be poised to return, only after skipping one chapter.

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Many fans had resigned themselves to the sad fact that Hewitt might not come back and play fixture on the CBS procedural as Kate Callahan. Even showrunner Erica Messer had been noncommittal about the actresses' comeback, even though she said that they would love to have her back whenever Hewitt so wished it.

But a recent report has gotten our hopes up again. Entertainment Weekly stated pretty matter-of-factly that Hewitt would return in season 12, and it did not seem that this meant she would drop by for a guest appearance, it was more in the vein of her returning to play a substantial role as Kate. In fact EW even suggested that Hewitt might be taking on more than her share as A.J. Cook might be the next to go, so Hewitt's character would also in someway compensate for J.J.'s loss.

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In a previous interview with TVLine, Messer spoke about Hewitt's replacement in season 11.

Despite reports suggesting that new guest star Aisha Tyler will be stepping into Hewitt's shoes, Messer clarified that that was not exactly the case. She did add, though, that Tyler was definitely there to make up for Cook's absence from the first few episodes as she was on maternity leave and that there was scope for her to be returning in a more substantial, enduring role.

"...There's still no one replacing Kate. But we're looking forward to the opportunity to bring in other 'good guys' to be guest stars," she said.

When asked if Tyler could be taken on to extend her role after Cook's return and end up helping fill the void left by Hewitt, Messer said that they'd love to have her continue with crew.

"We'd love to have her come play as often as possible, because she's amazing and she fit right in with the cast," Messser said.

Season 11 will premiere on Sept. 30 on CBS.

Watch the preview for the finale of season 10:

Tags: Criminal Minds CBS television