The writing for season 11 of Criminal Minds is yet to begin but showrunner Erica Messer has been talking in various interviews about what fans can expect from the next chapter.

Showrunner Dishes About Jennifer Love Hewitt's Decision To Leave 

First off, Jennifer Love Hewitt, who played Kate Callahan in season 10 is not coming back. Hewitt wanted to take time off to be a full-time mom and was expecting while filming for the season. Messer has dished that this does not necessarily mean that Hewitt could not return to the show, and that the doors were always open for her, but we will definitely not be seeing her play a key role in season 11.

AJ Cook, who plays mainstay JJ, is also pregnant, but the actress will be returning for season 11. Though Messer did reveal that fans will not get to see her in the first few episodes as she will be taking a small break.

A Big Twist In JJ's Life Revealed In Finale 

Messer also dished about the romantic future of Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) in an interview with TVGuide earlier this year. In season 10, Reid seemed to be bonding with a new colleague Agent Dorian Loker (Emily Churchill). But alas, Loker was on the show for only a couple episodes. While addressing this change in Reid's outlook to the possibility of a relationship, Messer stated that was something they were hoping to explore in season 11. "We will probably discuss it and figure it out at some point next season," Messer said of the prospect of a serious romance for Reid.

Messer has also teased the possibility of new guest stars and even bringing back old characters in season 11, while revealing that the writers will begin work on the next chapter on June 1.

"Our season in the writers' room will begin June 1, so that's our work for the beginning of season 11," she said. "We have had a revolving door, and sometimes there might be fun in [bringing back someone] who's come in that door and say, 'Hey, do you want to come back and play for a little bit?' Which would be amazing because it's always a fun thing when shows get to bring people back. It takes a lot of us getting together and talking about what we've seen and what we need. It feels like there's nothing missing on our team. We've got such a great group. Our core group that everyone's known and loved for so many years cover all of our bases, so anything on top of it is like a bonus. This might be a good opportunity to bring in a fun guest star for a while and maybe shake it up a little bit."

The finale of Criminal Minds aired on May 6.

Watch the preview:

Tags: Criminal Minds CBS television