Work on season 11 of Criminal Minds is in full swing, and peeps and squeaks from the workshop and set of the CBS proecedural have been surfacing.

Most recently, it was revealed that the BAU will be getting a new member. Entertainment Weekly reported that Aisha Tyler will be joining the cast of Criminal Minds for season 11. Tyler will play Dr. Tara Lewis, a forensic psychologist who specializes in criminal cases.

The season's premiere date was also revealed. The BAU will be back with a whole set of new cases on Sept. 30 at 9 p.m. A few on-set stills from the show were recently posted to assure fans that filming might also begin soon.

Showrunner Dishes About Jennifer Love Hewitt's Decision To Leave    

The writing for season 11 of Criminal Minds has begin and showrunner Erica Messer and some cast members have also been talking in various interviews about what fans can expect from the next chapter.

Joe Mantegna, who plays David Rossi in the CBS procedural answered some fan queries in a AMA Reddit Q&A. The actor revealed a few exciting things about season 11. Mantegna strongly hinted at Paget Brewster's (Emily Prentiss) return.

"Well, there's been talk of - there's a chance Paget may make an appearance now and again," he said. "Eric our producer mentioned it in an interview that there's a possibility that Paget may return from time to time."

The actor also dished about his character arc going forward. Mantegna will be directing two episodes in the next chapter and will be hoping to focus on the personal stories of characters when he does.

"I think that when a show's been on so long - I'm directing 2 episodes this season, I've directed one in the last few seasons, and I purposefully try to bring in more personal stories in the scripts I direct. There's always going to be a crime - that's the name of the show, I get it - but there's going to be more character development. As to what that is, you'll have to see. I've been married 3 times, we've dealt with two of my wives so far, so there's a possibility you might find out more about wife number 3."

Jennifer Love Hewitt, who played Kate Callahan in season 10 won't be 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.

Messer also dished about the romantic future of Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) in an interview with TV Guide 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.

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Tags: Criminal Minds CBS television