Recent buzz about Emily Prentiss coming back for season 11 of Criminal Minds was finally addressed by Paget Brewster, the actress who portrayed Prentiss on the show.

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At the recently held Television Critics Association press tour, Brewster suggested that it seemed unlikely that she would be able to make that much-awaited return on Criminal Minds, due to scheduling conflicts. TVLine reported from the event and revealed Brewster's eagerness to come on board the CBS procedural, but regretfully not being able to find the time.

Brewster is starring in a new Fox comedy Grandfathered and that might not allow her to make the time for guesting on Criminal Minds. The actress had infact hoped to take over for A.J. Cook's, who plays J.J., absence in the first few episodes on account of her pregnancy, but didn't seem as conducive anymore. "I was hoping to jump in and do a couple [of Criminal Minds episodes], because my friend A.J. Cook, who plays JJ, is [finishing maternity leave]," Brewster said. "But it didn't work out, time-wise."

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The actress plays John Stamos' baby momma in Grandfathered. Brewster also spoke about how Cook had called her about stepping in while she was away:

"A.J. called me and I said, 'I think so, if we aren't doing Grandfathered' - at the time, I didn't know if we were picked up [by Fox] - and it just didn't work out, which was too bad because I love those guys. I love the writers, I'm still friends with everyone there.... But it just didn't work out, which was a shame. I really wanted to do it!"

In May, during an AMA Reddit interaction with fans, Joe Mantegna, who plays David Rossi in Criminal Minds strongly hinted at Brewster's return in season 11.

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

The finale of Criminal Minds aired on May 6.

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Tags: Criminal Minds CBS television