The network orders the 12th season after it was able to work out a reduced license fee for the veteran procedural drama.
- May 7, 2016
AceShowbiz -
More cases are waiting to be solved on "Criminal Minds". Two weeks before CBS is set to announce its fall schedule, the network has renewed the veteran drama series for a 12th season. The police procedural was suspiciously missing from the network's renewal list announced back in March.
It was not because of the ratings, though. In its 11th season which just wrapped last Wednesday, May 4, the series ranked as CBS' second highest-rated drama in adults 18-49 (2.8/9) and adults 25-54 (3.8/10). It also remained a top 10 drama in total viewers (12 million).
What became a problem was financial issue. "Criminal Minds" is expensive, with the network covering the costs full freight. Meanwhile, ABC Studios reaping most of the benefits, including from international sales and streaming platforms. Thus, CBS gives the renewal after ABC Studios has agreed to reduce the license fee.
"Criminal Minds" now joins other dramas which have been renewed by CBS, namely "Blue Bloods", "Elementary", "Hawaii Five-0", "Madam Secretary", "NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service", "NCIS: Los Angeles", "NCIS: New Orleans" and "Scorpion". Meanwhile, "Criminal Minds" spin-off "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders", "Supergirl", "CSI: Cyber", "Code Black", "Limitless" and "Rush Hour" are still on the bubble.
