Matthew Gray Gubler Is Returning To CBS, But I’m A Little Sad It’s Not For Criminal Minds

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As a long-time fan and admirer of Matthew Gray Gubler‘s exceptional acting skills, it’s always a delight to follow his career progression. While I was initially a bit disappointed not to see him reprising his iconic role as Spencer Reid in the latest Criminal Minds spinoff, I must admit that my excitement quickly turned into anticipation when I heard about his upcoming role in CBS’ Einstein.

As a dedicated fan, it’s been fifteen seasons of watching Matthew Gray Gubler as Spencer Reid on CBS’s Criminal Minds. But when the cast reunited for Criminal Minds: Evolution, available on Paramount+, Reid was noticeably absent. Now, I’m excited to learn that Gubler is returning to his old network, but not as Reid this time. He’ll star in a new project called Einstein, and while my heart leaps with anticipation, I can’t help but miss any hints about a potential return of Criminal Minds in the 2024 TV schedule or beyond.

It’s been announced that the actor will portray the main character in CBS’ upcoming pilot “Einstein,” as reported by Variety. However, the series hasn’t been commissioned yet. This version of Einstein isn’t a historical period drama featuring Matthew Gray Gubler playing Albert Einstein; instead, it features Lew, the famous physicist’s grandson. At Princeton University, Lew is a well-known professor, though he’s notorious for skipping his own lectures. With his genius, renowned name, and unconventional behavior, Lew faces unique challenges but intends to leverage these talents to solve murders.

One characteristic that Matthew Gray Gubler has often showcased on television is an unusual yet brilliant flair, and this trait could be a valuable addition to the Einstein adaptation on CBS, which may further bolster their impressive collection of crime dramas. Notably, the strength of this lineup can already be attributed to the FBI and NCIS franchises, both of which have contributed significantly. The project was ordered for pilot production by CBS in August.

For enthusiasts of Matthew Gray Gubler’s work from the original series of Criminal Minds, it might feel a mix of joy and sadness to see him back on TV for the first time since Dollface (previously available through a Hulu subscription), yet not reprising his role in the Evolution spinoff. Throughout the years, Gubler’s character, Spencer Reid, has been mentioned, with Season 2 of Evolution (or Season 17 of Criminal Minds as a whole) suggesting that Reid is on sabbatical, hinted at by an subtle Easter egg earlier in the season.

In a conversation with TopMob, Showrunner Erica Messer discussed the significance of incorporating characters such as Reid and Hotch into ‘Evolution’, even when they weren’t physically present. Previously, scheduling constraints prevented Gubler from appearing during the revival’s first season. If ‘Einstein’ secures a series order, it appears unlikely that Reid would reappear in the BAU team for the third season.

It’s worth noting that since Paramount+ and CBS are under the same Paramount umbrella, there might be an opportunity for David Gubler to appear in a cameo on Evolution. Given that he plays Einstein and Criminal Minds on these platforms, it could potentially work out if all parties agree. I’d certainly enjoy such a cameo, even if it were just a voice role!

At present, we have more queries than responses regarding whether Einstein will be commissioned for a series. If the project is currently in the audition stage, it might take some time before we hear about its future prospects, including Matthew Gray Gubler’s pilot. In the meantime, you can relive his role as Spencer Reid by streaming the first fifteen seasons of Criminal Minds on Paramount+ right now.

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2024-10-04 01:38