What is the best Criminal Minds season?

Criminal Minds ran for 15 seasons plus a revival, following the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit as they hunted serial killers across America. Which season was the most compelling chapter of the series?

1. 1
   Season 1

   The 2005 debut season establishing the BAU team's dynamic and groundbreaking criminal profiling format that made the show a cultural phenomenon.
2. 2
   Season 2

   The 2006 season delivering standout episodes and deepening character backstories while cementing the show's reputation for chilling unsubs.
3. 3
   Season 3

   The 2007 season introducing fan-favorite David Rossi (Joe Mantegna) and tackling some of the series' most disturbing criminal cases.
4. 4
   Season 5

   The acclaimed 2009 season centered on the terrifying Reaper storyline, consistently ranked by fans as one of the series' all-time best.
5. 5
   Season 6

   The 2010 season navigating cast changes with the departure of Prentiss and the arrival of Ashley Seaver, featuring the shocking 'Lauren' episode.
6. 6
   Season 8

   The 2012 season introducing Erin Strauss storylines and the chilling serial killer duo that kept audiences on the edge of their seats.
7. 7
   Season 12

   The 2016 season following Derek Morgan's exit and the arrival of new agent Luke Alvez, with Dr. Reid imprisoned on drug charges in Mexico.
8. 8
   Season 14

   The penultimate 2018 season featuring a tight 15-episode order and bringing back fan-favorite character Emily Prentiss as unit chief.
9. 9
   Evolution

   The 2022 revival on Paramount+ reuniting the BAU team to track a network serial killer spawned by pandemic isolation, reimagined for a streaming era.