# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published May 22, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-criminal-minds-season*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

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. **Season 2**
   The 2006 season delivering standout episodes and deepening character backstories while cementing the show's reputation for chilling unsubs.
3. **Season 3**
   The 2007 season introducing fan-favorite David Rossi (Joe Mantegna) and tackling some of the series' most disturbing criminal cases.
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. **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. **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. **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. **Season 14**
   The penultimate 2018 season featuring a tight 15-episode order and bringing back fan-favorite character Emily Prentiss as unit chief.
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.

Tags: usa, tv shows, classics