Is Hotch on the Verge of Returning to ‘Criminal Minds’ in Season 13?

It looks as though Criminal Minds fans might get their wish after all.

There have already been a number of casting shake-ups for the long-running CBS crime series this year, and many are now speculating that one more could be on the way before Season 13 debuts this fall.

Now that writer Virgil Williams has left the show, could Thomas Gibson‘s Hotch make a return?

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If you recall, there was a major controversy surrounding Criminal Minds ahead of Season 12. As filming began, there was reportedly an altercation on set between Williams and star Thomas Gibson, resulting in Gibson’s firing.

Ever since Gibson’s departure, fans have taken to social media to let CBS know they missed the actor’s presence on the show. The hashtag #NoHotchNoWatch became popular amongst fans of the series, and they hoped their pleas for Hotch’s return would be heard by CBS.

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Virgil Williams has now left Criminal Minds after signing a new deal with Universal Television. This means that the person who Gibson had issues with on set is now gone, potentially creating a return for Hotch.

Many details about Gibson’s altercation with Williams weren’t exactly publicized, so there is likely more to the situation than meets the eye. If Gibson had issues with multiple writers but just happened to fire back at Williams, then the show probably wouldn’t want him back. However, it is was a minor altercation that got blown up by the news, it could spell good news for Criminal Minds fans.

Season 13 of Criminal Minds is set to premiere on September 27 at 10pm on CBS.