Evolution’ Plans to Address Josh Stewart’s Exit

The big picture

• Detective William LaMontagne Jr. won't be returning for Season 2 of Criminal Minds: Evolution, and fans are wondering about his character's future.
• Showrunner Erica Messer explains that Will's absence in the new season will be addressed by saying that he is busy with work.
• Season 2 of Criminal Minds: Evolution premieres June 6 on Paramount+, continuing the BAU's search for the mysterious Gold Star.

In season 2 of Criminal Minds: Evolution, the BAU will face their greatest threat yet when they unravel the mystery of the Gold Star. But that will happen without Det. William LaMontagne Jr., Com Josh Stewart, announced that he would not be returning for the second season of the revival of the long-running series. Details about the departure have not yet been released, but an interview with TV Line, Criminal Minds: Evolution showrunner Erica Messer revealed the character's future. He talked about trying to have Will be a part of the second season, but things didn't work out. “We tried to make it work this year and it didn't. We love Will, JJ loves Will … and that's always part of his world and his character,” Messer said.

Will is an integral part of the cast and the character is connected to the BAU in more ways than one. Messer talked about how they planned to approach the characters' departure from work and family life. He revealed that the events of the second season would take place in six weeks, and explaining the character's absence during that period was easy. The show addresses Will's absence in Season 2 Episode 1 when his wife, JJ, says he's busy with work. Messer confirmed that this would be the case throughout the season, saying, “Yeah, again, it hasn't been that long, and this season is like six weeks of history. It's just a blip in everybody's life.”

Josh Stewart's 'Criminal Minds' day is over

Stewart joined the series in Season 2 and played the character during the series' first run on CBS. Her character saw tremendous career and personal growth when she started a family with BAU's JJ. Stewart reprized his role in Season 1 of the reboot as the BAU hunted down their biggest fish, Elias Voit. The character had a cancer scare, but upon further medical investigation, it was revealed to be thyroid.

While answering a fan's question on social media, Stewart revealed that he would not be returning for Season 2, saying, “No, unfortunately, my days of playing Will LaMontagne Jr. are over. You guys been the best”. He did not reveal why he had decided to leave the show. Stewart has recently been seen on the Apple TV+ series manhunt.

Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 premieres June 6 with two episodes on Paramount+ and one new episode every week. Catch up with Paramount+.

WATCH PARAMOUNT+