A.J. Cook Out Of CRIMINAL MINDS

A.J. Cook’s time on the popular CBS crime drama CRIMINAL MINDS has come to an end after the show’s producers decided not to pick up her contract according to Michael Ausiello. The show’s sixth season begins this fall and Cook will not be returning.

In not picking up her contract option for the sixth season, producers of the show have essentially fired Cook. The network explained that Cook’s contract was not picked up due to financial reasons.

Cook had been on Criminal Minds since the first episode in 2005, joining the cast after the pilot. Fellow female cast member Paget Brewster, who joined in season 2, has been offered an altered contract that would see her remain as a main character but she would have a reduced number of episodes.

Deadline.com just provided an update to the story which states that the changes in cast were not a financial decision, but a creative one. It seems that CBS is trying the “refresh” Criminal Minds and will do so by bringing some new blood in the form of a new female cast member who will fill Cook’s void.

It will be interesting to find out what the fans’ reaction to this change will be. So what do you say? Are you sad to see A.J. Cook leave? Are you looking forward to a new female character being added to the team? Any suggestions as to whom should play her? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Author: Sandrine Sahakians | June 15, 2010 | 472 Comments

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Lampsimp

I think it’s criminal to take A J out of the series no pun intended, she is a real asset a beautiful girl, she will be sorely missed by millions, and if she has to go i don’t think she should or could be replaced, i truly hope they bring her back if not i will stop watching for sure, and the same goes if Pagett goes too they are a family i love them all, and they go so well with each other, bring AJ back i know im not alone here!
Day1Fan

The JJ character had the necessary softness to offset the callous nature of the series – and AJ was that softness personified, so I really doubt that she could be replaced. CM is now unbalanced and I am unsure it will be that watchable without the calm relief of JJ.
majicdanser

I understand that Criminal Minds needs to grow and evolve. Every great tv magnus reaches a point where it has to transcend itself in order to grow up. You’ve cut Reid’s hair to make him look older and wiser as opposed to his Gideon’s-boy-wonder years. Elle was replaced by Emily, which was a good move (Sin to Win in Vegas, baby . Rossi plays a good foil for Hotch’s hero, although Gideon was their genuine fatherly figure that infused empathy into the BAU’s approach to getting ahead of the unsub, which is the persepctive twist that we, the audience, loves.

And we will folow you, dear producers and writers, until you begin to take our beloved – and loved – characters and screw haphardly and predictably with the place of those that have brought the BAU to an outstanding crew of people that mindthink in a fantastic, exciting way.

Some of us are going to continue to watch Criminal Minds, but if this character switch doesn’t work and you are unwilling to look the truth in the eye and bring JJ back, we may lose faith in YOU as the creators of the BAU team. We know it is your creative hubris that is chasing ratings or other such shallow measurements of good television by losing JJ. You must recognize that we mourned the loss of JJ on this show, and after having lost Gideon and Elle, you’re going to lose our faith in you as storytellers at some point.

Thus, you haven’t driven your cattle over the cliff yet. But Criminal Minds needs to evolve and transcend by learning how to take the BAU to the next level of crime solving. THAT is where the renewal is at, not by changing out beloved characters and trying to increase ratings by using the same ol’, same ol’ methods.

I hope the executive team gets their act together in a real way. I’d love to love Criminal Minds for a long time to come. It’s my favorite show on tv, and a real part of my relaxing, “me” time in my busy day. Find the renewal, guys and gals. But find it using the team’s foundation of communication and trust. And watch what the public thinks about JJ’s departure. It’s not to late to bring her back in and let us love her some more
Daniels_217

A.J Cook (JJ) i believe should have stayed, So should Paget Brewster (Prentiss) as they are my favourite characters and Reid but he is staying anyway. with the original characters, thats what made the show a success, if you replace them both it will be fall and will end up being axed and i don’t think the viewers would want that. the producers have already ruined the show by firing A.J Cook(JJ) , don’t make it any worse by reducing Prentiss’ appearance. JJ should come back be transfered back to Virginia end of. you have ruined the show , its still good, but the viewers won’t like it as much now. NOT GOOD< DEFINITELY NOT GOOD
Boulind

Crazy decision, I don’t understand why these people don’t realize that they have something amazing and just leave I alone. A.j. And Paget are irreplaceable!
Jls17330

I’m sorry she is leaving cause I like her just like I like the show, but I guess like CSI lost Gil I quit watching the show, but hey what is one viewer when it comes to money and ratings. Good Luck Criminal Minds I will miss you guys.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1849473537 Ibyang Tupas

jj has been on CM since season 1, and honestly speaking im in love in her character and you just cant look forward into that “someone” who’ll replace her. i was able to accept PAGET when ELLE left since ELLE really didn’t stay that long… but JJ? com’on!
Brenda

Why is getting rid of AJ and limiting Paget role called *refreshing*? (notice it is reducing the women only that is required for refreshing this show).

I am very disappointed in this decision and can only show my dissatification by no longer being a viewer as to what was one of my favourite shows. Best luck to AJ (your adorable) and Paget (a wonderful addition).

From an ex viewer.

Brenda
anon

We in Ireland are only finding out now that JJ has left. We think this is the worst mistake ever, she was a very special character in the show and it just is not the same without her. She is one of the actors which makes this show so popular. I think the producers have rung the death knell for the show!!
Kwakw05

can’t believe they let jj go,people watch programmes because they like the cast,changing it is taking a risk that it will put people off if they don’t like the replacement,good luck to jj and good luck to the replacement,
yoj

criminal minds wont be the same without JJ
Cej327

I loved her man, she was hot lol
PrestoChango

to be honest, you aren’t a real fan of Criminal Minds if you are going to stop waching because she is leaving. How can you claim to “love” a show but will stop watching because she leaves? What great “fans” you are lol
Marjie

I think it was a big mistake to let AJ Cook go and to reduce Paget Brewster’s role in Criminal Minds. I don’t understand the reasoning behind this. I think all the characters in the show make it the great show that it is. Each one serves to enhance it and I will miss AJ. It’s like losing a family member. This will definitely reduce the appeal of the show for many!
Megan S Cole

i would like to see A.J Cook back on the show, and keep Pagets role the same. No one wants “new blood” it was perfect the way it was. Hotch should stick to his word in the show, and get J.J back.
THANKS.
CCAR

BS!!!!
Garthandmary

More idiots who donot underatand ” IF IT AIN’T BROKE ,DON’T FIX IT.!!!”
Are there new writers or Producers? The new season has seemed to focus more on “guts and gore” than on the very good team. Was one of the best crime dramas on T.V. but suspect it will soon go the wayof the dodo bird. Your remarks would indicate the producers may be a bit sexist, also
Garth
RoseA

that sucks. i personally love her and her acting. she’s a natural. the producers or whoever are picking up contracts are making a HUGE mistake. i may not even like the show anymore…my friends love her to death too…i can foresee many people not watching the show anymore…=( too bad.
destinie

i am soo mad it almost makes me not wanna watch it she is soo pretty and to me nobody will ever fill her shoes sorry to say the only thing keeping me from watching isthe rest of the teami can not let them down all i no is alot of fans are going to be verry upset all i gotta say is they better solve the problem put A.J Cook back in the showww now!!!!!!!!!
destinie

“NEW BLOOD”?? Are you guys familiar with the term “BS”? It’s the same thing, different language.
DixieFla

I think CBS made a tremendous mistake. She has much more charisma. I don’t care for the new role. A.J. wins hands down. I don’t think the show has to have new blood. Everyone in it is great. However, I do not like the new “Criminal Minds” Behavioral…..
lisa

Criminal minds (the original show) is my favorite show, there is no need to make a spin-off and certainly no need to change the cast of the original show. The show was perfect the way it was. The original cast is what made the show what it was. Unfortunately, now it’s going to lose alot of viewers. If anything, gideon (mandy patinkin) and elle should be brought back and added to the cast. These actors are irreplaceable and there should never be a thought of replacing them or getting rid of any of them. Lets hope that CBS gets smart and stays with what was working.
Almir Borges

Who else will keep watching this mutilated show? Nothing was wrong on the show. All characters were popular. And we all love A. J. Cook and Paget Brewster. Once a upon a time was a good show that suddenly sunk. Only God knows why! (English is not my mother language. Forgive me if I wrote anything wrong).
Almir Borges

Who else will keep watching this mutilated show? Nothing was wrong on the show. All characters were popular. And we all love A. J. Cook and Paget Brewster. Once a upon a time was a good show that suddenly sunk. Only God knows why! (English is not my mother language. Forgive me if I wrote anything wrong).
Almir Borges

Who else will keep watching this mutilated show? Nothing was wrong on the show. All characters were popular. And we all love A. J. Cook and Paget Brewster. Once a upon a time was a good show that suddenly sunk. Only God knows why! (English is not my mother language. Forgive me if I wrote anything wrong).
Robchumney

I HONESTLY THINK EVERYONE SHOULD SEND A LETTER IN STATING OUR CONCERNS BECAUSE THIS IS JUST A BUNCH OF CRAP THEY ARE DESTROYING A PERFECT CAST AND SHOW THE NEW CHICK SUCKS BAD SHE DOESN’T FIT AND NOW YOUR KILLING OFF EMILY WHATS GOING THRU YOUR HEADS OVER THERE? EVERYONE CAN SEE IT A MILE AWAY THAT YOUR KILLING HER NEXT WEEK IF NOT THEN SOON HOW ABOUT YOU JUST CANCEL THE SHOW SINCE THATS WHERE ITS HEADED
Robchumney

I HONESTLY THINK EVERYONE SHOULD SEND A LETTER IN STATING OUR CONCERNS BECAUSE THIS IS JUST A BUNCH OF CRAP THEY ARE DESTROYING A PERFECT CAST AND SHOW THE NEW CHICK SUCKS BAD SHE DOESN’T FIT AND NOW YOUR KILLING OFF EMILY WHATS GOING THRU YOUR HEADS OVER THERE? EVERYONE CAN SEE IT A MILE AWAY THAT YOUR KILLING HER NEXT WEEK IF NOT THEN SOON HOW ABOUT YOU JUST CANCEL THE SHOW SINCE THATS WHERE ITS HEADED
cm

i hate the new blond in the cast. she can’t act. no expression at all – wooden. she looks lost, out of place, and doesn’t look like she’s integrated with the cast. i stopped watching after jj was booted out.
Jenspen

It was better with JJin the show,and now it looks like they are trying to take Prentiss out too. Rachel seems to be too green to be in the BAU.Whatever they do,don’t get rid of Penelope,or any of the others. CBS does not seem to learn that when they have a good thing,leave it alone. Look at the cancellation of Without a Trace.
PK

Yeah, trash a perfectly great show…way to go CBS. Well, might consider Joan Rivers to take JJ’s place….at least she’d be a heck of alot more animated and entertaining than the bump on a log I saw on the show this week. She’s got to go! Don’t know who she is or where she came from but whew…can’t take much of her at all!
Emcast96

First Elle, then Guideon, JJ, and now Prentiss! The shows original cast is what made Criminal Minds such a fantastic show to watch! To me the “main” cast will always be Hotchner, Morgan, Reid, Prentiss, Guideon and JJ. This was a awfull move. I do not see how changing up the girls is gonna change the show, if anything it will make it horrible..
Ozix

Weird move. It doesn’t make sense in the plot, either…The government FORCES her to change positions? What? They can’t do that…If she doesn’t want to go, they can’t make her. That’s my biggest peeve with this – plot-wise.
Rushrb

CBS SUCKS!!!! With all the $$ (money) they were paying “Numb Nuts” Charlie Sheen they could have kept AJ Cook/JJ. Isn’t that what they stated at some point?? Some BS about salary…? I sincerely DISLIKE CBS more and more everyday..
anonymous

Criminal Minds has lost another viewer. I really dislike it when they mess with a winner – I personally didn’t think that the show was getting stale, what with the advent of Joe Mantegna stepping into the enormous shoes of Mandy. Bye Bye Criminal Minds!
Webmaster

I hated nearly all TV channels becouse they are always canncelling all my favorite shows. Now I hate All of them. I don’t understand this new blood shit, there were shows which cast never changed and they were poppular. It’s like we changed Simon Baker to someone else in The Mentalist becouse the show needs fresh blood. I hope the channel is going down the drain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amylia

You can’t replace JJ and Prentiss – they were the best characters on the show! Personally, I like the whole caste, but JJ and Prentiss were two of my favourites, followed by Reid and Hotch.

Please bring back JJ and Prentiss
Acs51988

I am very sad to see her go. I think they could have hired someone with a little personality at least! I really don’t like the new girl and I hope she will not be on that much longer.
ej

I will no longer be watching Criminal Minds now, along with CSI and Ghost Whisper. As much money as these shows make, the ones that are really good, they should be left alone and pay the actors what they want. TV is getting really awful. All this reality stuff is a bit much. I guess it is all about saving money.

Thanks
ej

I will no longer be watching Criminal Minds now, along with CSI and Ghost Whisper. As much money as these shows make, the ones that are really good, they should be left alone and pay the actors what they want. TV is getting really awful. All this reality stuff is a bit much. I guess it is all about saving money.

Thanks
Bouto

Not an essential character, honestly i will not missed her.
Pupperdoodles

What a mistake. I am a female viewer and am now ho hum about the show now that they dumped AJ Cook and Paget Brewster. The “replacement blond” is just not that interesting
iwantJJback

i want JJ back!