Criminal Minds renewed

CBS has renewed the drama for a ninth season. It was a just a matter of time, since just last week, showrunner Erica Messer signed a new two-year deal with ABC Studios, which produces the series.

Despite its age, Criminal Minds remains a strong performer for CBS. It is the No. 1 show on Wednesdays. Because of the actor negotiations, Criminal Minds was one of the few shows that didn’t earn an early renewal this spring by CBS.

Though there were rumors that certain female cast members may not be returning, negotiations apparently went well. Stars Thomas Gibson, Joe Mantegna, Shemar Moore, Kirsten Vangsness and A.J. Cook have signed new two-year deals to continue with the series, which paved the wave for a renewal.. Matthew Gray Gubler and Jeanne Tripplehorn are still under contract.