Criminal Minds (2005)

Kernel Score: 90% · 4,014 ratings

Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery

First aired: 2005-09-22

Seasons: 19 · 354 episodes

Is Criminal Minds worth watching?

Worth watching. An FBI team profiles violent criminals each week. It's dark, well paced and built on strong team chemistry, though the formula repeats over a very long run.

Watch it if you

  • like case-of-the-week crime dramas
  • enjoy psychological profiling stories
  • want a long show with a close team

Skip it if you

  • dislike violence aimed at victims
  • want serialised, evolving plots

Best for: Long binge, dark mood

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Criminal Minds

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

An elite team of FBI profilers analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. The Behavioral Analysis Unit's most experienced agent is David Rossi, a founding member of the BAU who returns to help the team solve new cases.

Criminal Minds parents' guide: ages 14+

Parents need to know that this TV-MA crime drama follows FBI profilers hunting serial killers, with dark and disturbing depictions of violent crimes.

  • Violence & scariness: Intense — The series focuses on the country's most twisted criminal minds and serial killers, with frequent disturbing and graphic depictions of violent crimes and victims.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: Some — Some crimes involve sexual elements, though depictions are limited relative to the violence.
  • Language: Moderate — The TV-MA rating indicates strong language is present.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-MA rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Shows like Criminal Minds

If you liked Criminal Minds, these are the shows we'd watch next.

  • MINDHUNTER (2017) — 88%: Serious, slow look at how profiling began
  • Prodigal Son (2019) — 90%: Twisted killers and the brilliant mind who studies them
  • Luther (2010) — 88%: Intense detective drama with a haunted lead
  • True Detective (2014) — 93%: Heavy, atmospheric hunt for a killer
  • Dexter (2006) — 89%: Serial killers from the other side of the story
  • Millennium (1996) — 86%: Moody FBI-style profiler series about the darkest crimes

Cast

  • Joe Mantegna as David Rossi
  • Paget Brewster as Emily Prentiss
  • Adam Rodriguez as Luke Alvez
  • Kirsten Vangsness as Penelope Garcia
  • A. J. Cook as Jennifer Jareau
  • Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis
  • Zach Gilford as Elias Voit
  • Ryan-James Hatanaka as Tyler Green

Criminal Minds FAQ

Is Criminal Minds worth watching?

Worth watching. An FBI team profiles violent criminals each week. It's dark, well paced and built on strong team chemistry, though the formula repeats over a very long run.

Where can I watch Criminal Minds?

In the US you can stream Criminal Minds on Prime Video, Hulu, Paramount+, Philo and YouTube TV, watch it free with ads on Paramount+ and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.

Is Criminal Minds OK for kids?

Criminal Minds is rated TV-MA. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that this TV-MA crime drama follows FBI profilers hunting serial killers, with dark and disturbing depictions of violent crimes.

What shows are like Criminal Minds?

If you liked Criminal Minds, try MINDHUNTER, Prodigal Son, Luther and True Detective.