According to a recent post by Vine Report, "Criminal Minds" season 11 is indeed moving forward even without the inclusion of season 10 addition Jennifer Love Hewitt. According to the report, Hewitt has left the series due to pregnancy, the same reason that actress AJ Cook is also taking temporary leave from season 11.
A report from Crossmap does indicate that Cook may only be gone for the first few episodes but may return in the latter half of the season. In reflection of Cook's inevitable return and Hewitt's departure, series producer Erica Messer explained the differences in their situations which boiled down to their due date and commitments.
"Jennifer wanted to be able to give this second baby everything she gave her first, and that's taking time off to be a full-time mom," explained Messer. "Because she's due in July, when we would start shooting season 11, timing-wise there was no way for her to do both, to be able to give that baby everything she wanted to give that baby and still be on our show."
The departure of both cast members also had fans speculating if the spin-off series, "Beyond Borders," would be cancelled before it even airs. The series was meant to star Anna Gunn and would focus on FBI agents assisting American citizens in other countries.
A pilot for the spin-off aired last April 8 but since then, Gunn was taken out of the project by CBS executives despite the large role she played in the pilot. In her place will be Gary Sinise who portrays the character Jack Garrett.
It appears that the future of the spin-off is looking good despite the change in lead and according to Vine Report, a few new characters will be added in order to make up for Gunn's departure with Sinise in the lead.
"Criminal Minds" season 11 will hit production this July and is expected to premiere this October.
