With Jennifer Love Hewitt out of "Criminal Minds" and A.J. Cook to be absent during the initial episodes of season 11, the police procedural drama needs major bulking up. Paget Brewster would have fit in nicely in the series but her busy schedule got in the way.
"I was hoping to jump in and do a couple [of Criminal Minds episodes], because my friend AJ Cook, who plays JJ, is [finishing maternity leave], but it didn't work out, time-wise," the actress said during the Televisions Critics Association summer press tour.
This is because she is part of a new Fox comedy series titled "Grandfathered," which is debuting on Sept. 25. Brewster will play Jimmy Martino's (Josh Stamos) baby momma Sara, making her a grandmother.
The actress shared that Cook called her for "Criminal Minds" season 11 but she wasn't sure, with "Grandfathered" in the pipeline.
"Too bad because I love those guys. I love the writers, I'm still friends with everyone there. But it just didn't work out, which was a shame. I really wanted to do it!" she said.
She also compared "Criminal Minds," which she said needs "a very specific kind of acting," with comedy, which, on the contrary, she said is "scarier because you want to land the humor and honor what the writers did — there's a different pressure."
With Brewster out, "Criminal Minds" season 11 still has assets such as "Archer" star and "The Talk" co-host Aisha Tyler, who shared a photo of her and other cast members on set via Twitter. Tyler will play the role of forensic psychologist Dr. Tara Lewis.
Hotch will be impressed by Lewis' skills and he will make her a direct replacement to Hewitt's Kate Callahan. The new recurring character is described to "stare down and interview" monsters, which is what became her specialty, thanks to her line of work.
"Criminal Minds" season 11 starts Sept. 29.
