The cameras have started to roll for "Criminal Minds" season 12. Adam Rodriguez, who will be the new series regular in the upcoming season, also started his first day on the job.
To commemorate the beginning of his stint in "Criminal Minds" season 12, he gave a shoutout to fans via Twitter as he prepares to shoot his very first scene for the series.
In the clip, he said that his character's name is Luke Alvez, a member of the Fugitive Task Force agent who will be the latest member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit or BAU.
"We're all big fans of Adam's and are excited to welcome him back to the CBS family," CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller said in a statement picked up by TV Line.
Showrunner Erica Messer added, "We have exciting storylines planned for his character and the entire BAU team as we head into our 12th season."
His arrival happens on the heels of the resignation of Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore), who will no longer be in "Criminal Minds" season 12 following the exit of Moore.
Speaking of the actor, Moore showed up at the first day of the "Criminal Minds" season 12 filming with gifts for the cast and crew of the show he had been in for more than a decade. Although it hasn't been a while since Moore's exit was announced, there are already reports that he will reprise his beloved role in "Criminal Minds" in the future. However, for now, it will be Alvez who will be filling the void left by Derek in "Criminal Minds" season 12. The character will be introduced in the premiere. Apart from Rodriguez, other cast members namely Aisha Tyler (who plays Dr. Lewis) and Kirsten Vangsness (who plays Penelope) shared photos from the first day of the "Criminal Minds" season 12 production.
"Criminal Minds" season 12 premieres Sunday, Sept. 18 on CBS.
