Shemar Moore as Derek Morgan. Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS ©2015 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Bad news, baby girls (and boys), the lovely and talented Shemar Moore is leaving CBS‘ Criminal Minds TV series. Executive Producer Erica Messer has released a letter, honoring the beloved actor, who has played SSA Derek Morgan for 11 seasons.
Embedded in the letter is a video of Criminal Minds stars stars Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, A. J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Kirsten Vangsness sharing their thoughts on working with Moore and his departure. Watch it, below.
Here is the CBS introduction, followed by Messer’s letter:
Posted on Mar 23, 2016 10:05pm
After 11 seasons as SSA Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds, Shemar Moore is retiring his bullet-proof vest. Following the episode “A Beautiful Disaster” on Wednesday, fans discovered that Derek Morgan, who survived a harrowing kidnapping, is leaving the BAU to focus on life with his family.
As Shemar starts a new journey, Executive Producer Erica Messer shared a touching message from the Criminal Minds team:
All of us at Criminal Minds are sad to say “see you later” to Agent Derek Morgan. Even sadder that our friend Shemar Moore isn’t on set anymore. It was definitely a surprise that he wanted “To leap,” as Shemar said, “to try new things.” For those reasons, we have nothing but love and respect for him and his choice. But it doesn’t mean we can’t also be really, really sad.
It was important that we honor a character who has grown with us for over a decade, which is why we wrote the 3-episode arc for Morgan. Those final episodes were directed by fellow actors with the last one co-written by his “baby girl,” Kirsten Vangsness. Thomas Gibson got things started with an amazing journey in “Derek,” followed by our milestone 250th episode directed by Joe Mantegna. Matthew Gray Gubler helmed “A Beautiful Disaster,” helping Shemar and Morgan walk out with a proud, determined stride. One that we’ve been honored to have on our team for eleven years.
As you’ve seen since the beginning, the BAU doesn’t just survive change, they thrive in it. After they stop to mourn the loss of what was, they adapt. This is what makes our heroes relatable—they have to shift and settle in to what becomes their new normal, just like the rest of us when we’re faced with unexpected changes. And sometimes good things happen, too. Old friends come back to “work the case.” Next week, you’ll see Paget Brewster reprise her role as Agent Emily Prentiss helping kick off the last four episodes of the season.
The end of this year will remind you why the BAU is the best of the best at catching the worst of the worst. We’ll introduce you to new foes like ones played by Devon Gumersall and Frances Fisher. And we’ll bring back one from your nightmares—Mr. Scratch. The surprising finale will leave you knowing our fight for good has only just begun.
On behalf of the cast and crew, thank you for cheering us on every week. We’re so privileged to entertain you through stories about these elite heroes. The BAU knows the bad guys outnumber the good so when one of them leaves, they have no choice but to keep going. Even though they’re finishing the season an agent down, they’ll keep up the fight because the BAU wouldn’t have it any other way.
Meanwhile, what will the cast and crew miss most about the man behind Derek Morgan? Criminal Minds stars Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, A. J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Kirsten Vangsness share their emotional goodbyes. Watch:
What do you think? Are you a fan of the Criminal Minds TV show? Will you still watch a 12th season, even without Shemar Moore? Tell us!
Yes…I will watch…but sadly. He has warmed my heart since his Young & the Restless days…and now I may become enamored with another of his character portrayals. Not only is he good at his craft, his kindness as a human being is ever apparent. Wishing him the best!!!
One thing that I cannot understand is why is that the AJ character has two kids and she still works there. It made no sense for them to give as a reason for Shemar’s character to leave because of his newborn baby. They could have come up with something better. Hell Hodge (character) has a son as well. It could have been written better!!
Agent Aaron Hotchner AKA Hotch (not Hodge) has devoted his life to the BAU yes he has a son Jack but he is where he wants to be. He wants to make a difference AJ Cook is the actress the character is JJ (Jenifer Jeraeu) yes she has 2 children. JJ also is where she wants to be. She wants to make the world a better place for her children. Derek Morgan wanted to leave. He nearly lost his wife, his child, and his own life all in a very short span. A few months. He wants to devote himself… Read more »
I will have to think about watching it without Shemar Moore. I am so sad that he is leaving and was hoping that it was not true. It will not be the same without him.
I was saddened, but not surprised, by Shemar’s decision. It was a very well written script, with an ending that made absolute sense. Shemar, as a viewer (and fan) , I thank you for the years of great , believable , acting and wonderful (albeit sometimes fearful) stories. I am sure we’ll see you again…but, get some rest, darn it..you must be worn out!!!
Oh nooo… Best of luck Mr. Moore, look after that mom. I have nail patella. X0
I am so sad & absolutely heartbroken Shemar is leaving Criminal Minds. The news was so shocking!! His reasons are certainly understandable though. Wish him the best. Criminal Minds is my favorite show so I’ll still watch it. But Shemar has been there from the beginning and I just can’t imagine the show without him. The whole cast is wonderful but I just loved Shemar. Hope he will come back sometime or at least make some guest appearances.
No
I was totally shocked last night. But understandable after so many years, he would want to try different things. I’m just happy that they wrote the ending like they did, and he did not die. I couldn’t have taken that.
I look forward to many more episodes of this fine show, and its cast.
I started to watched the show about 2 months ago because someone sent me a clip of Garcia and Morgan. the very 1st clip of him calling her bay girl. and I felt in love with them. you can see there was a spark there and then I explore more of Garcia and Derek calling each other all kinds of pet names. and looking at all the past seasons, I watched the show because of the chemistry between all of them as a group. but mostly for Garcia and Morgan, they kept each other in check. i understand an actor… Read more »
It’s a great team but without Derek, it’s just not the same, probably won’t watch it…
Sorry, don’t think I will watch any more. Same with NCIS. No Tony plus that horrid blonde they seem to be keeping will keep me from watching that longtime
favorite. CBS is really going down the tubes. Thank God for cable channels and
Netflix
Hope they Bring back Paget permanently.
no I won’t watch it. I would miss him to much.
Me and my wife have enjoyed this series for a better part of adult life it has been our date night for 11 yrs and Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) has always been a enjoyable actor and relatable definitely should have let him go.
I wish he’d stay on the show too, Randall. I can see why 11 years would be enough for any actor, though.
I am sad to see Shemar Moore’s departure, hoping it will be only temporary, he will be missed. I understand that actors want to find other niches that may be more lucrative for them, but I also know Criminal Minds is good at bringing past actors back, as in Paget Brewster back several times along with AJ Cooke.
You’re right, Jennifer, they are good about brining back past actors. I hope he’ll guest star from time to time. I’m sure they’d love to have him.