Penelope and J.J. aren’t leaving Criminal Minds anytime soon. Deadline reports Kirsten Vangsness and AJ Cook have just signed a new deal for season 13 of the CBS TV show.
Earlier, we reported that the long-time cast members were locked in negotiations for the upcoming season because they were seeking salary parity with their male co-stars, Joe Mantegna and Matthew Gray Gubler. Vangsness and Cook also sought parity in 2013 after being paid less than half of what their male co-stars earned. They eventually earned a raise but did not achieve equal pay with Mantegna, Gubler, and then cast member Shemar Moore.
Now, it looks like Vangsness and Cook have finally struck a favorable deal with Criminal Minds‘ producers, ABC TV Studios and CBS TV Studios. The two will star in season 13, which is set to debut this fall.
However, while Vangsness and Cook are back, not everyone is returning to Criminal Minds. As we reported earlier, cast member Damon Gupton is leaving the show ahead of season 13.
What do you think? Do you watch Criminal Minds? Are you glad both Vangsness and Cook are back for season 13?
Glad that the team is staying together. So glad that Paget Brewster is back. Miss Thomas Gibson and Shemar Moore. However, this is the 21st Century. The ladies have a right to the same pay as the men.
Yes I am glad that both of them is staying. They should be earning the same amount of pay all the long. They make the show and if they had left, I have to say that I would stopped watching the show.
Yay. Glad the other guy is gone. He was BORING.
I think its great they finally got smart and gave them the salary they are due. I’m glad they are back. Love the show!
Glad they are coming back was confident contemplating whether or not to watch it if they did not return also I strongly believe that they should get equal paid to their male co-workers
As tied into the show as Kirsten is, CBS would have been stupid to let her go… She Writes for the show, directs episodes as well as bringing her awesome character to life on the show. Besides it’s way over due for Hollywood execs to paying the ladies in La La Land equal pay with male counterparts.
Happy they are both returning was not going to be impressed if they didn’t also I believe they should get equal pay to there male counterparts
I’m so glad they are staying and hope they are getting equal pay as the men. I have watched since the first episode and it would not be the same without them
Of course I am glad they are back. These two ladies are such an integral part of this program that it would not be the same without them. So, yep, I’m doing the ‘happy dance’.
Love criminal minds and yes, glad they will still be part of the show.
A big LOL!
(About ur dance!)
AWESOME!! I’m soooo glad! I love Penelope!!!
Elated! Both ladies are superb actors and play important roles on Criminal Minds!
So glad they both are returning to the show. It would definitely not be the same without them. I don’t understand why the executives think a female doesn’t deserve as much as their male counterparts. Explain that to me please…if you can….
Great that these two ladies were resigned. They add so much to the show.
Yeah! So glad they are being respected as actors. They are both an integral part of the cast. Smart move to keep them both.
Absolutely. While no one is irreplaceable, it’s a better show with them remaining on board. Also hope Thomas Gibson rejoins cast – I think Paget Brewster was better cast as being part of the team, not the BAU leader. Great show for the last 12 years.