The third season of ''

Criminal Minds ''Criminal Minds'' is an American police procedural crime drama television series created and produced by Jeff Davis (writer), Jeff Davis. The series premiered on CBS on September 22, 2005, and originally concluded on February 19, 2020; it was r ...

'' premiered on

CBS CBS Broadcasting Inc., commonly shortened to CBS, the abbreviation of its former legal name Columbia Broadcasting System, is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network serving as the flagship property of the CBS Entertainmen ...

on September 26, 2007 and ended May 21, 2008. The third season was originally to have featured 25 episodes; however, only 13 were completed before the Writers Guild of America strike (2007–08). Seven more episodes were produced after the strike, bringing the total number of episodes to 20 for the third season.

Mandy Patinkin Mandel Bruce Patinkin (; born November 30, 1952) is an American actor and singer, known for his work in musical theatre, television and film. He is a critically acclaimed Broadway performer, having received three Tony Award nominations, winning ...

wanted to leave the series, since he loathed the violent nature of it. He was replaced by

Joe Mantegna Joseph Anthony Mantegna (, ; born November 13, 1947) is an American actor. Mantegna began his career on stage in 1969 in the Chicago production of the musical ''Hair''. He earned a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play and a Joseph Jeffe ...

several episodes later.

Cast

Main

as Supervisory Special Agent Jason Gideon (BAU Senior Agent) Ep. 1-2 *

as Supervisory Special Agent David Rossi (BAU Senior Agent) Ep. 6-20 *

Paget Brewster Paget Valerie Brewster (, ; born March 10, 1969) is an American actress and singer. She was first recognized for her recurring role as Kathy on the fourth season of the NBC sitcom ''Friends''. Her breakthrough role came as FBI Supervisory Specia ...

as Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss (BAU Agent) *

Shemar Moore Shemar Franklin Moore (born April 20, 1970) is an American actor. His notable roles include Malcolm Winters on ''The Young and the Restless'' (1994–2005), Derek Morgan on ''Criminal Minds'' (2005–2016), and the lead role of Sergeant II Dani ...

as Supervisory Special Agent Derek Morgan (BAU Agent) *

Matthew Gray Gubler Matthew Gray Gubler (, ; born March 9, 1980) is an American actor, filmmaker, fashion model, painter, illustrator, director, and author. He is best known for his role as criminal profiler Dr. Spencer Reid in the CBS television show ''Criminal Min ...

as Supervisory Special Agent Dr. Spencer Reid (BAU Agent) *

A. J. Cook Andrea Joy Cook (born July 22, 1978) is a Canadian actress. She is best known for her role as Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau on the CBS crime drama ''Criminal Minds'' (2005–2020, 2022). Cook has also appeared in ''The Virgin ...

as Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau (BAU Communications Liaison) *

Kirsten Vangsness Kirsten Simone Vangsness (born July 7, 1972) is an American actress and writer. She is best known for her portrayal of FBI Technical Analyst Penelope Garcia on the CBS drama series ''Criminal Minds''. She portrayed the same character on the sp ...

as Special Agent Penelope Garcia (BAU Technical Analyst) *

Thomas Gibson Thomas Ellis Gibson (born July 3, 1962) is an American actor and director. He is best known for his television roles as Daniel Nyland on ''Chicago Hope'' (1994–1997), Greg Montgomery on ''Dharma & Greg'' (1997–2002) and Aaron Hotchner on ''C ...

as Supervisory Special Agent Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner (BAU Unit Chief)

Special guest stars

Frankie Muniz Francisco Muniz IV (; born December 5, 1985) is an American actor. He is best known for playing the title character in the Fox sitcom ''Malcolm in the Middle'' (2000–2006), which earned him an Emmy Award nomination and two Golden Globe Award n ...

as Jonny McHale *

Fredric Lehne Fredric George Lehne (born February 3, 1959) is an American actor of film, stage, and television. Acting since 1978, he has appeared in more than 200 films, mini-series, and television episodes, as well as stage productions across the United St ...

as Jack Vaughan

Recurring

Jayne Atkinson Jayne Atkinson (born 18 February 1959) is a British-American actress. She is best known for the role of Karen Hayes on '' 24'', as well as her Tony Award–nominated roles in '' The Rainmaker'' and '' Enchanted April''. She has also appeared in ...

as Supervisory Special Agent Erin Strauss (BAU Section Chief) *

Nicholas Brendon Nicholas Brendon Schultz (born April 12, 1971), known professionally as Nicholas Brendon, is an American actor and writer. He is best known for playing Xander Harris in the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' (1997–2003) and Kevin L ...

as Kevin Lynch *

Meredith Monroe Meredith Leigh Monroe (born December 30, 1969) is an American actress best known for portraying Andie McPhee on ''Dawson's Creek'' from 1998 to 2003, her recurring role as Haley Hotchner on ''Criminal Minds'' and Carolyn Standall on ''13 Reasons ...

as Haley Hotchner * Cade Owens as Jack Hotchner *

Josh Stewart Joshua Regnall Stewart (born February 6, 1977) is an American actor who is best known for his role as Holt McLaren in the FX TV series ''Dirt'' and as Detective William LaMontagne, Jr., on the CBS series ''Criminal Minds''. He was also cast as ...

as William "Will" LaMontagne Jr.

Guest stars

In the season premiere "Doubt",

Shelly Cole Shelly Cole is a former American actress. Career Born in Texas, Cole commenced her acting career appearing in TV movies and TV series. In 2003, she landed a main role in the film, ''Prey for Rock & Roll''. One of her best-known roles was that o ...

guest-starred as Anna Begley, a suicidal college student who copied the crimes of Nathan Tubbs, aka "The Campus Killer".

Alexa Alemanni Alexa Alemanni is an American actress. She appeared as Allison, secretary to Don Draper on the AMC original series ''Mad Men'' (2007–2010). Life and career Alemanni is a graduate of Vassar College with a bachelor's degree in theatre performan ...

guest-starred as Amy Deckerman, Anna Begley's first murder victim. In the episode "In Name and Blood",

Eddie Cibrian Edward Carl Cibrian ( ; born June 16, 1973) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Cole Deschanel on the television series '' Sunset Beach'' and Jimmy Doherty on ''Third Watch''. His other notable television roles include Mat ...

guest-starred as Joe Smith, a serial killer who uses his son to lure women and murder them.

Gordon Clapp Gordon Clapp (born September 24, 1948) is an American actor best known for playing Det. Greg Medavoy for all 12 seasons of the television series ''NYPD Blue'', winning an Emmy Award in 1998. Early life and education Clapp was born in North Conw ...

guest-starred as Detective Victor Wolynski, who leads the investigation of the murders. In the episode "Scared to Death",

Michael O'Keefe Michael O'Keefe (born Raymond Peter O'Keefe, Jr.; April 24, 1955) is an American actor, known for his roles as Danny Noonan in ''Caddyshack'', Ben Meechum in ''The Great Santini,'' for which he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Bes ...

guest-starred as Dr. Stanley Howard, a psychiatrist who uses his patients' worst fears to murder them. Jamie Kennedy by Gage Skidmore

In the episode "Children of the Dark",

Francis Capra Francis Capra (born April 27, 1983) is an American actor. He has played the roles of Max Connor in ''Kazaam'', and Eli "Weevil" Navarro in the TV series ''Veronica Mars''. Personal life Capra attended Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School ...

guest-starred as Ervin Robles, a serial killer who was abused by a strict foster family.

William Lee Scott William Lee Scott (born July 6, 1973) is an American actor. He is best known for his role as high school student Stanley "Bullethead" Kuznocki on the WB sitcom ''The Steve Harvey Show''. Additionally, he appeared in the films '' Gone in 60 Second ...

guest-starred as Robles' foster brother and accomplice Gary, and

Christine Healy Christine Healy (born June 13, 1950) is an American television and film actress. She has had recurring roles in television multiple series, including '' ER'' and ''The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd ''The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd'' is an ...

guest-starred as Mrs. Manwaring, an abusive foster mother. In the episode "Seven Seconds",

Ariel Winter Ariel Winter Workman (born January 28, 1998) is an American actress. She starred as Alex Dunphy in the ABC comedy series ''Modern Family'', for which she and her co-stars won four consecutive Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Ensemble ...

guest-starred as Katie Jacobs, a young girl who is kidnapped at a shopping mall.

Suzanne Cryer Suzanne Rossell Cryer (born January 13, 1967) is an American actress known for her roles as Ashley on the ABC sitcom ''Two Guys and a Girl'' and as Laurie Bream on the HBO original series ''Silicon Valley''. She featured in " The Yada Yada", a ...

guest-starred as Susan Jacobs, Katie Jacobs' aunt who might be involved in her disappearance.

Paula Malcomson Paula Malcomson (born 1 June 1970) is a Northern Irish actress. She is sometimes credited as Paula Williams. She is known as Trixie in ''Deadwood'' (2004-2006), Maureen Ashby in ''Sons of Anarchy'' (2010), and as Abby Donovan in ''Ray Donovan'' ...

guest-starred as Katie's mother, Beth, and

Alexander Gould Alexander Jerome Gould (born May 4, 1994) is an American actor. He is best known for voicing the title character of the Pixar animated film ''Finding Nemo''. He is also known for playing Shane Botwin on the Showtime (TV network), Showtime drama s ...

guest-starred as Susan's son, Jeremy. Bailey Chase 4299

In the episode "About Face",

Andrew Kavovit Andrew Michael Kavovit (born July 19, 1971) is an American actor. Kavovit played Paul Ryan (formerly Stenbeck) on the CBS soap opera ''As the World Turns'' from 1986 to 1991, when both he and the character were teenagers. He won the Daytime ...

guest-starred as Max Poole, aka "The Have You Seen Me Murderer". Michael O'Neill guest-starred as Detective Frank Yarborough, who investigates the murder of his wife's friend. In the episode "Identity",

Kaj-Erik Eriksen Kaj-Erik Eriksen (born 15 February 1979) is a Canadian actor. He is known for his roles as David Scali in ''The Commish'', Danny Farrell in the television series ''The 4400'', and Jeremy Peters in the television series ''Boston Public''. Pers ...

guest-starred as Henry Frost, a serial killer who assumed the identity of his partner in crime and idol, Francis Goehring, who committed suicide.

Pat Skipper William Patterson "Pat" Skipper (born September 23, 1958) is an American television actor, film actor and voice actor. Pat is probably best known for his television work on such shows as ''The X-Files'' and '' Boston Legal''. On film, he played ...

guest-starred as Harris Townsend, a retired U.S. Special Forces sniper who reluctantly assists the BAU during a standoff. In the episode "Lucky",

Michael Beach Michael Anthony Beach (born October 30, 1963) is an American actor. He has appeared in films '' Lean on Me'' (1989), ''One False Move'' (1992), ''Short Cuts'' (1993), ''Waiting to Exhale'' (1995), ''A Family Thing'' (1996), ''Soul Food'' (1997), ...

guest-starred as Father Marks, and

Nick Searcy Nicholas Alan Searcy (born March 7, 1959) is an American character actor best known for portraying Chief Deputy United States Marshal Art Mullen on FX's '' Justified''. He also had a major role in the Tom Hanks–produced miniseries ''From the ...

guest-starred as Detective Jordan. In the episode "True Night",

guest-starred as Johnny McHale, a famous comic book artist whose recent works have striking resemblances to murders he might have committed. Morgan Sheppard by Gage Skidmore

In the episode "3rd Life",

Riley Smith Riley Smith (born April 12, 1978) is an American actor. He is known for his roles on television, such as recurring roles in the series '' 24'', ''Joan of Arcadia'', '' 90210'', ''True Blood'' and '' The Messengers'', and starring roles on the ...

guest-starred as Ryan Phillips, a thrill killer who leads a trio of abductors.

Gia Mantegna Gia Cristine Mantegna (born Gina Cristine Mantegna) is an American actress. She is known for her role as Devin Levin on the ABC sitcom '' The Middle''. Personal life Mantegna was born Gina Cristine Mantegna in Manhattan, New York, and raised in ...

(daughter of series star

) guest-starred as Lindsey Vaughan, a teenage girl who is kidnapped by Ryan's gang,

Hayley McFarland Hayley McFarland (born March 29, 1991) is an American actress. She is best known for portraying Emily Lightman in the Fox crime drama series ''Lie to Me''. In the supernatural horror film ''The Conjuring'', McFarland portrayed Nancy Perron. Ear ...

guest-starred as Katie Owens, the first victim raped and murdered by Ryan's Gang,

guest-starred as Jack Vaughan, a former hitman and Lindsey's father, and

Michael Harney Michael John Harney is an American actor of film, television, and theater. He is best known for starring on the Netflix original series ''Orange Is the New Black'' as Corrections Officer Sam Healy. In 2019, he had a recurring role in the Apple T ...

guest-starred as U.S. Marshal Pat Mannan. In the episode "Limelight",

Andrea Roth Andrea Roth (born September 30, 1967) is a Canadian actress. She is perhaps best known for her roles as Janet Gavin, the wife of main character Tommy Gavin, on the FX television series '' Rescue Me'' (2004–2011), as Victoria Chase in ''The Co ...

guest-starred as Jill Morris, an FBI Agent whose lust for fame and less concern for eventual collateral damage becomes more apparent to the BAU. In the episode "Damaged",

Dennis Christopher Dennis Christopher (born Dennis Carrelli; December 2, 1955) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles in ''Breaking Away'' (1979), '' Fade to Black'' (1980), ''Chariots of Fire'' (1981), '' It'' (1990) and ''Django Unchained'' (2012) ...

guest-starred as Abner Merriman, a prison warden who allows Hotch and Reid to interview Chester Hardwick, an inmate on death row. Sally Pressman

In the episode "A Higher Power",

Jennifer Aspen Jennifer Aspen (born October 9, 1973) is an American actress, best known for her roles as Daphne Jablonsky in Fox teen drama series ''Party of Five'' (1998–2000), as Trina Hamilton in ABC family sitcom '' Rodney'' (2004–2006), as Kendra Giard ...

guest-starred as Laurie Ann Morris, a depressed woman who was convinced by Peter Redding to kill herself.

Renee O'Connor Evelyn Renee O'Connor (born February 15, 1971) is an American actress, producer, and director, known for the role of Gabrielle on the television series '' Xena: Warrior Princess''. Early life Born in Houston, and raised in suburban Katy, Texas, ...

guest-starred as Pam Baleman, the wife of Paul Baleman, one of the apparent suicides, and sister-in-law of Detective Ronnie Baleman, who is investigating. In the episode "Elephant's Memory",

Cody Kasch Cody Reed Kasch (born August 21, 1987) is an American actor. He is known for his role of Zach Young on the ABC comedy-drama series ''Desperate Housewives''. Early life Kasch was born in Santa Monica, California. He is of Scottish descent. He w ...

guest-starred as Owen Savage, a spree killer who is going after those who have wronged him during his childhood.

Lindsey Haun Lindsey Haun (born November 21, 1984) is an American actress, singer, and director. She is known for her role as Hadley on the HBO television series ''True Blood''. She was nominated for a Young Artist Award for her role in the 2000 Disney Cha ...

guest-starred as Jordan Norris, Owen's girlfriend, and

Alexandra Krosney Alexandra Benjamin Krosney is an American actress and voice actor. She is best known for her role as Kristin Baxter on the ABC sitcom '' Last Man Standing'' during the show's first season. Career Some of Krosney's television roles include ''Bone ...

guest-starred as Eileen Bechtold, Jordan's friend. In the episode "In Heat",

Michael Graziadei Michael Graziadei (born September 22, 1979) is an American actor, known for his role as Daniel Romalotti on the CBS daytime soap opera ''The Young and the Restless''. Life and career Graziadei was born in Germany. He returned to the United Stat ...

guest-starred as Steven Fitzgerald, a serial killer confused about his sexual orientation.

Tia Texada Tia Texada (born December 14, 1971) is an American actress and model. She is best known for her role as Sgt. Maritza Cruz on the NBC series ''Third Watch'', and her recurring role as an undercover agent Ribera on ''The Unit'' for CBS. Other rol ...

guest-starred as Detective Tina Lopez, who leads the investigation of the murders. Amy Carlson at PaleyFest 2014

In the episode "The Crossing",

Scott Lowell Scott Lowell (born February 22, 1965 in Denver, Colorado) is an American actor best known for his role as Ted Schmidt on the Showtime drama '' Queer as Folk''. Biography Lowell was adopted in Denver, Colorado, and raised just outside New Haven, C ...

guest-starred as Michael Hicks, a delusional stalker who obsesses over a woman named Keri Derzmond, played by

Bonnie Root Bonnie Root (born August 24, 1975) is an American actress. She is primarily known for her recurring guest role in the CBS series ''Cold Case'' as List of Cold Case characters, ADA Alexandra Thomas and for her role in the soap ''As the World Turns ...

Mary-Margaret Humes Mary-Margaret Humes is an American actress. She won the Miss Florida USA pageant and was third runner up in the 1975 Miss USA. Humes later began working as a television actress, appearing in a more than 50 shows, most notable playing Gail Leery, t ...

guest-starred as Audrey Sawyer-Henson, a battered housewife and mother who murdered her husband. In the episode "Tabula Rasa",

Eric Lange Eric Lange (born February 19, 1973) is an American actor. He is known for his work on television, where he has appeared in a wide variety of both Character role, supporting and leading roles. Lange played the recurring roles of Stuart Radzinsky ...

guest-starred as Brian Matloff, aka "The Blue Ridge Strangler", a serial killer who suffers from amnesia after he attempted to evade the BAU by jumping off a building. In the season finale "Lo-Fi",

Sienna Guillory Sienna Tiggy Guillory (; born 16 March 1975) is an English actress and former model. She portrayed Jill Valentine in several entries of the ''Resident Evil'' action-horror film series. Other prominent roles include elf princess Arya Dröttningu ...

guest-starred as Supervisory Special Agent Kate Joyner, an FBI Agent who aids the BAU in arresting members of the New York Terrorist Cell.

Erik Palladino Erik Palladino (born May 10, 1968) is an American actor known for his portrayal of Dr. Dave Malucci in the NBC medical drama '' ER''. He is also known for his recurring roles as Lt. Michael Daghlian in ''Joan of Arcadia'', Vostanik Sabatino in ...

guest-starred as Detective Cooper, an NYPD officer who is shot in the line of duty by a member of the NYC terrorist cell.

Episodes

Home media

References

External links

* {{Criminal Minds Criminal Minds 2007 American television seasons 2008 American television seasons