'Criminal Minds': Thomas Gibson to Return After the Writer's Exit from the Show?

CBS' police procedural crime series "Criminal Minds" was released in September 2005 to critical acclaim. Its ratings have been generally high throughout those years but when the show started to pull out some of the show's major cast members, the series' ratings started to decline. Thomas Gibson is one of the show's biggest foundations including Shemar Moore, Mandy Patinkin, Matthew Gray Gubler, among others. In August 2016, Gibson was fired from the series following an altercation with one of the show's writers, Virgil Williams, who is leaving the show for Universal Television.

Upon learning that Virgil Williams is leaving "Criminal Minds," fans can't help but speculate that this could be a great chance to have Gibson back in the show. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Williams has contributed almost 140 episodes throughout his time in the series. He has signed a two-year contract with Universal Television and he is tasked to helm new series for cable, streaming services and broadcast.

Thomas Gibson returning to #CriminalMinds following the writer's exit from the show? Wowwwwww! #NoHotchNoWatch @CrimMinds_CBS

— Coco Dollanganger™ (@CocoDollBum) June 23, 2017

Since Williams is already leaving "Criminal Minds," most fans have high hopes that Aaron Hotchner would decide to go back to BAU to resume his office as the Unit Chief. It can be recalled when he had to enter the Witness Protection Program when a serial killer dubbed as Mr. Scratch started stalking his son, Jack. Celebeat reports that following his sudden departure, fans started a massive social media hashtag #NoHotchNoWatch and even filed a petition in an attempt to deliver a message to the showrunners that they want Gibson back.

There are no new updates whether Gibson has a chance to return to "Criminal Minds" at this time. However, with Williams exit, fans are hoping to see Hotch again in the show. After all, people make mistakes and Gibson has previously apologized. Everyone is hoping that the time that he's not in the show was enough for the wounds to heal.

"Criminal Minds" season 13 returns this fall at 10 PM every Wednesday on CBS. Celebeat will provide more updates soon. Stay tuned!