Criminal Minds: Does JJ Die? Why Did She Leave & Return?

Criminal Minds: Does JJ Die? Why Did She Leave & Return?

As a devoted Criminal Minds fan with over a decade of investment in the show, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, portrayed by the talented A.J. Cook. The rumors and speculation surrounding her departure and return have left me both intrigued and frustrated at times.


There’s a lot of excitement among fans as they ponder over the reason behind A.J. Cook’s character, Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, returning to “Criminal Minds” after her departure. The intrigue surrounding her comeback has people wondering how this was accomplished and what had led to her initial exit. With her captivating storylines and meaningful connections to other characters, JJ has become a key figure in the show.

In simple terms, here’s a summary of the significant details regarding JJ’s experience on Criminal Minds, with valuable information about why she left and came back.

Did A.J. Cook’s JJ die in Criminal Minds?

No, A.J. Cook’s character, Jennifer “JJ” Jareau, did not die in Criminal Minds.

Despite fans’ worries over JJ’s exit from Criminal Minds, her character continued to thrive in the show. A key player in the BAU team, JJ began as a liaison but eventually progressed to become a profiler and field agent. Renowned for her robust relationships, especially with Spencer Reid, she skillfully managed her demanding role with her family life. Married to William LaMontagne and mother of two children, JJ’s character remained an integral part of the Criminal Minds universe.

Why did A.J. Cook’s JJ leave Criminal Minds?

During the sixth season of Criminal Minds, A.J. Cook took a brief hiatus from the show, allegedly for artistic reasons. Nevertheless, there were rumors suggesting monetary incentives and behind-the-scenes decisions as possible causes. Some even hypothesized that budget reductions might have been a factor.

Cook’s departure sparked strong opposition from both fans and her cast mates, resulting in a movement to bring her back. As reported by Showora, an estimated 40,000 signatures were collected on a petition, and her colleagues openly voiced their disapproval. Ultimately, the network yielded to public pressure and reinstated Cook due to the significance of her character to the overall flow of the program.

When did JJ return to Criminal Minds?

In the final episode of Season 6, A.J. Cook’s character, JJ, made her comeback. She was then officially brought back as a main cast member for Season 7.

From 2020 up until her character’s departure in the revival series “Criminal Minds: Evolution” in 2022, Pauley Perrette (referred to as Cook in the original text) kept performing her role. During this gap, the show explained that her character was engaged in a secret mission, making it simple for her to rejoin the storyline later on. Fans were thrilled with Cook’s comeback as it revived a cherished and recognizable dynamic within the BAU team.

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2024-07-26 08:11