According to a recent report, Criminal Minds (which premiered in 2005 and now streams on Paramount+) is preparing a new season that picks up after a one-year time jump . In a particularly poignant development, the character Luke Alvez, played by Adam Messner, mourns the loss of his dog Roxy — a storyline the actor says he felt deeply connected to. While no major cast exits have been confirmed, the report hints that a key character death may be coming, leaving fans to wonder who could be next.

Luke Alvez grieves his dog Roxy in a deeply personal storyline

As the source details, Adam Messner — who portrays FBI profiler Luke Alvez — found himself emotionally invested in the narrative arc involving his character’s canine companion, Roxy. the death of Roxy, a beloved pet, is handled with sensitivity on the show, which has long used personal tragedy to deepen its characters. Messner’s personal connection to the story, as noted by the original report, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the performance. Fans who have followed Alvez since his introduction in season 11 will recall Roxy as more than a prop; the dog was part of the BAU family.

An emotional gut-punch that echoes the show's history of character deaths

Criminal Minds has never shied away from killing off sympathetic characters — from Gideon’s off-screen departure to the devastating loss of Maeve — and Roxy’s death continues that tradition. the show’s ability to raise the “emotional quotient” is a hallmark, as the source puts it, and this dog’s death is designed to resonate with viewers who have followed the team for nearly two decades. The original report notes that such losses require “great care” and stir emotions, underscoring the writers’ intent to keep the audience invested. For a series that leaned heavily on incident reports and profiling, these personal blows remind viewers that the profilers are human — and vulnerable.

Why fans are bracing for a major cast exit — despite no official confirmation

Although the report states that “no major cast exit is expected,” it also acknowledges that “the possibility has been hinted through various visuals and interactions.” This ambiguity is a classic Criminal Minds tease: the show has a history of surprising loyal fans with sudden departures (e.g., the death of Hotch’s wife, or the bombing that killed Erin Strauss). The open question remains: which character might be at risk? The source does not name a specific actor or role, but the combination of a time jump and the emotional tone of Roxy’s death suggests the producers may be setting up a larger farewell. As we reported earlier, the cast’s relationships and off-screen dynamics often inform the storytelling, and a surprise death could shake the BAU team to its core.

The one-year time jump and what it could mean for the BAU team

According to the source, the upcoming season will begin after a “year of break in the story world,” effectively creating a time jump. This narrative device allows the writers to skip past immediate grief and explore how the characters have coped — or failed to cope — off-screen. It also introduces new opportunities for flashbacks, unresolved tensions, and fresh cases that test the team’s cohesion. the original article mentions “new beginnings and hope,” but the sudden death of Roxy tempers that optimism.. How each profiler has changed during that year, and whether any of them chose to leave the BAU, remains unknown. For now, fans are advised to stream the current season on Paramount+ and watch for clues in character interactions.