‘Criminal Minds’ Season 12 Ratings Share Expected To Hurt Badly After Thomas Gibson’s Exit

For many "Criminal Minds" avid viewers, losing Aaron Hotchner on the show is a food without spice. As Hotch's portrayer Thomas Gibson finally bid goodbye to the crime drama series, "Criminal Minds" season 12 is doomed to score ratings share that is badly hurting.

"Criminal Minds" fans are upset over losing Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) on the show. Many of them took to Twitter to vent out both their support for Gibson and dissention over his departure. One user @sherrytams tweeted: "Aaron Hotchner has no rival #SupportThomas Gibson #NoHotchNoWatch." Another fan, @nohotchnowatch tweeted: "@CrimMinds_BS Bring back Hotch! #NoHotchNoWaatch #WeSupportThomasGibson BAU TEAM LEADER ONLY AARON HOTCHNER!"

Rock-Bottom Ratings Share

With this massive support drawn by Gibson and his character on "Criminal Minds," predictions arise that the season's ratings share is doomed to drop rock-bottom in the next episodes primarily due to the actor's absence. Gibson starred on "Criminal Minds" for 10 years now as the chief of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). He was first cast in 2005.

Gibson's Cause Of Suspension

Last August, news broke out regarding the suspension of Gibson from the series following a squabble with writer/producer Virgil Williams on set. Later on, Gibson's camp issued an official statement explaining what went wrong between him and Williams. As his camp claimed, the disagreement stemmed from creative differences. It can be noted that Gibson used to direct a total of eight episodes of the show since 2001. Previously though, the struggling actor already had issues too with the show's assistant director and went through anger management therapy.

Gibson's Comeback Through New Plot

In a previous report, Gibson was already rumored to come back on the show soon through a new plot that will reveal his character Hotch. Even so, Hotch might not come back as the head of BAU but as the one being hunted.

"Criminal Minds" season 12 airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.