There were concerns about "Criminal Minds" not getting another season after it was absent during the lineup of renewed TV shows announced by CBS. However, the show will very much continue on and reports even have it that a new character will step in to fill the shoes of Derek, played by Shemar Moore.

Moore made his shocking exit nearing the season 11 finale. Replacing him is "CSI: Miami's" Adam Rodriguez. Rodriguez's character, whose name has yet to be revealed, will join Hotch's (Thomas Gibson) team. He is a special agent belonging to the FBI Fugitive Task Force who will work with the Behavioral Analysis Unit.

While "Criminal Minds" fans are still waiting for the full character description, The Hollywood Reporter mentioned that Rodriguez will appear immediately on the premiere episode of the next season.

"We're thrilled to introduce a new special agent by adding the very talented Adam Rodriguez to our amazing cast," show executive producer Erica Messer said in a statement. "We have exciting storylines planned for his character and the entire BAU team as we head into our 12th season," she added.

Not much about the new season has been revealed yet, but Messer previously hinted what season 12 will focus on. In an interview with TV Guide back in May, the showrunner expressed her excitement about having the BAU getting back to work to catch bad guys once again.

She confirmed that Peter Lewis (Bodhi Elfman), a.k.a "Mr. Scratch," will also be back. In addition, Messer revealed that the new season will also feature UnSubs that the BAU has never caught before.

Given Rodriguez's role as an agent from the Fugitive Task Force, it is likely that the series will focus more on catching the serial killers that have been let loose from the prison by Mr. Scratch.

An exact release date for "Criminal Mind" season 12 is yet to be announced but the series is expected to return sometime in fall.