It has been confirmed that Shemar Moore will return to "Criminal Minds" on Wednesday, May 10 for the Season 12 finale. That episode is expected to bring back viewers who left the series when Moore made his exit a year ago. Needless to say, that episode will have high ratings. When he left, fans were not pleased. So, they will be glad to know he will return.

Just one episode

Even though he is coming back, know in advance that it is for just one episode. Moore was an original cast member, playing FBI Agent Derek Morgan for 11 seasons from 2005 through 2016.

The writers were smart to let him leave in a way that he could return. They wrote him in to leave to be with his family instead of killing him off. That way they left the door open for him to come back.

In his only episode of the season, he will give the Behavior Analysis Unit a lead in a case against serial killer and escaped convict Mr. Scratch who has been hunted all season. Moore is excited about returning to "Criminal Minds" as a guest. He shared the good news on social media.

Where has the star been?

Shemar Moore has been quite busy after he exited "Criminal Minds." He is working on another CBS series.

It is a pilot for a "S.W.A.T." reboot. Not only is he starring in the series, but he is also a producer. Moore plays a S.W.A.T. lieutenant who has friends on the streets that he is loyal to, and he is often torn between that loyalty and his duty to his fellow officers in his unit. Somewhat like his previous role on "Criminal Minds," Moore solves crimes in Los Angeles in his new role.

'Criminal Minds' ratings

After Moore left the series, ratings went down. They went down even further after Thomas Gibson was fired. This hasn't been the best season for the show. When Moore returns, it will give the season a boost. Some people on social media believe the network might be desperate for ratings to bring Moore back for the finale.

Perhaps he will have more recurring guest appearances in upcoming episodes during the next season, if there is a next season. So far, CBS has not renewed the crime drama for another season.
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