Criminal Minds Season 10 Release Date, New Cast & Spoilers: Kerr Smith Plays Strange Fetishist? Long Running Villain?

Fans became ecstatic as 'Criminal Minds' was renewed for a tenth season on March 13, 2014. Now, the release date has them electrified as CBS announced an October 1, 2014, Season 10 premiere.

In terms of what can be expected when it comes to the show's cast, all of the previous actors and actresses will return, barring Jeanne Tripplehorn, known for her role as Alex Blake. Apparently, she left the series following the Season 9 finale.

Beyond that, Jennifer Love Hewitt will be seen as a fresh new face on the show. She will assume the role of Kate Callhan, a former undercover FBI agent, who lands a position in the Behavioral Analysis Unit.

Thomas Gibson, who played Hotch in previous seasons of the show, will be directing some of the episodes for Season 10. Gibson recently revealed that the message sent by Alex Blake in the Season 9 finale was intended for his character.

On a side note, additional actors and actresses might be cast onto the show mid season, but those extra BAU positions have not yet been confirmed.

Stepping into spoilers, another new character has been revealed, and this time, it's a strange one. Apparently, the role Kerr Smith is set to play will involve someone who's obsess with amputated limps and amputees themselves. However, the name of the character has not been disclosed.

Lastly, there's going to be a long standing villain on the show this time around. While the production team has confirmed the existence of the Season 10 villain, the story and character traits behind him or her remain secretive.

Evidently, there's a lot fans can expect to see in the upcoming and thrilling tenth season of 'Criminal Minds'.