Following a series of cast shakeups this year, "Criminal Minds" has released a new batch of photos and the synopsis of season 12's premiere episode to assure fans that the production of the new season is still rolling full steam.

It can be recalled that the previous season saw the exit of Shemar Moore, the firing of Thomas Gibson and the return of Paget Brewster as a series regular. The recent shakeups have caused fans to wonder if the production of season 12 is still going well underway.

Just recently, the series has released the official synopsis for the premiere. Titled "The Crimson King," the new season opens with FBI's Fugitive Task Force leader Luke Alvez signing up for the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). The episode follows Luke and the team as they try to go after one of the 13 serial killers who managed to escape prison in the season 11 finale.

The cast members of season 12, episode 1 include Joe Mantegna as David Rossi, Thomas Gibson as Aaron "Hotch Hotchner, Matthew Gray Gubler as Dr. Spencer Reid, A.J. Cook as Jennifer "J.J." Jareau, Aisha Tyler as Dr. Tara Lewis, Kirsten Vangsness as tech genius Penelope Garcia and Adam Rodriguez as Alvez.

It remains to be seen how the writers will write off Gibson's character, given that he has already been fired from the series. According to reports, his character will still appear in episodes 1 and 2 of the upcoming season.

"Criminal Minds" season 12 premieres on September 28, 9:00 P.M. on CBS.