| Emily Prentiss | |
|---|---|
| Criminal Minds character | |
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| First appearance | S2 E9 "The Last Word" November 15, 2006 |
| Portrayed by | Paget Brewster |
| In-universe information | |
| Full name | Emily Elizabeth Prentiss |
| Gender | Female |
| Title | FBI BAU Supervisory Special Agent FBI BAU Unit Chief FBI Section Chief |
| Occupation | FBI Section Chief |
| Family | Elizabeth Prentiss (mother) |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | October 12, 1970 |
| Seasons | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Emily Elizabeth Prentiss is a fictional character in the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds, portrayed by Paget Brewster. A longtime member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), Prentiss is characterized by her intelligence, linguistic abilities, leadership, resilience, and diplomatic upbringing as the daughter of an ambassador. Prentiss plays a central role in the series, eventually becoming Unit Chief in Season 12 and later Section Chief, a position she holds to this day. Brewster has continued her role in the series after its revival, Criminal Minds: Evolution.[1]
Prentiss first appears in Season 2 as a replacement for Agent Elle Greenaway. Initially met with suspicion due to her diplomatic and political background, she proves herself through cultural knowledge, profiling skills, professionalism, and dedication. Her storyline is one of the most complex in the series, including faking her own death in Season 6 to evade Ian Doyle, a dangerous nemesis, with the help of Hotch and JJ.[2] She returns in Season 7 to neutralize Doyle before leaving again to lead Interpol in London. Prentiss makes brief appearances in Season 9 and Season 11 before rejoining the BAU as Unit Chief in Season 12 after Hotch’s resignation. Since the end of Season 15, she has served as the FBI Section Chief.
A major effect to the storyline of Prentiss is that the actress, Paget Brewster, departed and returned to Criminal Minds two separate times due to "creative, financial, and personal reasons."[3] Her first exit occurred near the end of Season 6 after being let go following 18 episodes for "budget cuts," but she returned in Season 7 due to overwhelming fan demand.[4] Brewster left again to pursue other television roles and was absent in Seasons 8 and 10, making brief guest appearances in Seasons 9 and 11.[5][6] She reprised her role as a main character[7] in Season 12 after Thomas Gibson, the actor portraying Agent Aaron Hotchner, was fired.[8][9]
- ^ Hebert, Olivia (November 25, 2022). "'Criminal Minds: Evolution' Cast and Character Guide". Collider. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- ^ Lealos, Shawn S.; Cotter, Padraig (September 14, 2022). "Criminal Minds: Emily Prentiss' Fake Season 6 Death Explained". ScreenRant. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- ^ Bruce, Amanda; Tyler, Adrienne (May 7, 2023). "Why Paget Brewster's Emily Left Criminal Minds And Returned (Twice)". ScreenRant. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- ^ "Thomas Gibson on 'Criminal Minds' negotiations, Paget Brewster's exit, and his plans for hiatus". EW.com. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
- ^ "Paget Brewster Is Returning to Criminal Minds (Yes, Again)". E! Online. February 10, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- ^ "'Criminal Minds' fan recap: Paget Brewster returns as Emily Prentiss". Yahoo Entertainment. March 31, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- ^ Gonzalez, Sandra (August 30, 2016). "'Criminal Minds': Paget Brewster back for good". CNN. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (August 30, 2016). "Criminal Minds: Paget Brewster Upped to Series Regular in Season 12 Following Thomas Gibson's Firing". TVLine. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- ^ Sharma, Nemisha (October 13, 2016). "Emily Prentiss Returns To The BAU In 'Criminal Minds' Season 12, Episode 3". International Business Times. Retrieved November 24, 2024.