Jennifer Love Hewitt is showing her love for CBS by signing on to star in one of its flagship dramas as a series regular starting this fall.
Fresh off her pregnancy, Hewitt has struck a deal to star in Criminal Minds and effectively fill the void left behind by Jeanne Tripplehorn who departed in the prior season’s finale. Tripplehorn had only been with the show for Seasons 8 and 9, and now will pass the torch to Love who will make her first appearance in the Season 10 premiere on October 1.
Love’s character is Kate Callahan, described by TVLine as “a seasoned undercover agent whose stellar work at the FBI has landed her a coveted position with the Behavioral Analysis Unit.”
“We’re thrilled to introduce a new special agent by adding the very talented Jennifer Love Hewitt to our amazing cast,” Criminal Minds showrunner Erica Messer stated in the announcement. “Many of us on the show have enjoyed working with her over the years and look forward to again. We have exciting storylines planned for her character and the entire BAU team as we head into our 10th season.”
Tripplehorn’s Alex Blake surprised viewers this past spring when she abruptly departed the BAU. Love’s Callahan should seamlessly slide right into that void.
Love worked with CBS on Ghost Whisperer prior to this new gig on Criminal Minds. She’s also known for starring in Lifetime’s The Client List, the Fox teen drama Party of Five that launched her career, and a pair of turns in the I Know What You Did Last Summer horror films.
