Thomas Gibson, who portrayed Special Agent Aaron Hotchner on Criminal Minds for 11 seasons, was one of the show’s most beloved characters. Hotchner, a former prosecutor, led the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) with unwavering commitment.
His leadership, often seen as fatherly, helped steer the team through many intense cases. However, his personal struggles and on-set issues ultimately led to his departure.
Hotchner’s character was integral to Criminal Minds , with storylines exploring his challenges in balancing his demanding job and family life. His struggles with maintaining a relationship with his wife and son were central themes.
His marriage eventually fell apart due to the pressures of his work, and he later focused on rebuilding his bond with his son, Jack. Hotch’s ongoing case with serial killer George Foyet, also known as The Reaper, haunted him throughout the series, culminating in tragic personal losses and intense emotional turmoil.
In the later seasons, Hotch’s behavior became increasingly erratic as his obsession with capturing Foyet took a toll on him. This reached a breaking point when Foyet killed Hotch’s wife and tortured him in the Season 5 premiere. Though Hotch ultimately killed Foyet, the tragedy left lasting scars, and he stepped down as Unit Chief, allowing Derek Morgan to take over.
Hotch on Criminal Minds (Image via Getty)
Hotch’s departure from Criminal Minds was heavily linked to actor Thomas Gibson’s firing in Season 12. The actor, who had been with the show since its inception, cited “creative differences” with the production team.
Though rumors of Gibson’s on-set behavior issues had circulated, including an incident where he allegedly shoved an assistant director and later kicked a crew member, the actor denied these allegations. Despite the controversies, Gibson acknowledged that the differences with the show’s team led to his exit.
In Season 12, the show covered Hotch’s absence by introducing a storyline involving serial killer Peter Lewis, aka Mr. Scratch. Hotch’s character was revealed to be on a special assignment, but by Episode 6, it was confirmed that he had entered Witness Protection with his son after Lewis became a direct threat to their lives.
Hotch’s final arc made sense given his past trauma with Foyet, and the decision to protect his son was fitting. Ultimately, Hotch left Witness Protection, chose to quit his job, and prioritized his role as a father. This marked Gibson’s final appearance as Hotch on Criminal Minds .
Fans of Queer Eye were taken aback when Bobby Berk, the beloved interior design expert, announced he would not be returning for the show’s ninth season.
After eight successful seasons on Netflix, Berk became the first member of the Fab Five to exit the show. His departure surprised many fans, but insiders close to the show were less shocked, citing escalating tensions between the cast members that might have led to his decision.
In November 2023, Berk made the announcement on social media, stating, “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that season 8 will be my final season on Queer Eye.” While this was a significant change for the series, Berk reassured fans that his journey with them was far from over. He confirmed that he would be pursuing other projects soon, though he did not elaborate on his future plans.
Tensions Within the Fab Five
Although Berk’s departure may seem sudden to viewers, reports suggest that internal conflicts had been brewing among the Fab Five for some time. Sources close to the cast revealed that despite their public image as a close-knit team, there were “petty disputes” and competition regarding who was considered the show’s “top star.”
This ongoing tension reportedly contributed to Berk’s decision to leave, though he emphasized that the conflicts were not necessarily the main reason behind his exit.
Berk’s Decision to Leave After the Show’s Renewal
Berk explained that when Netflix initially renewed Queer Eye for another season, he assumed the show was done after his contract ended. “Mentally and emotionally, I thought we all moved on,” he told.
However, when Netflix decided to continue with a new season, Berk chose not to return. He and his co-stars were initially on the same page, but eventually, they opted to stay on, leaving Berk as the sole member who chose to leave.
Bobby Berk (Image via Getty)
Strained Relationship With Tan France
Berk’s exit also sparked rumors of a rift with his co-star, Tan France. Berk confirmed that he and France had a falling out, but clarified that it was not related to the show.
The disagreement, which Berk described as a personal matter, was not a romantic issue but rather an ongoing tension between the two, similar to sibling rivalry. Despite the fallout, Berk expressed a desire to mend the relationship over time, hinting that the two could eventually reconcile.
Replacement: Jeremiah Brent Joins the Fab Five
With Berk’s departure, Queer Eye welcomed a new interior design expert: Jeremiah Brent. Brent, a well-known designer and TV personality, has made a name for himself with his firm, Jeremiah Brent Design (JBD).
He expressed enthusiasm for joining the team, noting that he was open to taking on the role of interior designer for the show. Brent officially made his debut in Season 9, which premiered in December 2024, marking a new era for the series
