

Everyone's favorite autodidact on Criminal Minds, the lovable, bumbling Spencer Reid, hasn't had much luck in his romantic life. There was Lila (season one), who gave him his first kiss, and Maeve (season eight), whose sudden death broke his heart. For the show's 15th and final season, his luck may be about to change: Rachel Leigh Cook will play Max, billed as a "love interest" for Matthew Grey Gubler's character.
TV Line broke the news in February that Leigh Cook would play "a quirky, kind-hearted, candid woman who strikes up an unusual relationship" with Reid. Max will guest-star in at least two episodes (which is a lot, considering the final season only has ten episodes)—so you can expect her to play a pretty major role in Reid's life.
You may recognizable Leigh Cook; she played protagonist Laney in She's All That and later appeared in Josie and the Pussycats and Dawson's Creek. Since 2016, she's been focused on Hallmark, both developing and starring in new movies on the network. This past summer, her personal life made headlines when she split from husband and fellow actor Daniel Gillies after more than a decade of marriage.
Here she is in her She's All That era:
And here she is today (Rachael, I would very much like your skincare secrets, thanks):
Her turn in Criminal Minds as a romantic interest for Reid would otherwise be welcome news—but fans were left taken aback by J.J.'s sudden and passionate declaration of love for Reid in the final episode of season 14. "I’ve always loved you," she said, quite literally at gunpoint, "and I was just too scared to say it before. And now things are just really too complicated to say it now. I’m sorry, but you should know."
J.J. and Reid, of course, have been the very best of friends for years. Also, J.J. is married to Will, and the couple have two kids. So it's already a pretty dramatic situation—and is set to get even more so with the arrival of "Max," essentially making this a love quadrangle.
Showrunner Erica Messer opened up about the J.J. and Reid situation to TV Line, saying: "It’s definitely a huge driver for the first handful of episodes that will help add layers to those characters again."
No word on exactly when season 15 will premiere, but it'll be midseason—so, late winter or early spring.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
Jenny is the Director of Content Strategy at Marie Claire. Originally from London, she moved to New York in 2012 to attend the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and never left. Prior to Marie Claire, she spent five years at Bustle building out its news and politics coverage. She loves, in order: her dog, goldfish crackers, and arguing about why umbrellas are fundamentally useless.
-
26 AAPI-Owned Businesses to Support For AAPI Heritage Month (And Every Month)
Brands you'll fall in love with.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Are Kevin Kreider and Kim Lee From 'Bling Empire' Together Now?
Sparks fly between the two cast members in the Netflix hit's second season.
By The Editors
-
SuChin Pak Is No Longer Settling for Your Definition of Courage
In an excerpt from a new book, the journalist details the racist incidents at MTV News that shaped her early career and how she's only recently been able to dismantle that trauma.
By Neha Prakash
-
'Manifest' Season 4: Everything We Know
It's official: The once-canceled NBC show is returning for a final chapter (or two) on Netflix.
By Jenny Hollander
-
The 27 Best True Crime Shows to Binge-Watch
Real life can be a lot scarier than fiction.
By Cady Drell
-
The 52 Best Comedy TV Shows Ever
The shows that will make you laugh until your face hurts.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
'Selling Sunset' Season 5: Everything We Know
Our favorite realtors are back this spring (and they're filming a reunion)!
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
'You' Season 4: What to Expect
The hit Netflix show has already been green-lit for another season.
By Neha Prakash
-
52 K-Dramas You'll Be Completely Hooked On
Wait, how is it already 2 a.m.?
By Ineye Komonibo
-
Where's Simon Basset in 'Bridgerton' Season 2?
You'll have to re-binge season one to feast your eyes on the Duke of Hastings.
By Andrea Park