Criminal Minds inspires another spin-off

CBS plans to draw upon the hit detective series and create a new drama which, if successful, could land a spot in the network's fall 2015 line-up.

CBS plans to draw upon the hit detective series and create a new drama which, if successful, could land a spot in the network's fall 2015 line-up.

The-second-spin-off-on-Criminal-Minds-will-soon-arrive-on-CBS-ABC-Studios

After an unsuccessful first attempt in 2011 with Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, America's most watched network is reviving the idea of a Criminal Minds spin-off.

This time, the show will focus on a division of the FBI that assists Americans in trouble abroad. Erica Messer, the screenwriter and producer behind the original series, will head up the spin-off, which is due to be introduced in the 19th episode of the current season, the show's tenth. Casting is currently underway.

CBS has a habit of expanding upon its most popular shows with spin-offs. NCIS: New Orleans, the second spin-off on NCIS, has been quite successful since its premiere last September. On March 4, the CSI franchise will gain a new member, CSI: Cyber, headlined by Patricia Arquette.

In 2011, CBS had similar ambitions for its Criminal Minds spin-off, which failed to live up to the expectations despite Forest Whitaker's presence on the cast. Suspect Behavior was cancelled after 13 episodes.