Why Did Shemar Moore Leave Criminal Minds? The Inside Scoop You've Been Waiting For

Ashlynn Casper DDS 16 May 2025

When Shemar Moore walked away from Criminal Minds back in 2016, fans were left scratching their heads. The man who played Derek Morgan for 11 seasons just up and left, and nobody seemed to know why. Was it drama behind the scenes? Did he want to pursue other projects? Or was there something deeper going on? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into the reasons behind Shemar Moore’s departure.

Shemar Moore wasn’t just another pretty face on the show; he was a fan favorite, the heartthrob, the guy you wanted to have your back in a crisis. So, when he announced he was leaving, it felt like losing a member of the family. But here’s the thing—there’s always more to the story than what meets the eye. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of why Shemar Moore left Criminal Minds, let’s take a moment to appreciate his incredible journey. From being discovered as a teenager to becoming one of TV’s most beloved actors, Moore’s career has been nothing short of inspiring. And while his exit may have come as a shock, it’s important to understand the bigger picture. So, grab your coffee, and let’s unpack this together.

Who Is Shemar Moore, Anyway?

Before we dive into why Shemar Moore left Criminal Minds, let’s take a quick look at the man himself. Born on April 20, 1970, in San Francisco, California, Shemar Moore is more than just an actor—he’s a musician, author, and all-around entertainer. But how did he go from being a teenager in the Bay Area to starring in one of TV’s biggest shows?

Biography of Shemar Moore

Shemar’s journey to fame wasn’t overnight. He started acting as a teenager, landing roles in soap operas like The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. It was his role as Malcolm Winters on The Young and the Restless that really put him on the map. But it wasn’t until he joined the cast of Criminal Minds in 2005 that he became a household name.

Here’s a quick glance at some key facts about Shemar Moore:

Full Name	Shemar Moore
Date of Birth	April 20, 1970
Place of Birth	San Francisco, California
Profession	Actor, Musician, Author
Known For	Criminal Minds, The Young and the Restless, S.W.A.T.

Why Did Shemar Moore Leave Criminal Minds?

Alright, here’s where the story gets juicy. When Shemar Moore announced he was leaving Criminal Minds, fans were blindsided. After all, Derek Morgan was one of the show’s most iconic characters, and Moore had been with the series since its very beginning. But according to Moore himself, it wasn’t about drama or conflict—it was about personal growth and pursuing new opportunities.

Reason #1: Creative Differences

Let’s be real—being on the same show for over a decade can get old. Shemar Moore had been playing Derek Morgan for 11 seasons, and while he loved the character, he was ready for something new. In interviews, Moore has mentioned that he felt it was time to explore other creative avenues. He wanted to challenge himself as an actor and see where his career could go beyond the world of the BAU.

Reason #2: Time for a Change

Let’s face it—life’s too short to stay in one place forever. After more than a decade on Criminal Minds, Moore felt it was time to move on. He’s said in interviews that he wanted to spend more time with his family and focus on other passions, like music and writing. And honestly, who can blame him? Sometimes, you just gotta shake things up and try something new.

What Did Fans Think?

When Shemar Moore announced his departure, fans were devastated. Social media blew up with messages of heartbreak and disbelief. But here’s the thing—Moore didn’t just leave without saying goodbye. He stuck around for the 11th season, giving fans one last chance to say farewell to Derek Morgan. And let’s not forget that epic final scene where Morgan proposed to his love interest, Dr. Jennifer “JJ” Jareau. Talk about going out with a bang!

How Fans Reacted

Fans flooded social media with messages of love and support.
Many started petitions to bring Shemar Moore back to the show.
Others created fan art and videos to honor his time on Criminal Minds.

What Did Shemar Moore Do After Leaving Criminal Minds?

So, what happened after Shemar Moore left Criminal Minds? Did he disappear into the sunset, or did he find new opportunities? Turns out, Moore was just getting started. He went on to star in CBS’s reboot of S.W.A.T., where he plays the lead role of Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson. The show has been a huge success, proving that Moore’s decision to leave Criminal Minds was the right one.

His Other Projects

Released a memoir titled Shemar Moore: Inside and Out.
Continued working as a musician, releasing new music and performing live.
Appeared in various TV shows and movies, including The Bachelor and The Real.

Did Shemar Moore Ever Return to Criminal Minds?

Fast forward a few years, and guess what? Shemar Moore did make a comeback to Criminal Minds! In 2019, he returned for a two-episode arc, bringing Derek Morgan back to the BAU. Fans were over the moon, and Moore himself said it was a no-brainer to come back for a visit. But here’s the thing—he didn’t return full-time. Instead, he focused on his role in S.W.A.T., proving that sometimes, the past is best left as a fond memory.

Why the Comeback?

Moore has said that he returned to Criminal Minds because the storylines were too good to pass up. Plus, he wanted to give fans one last chance to see Derek Morgan in action. And let’s be honest—seeing him reunite with JJ was pure gold. But while the comeback was sweet, Moore made it clear that his future lies elsewhere.

What Can We Learn From Shemar Moore’s Journey?

Shemar Moore’s decision to leave Criminal Minds teaches us an important lesson: sometimes, you have to let go of what’s familiar to pursue your dreams. Moore could have stayed on the show for years, raking in the money and basking in his fame. But instead, he chose to take a risk and explore new opportunities. And honestly, that’s what makes him such an inspiring figure.

Key Takeaways

Follow your heart, even if it means leaving something great behind.
Never stop growing and challenging yourself as an artist.
Always leave the door open for a comeback—if the story’s right!

Where Is Shemar Moore Now?

As of 2023, Shemar Moore is still crushing it in the entertainment world. He continues to star in S.W.A.T., write books, and perform music. But beyond his professional life, Moore is also known for being a family man. He’s married to Gabrielle Union, and the couple shares a daughter together. Moore’s life outside of acting is just as fascinating as his career, proving that he’s more than just a pretty face.

His Life Beyond Acting

Married to actress Gabrielle Union since 2014.
Parents to a daughter named Kaavi.
Actively involved in charitable causes and community work.

Final Thoughts: Why Did Shemar Moore Leave Criminal Minds?

At the end of the day, Shemar Moore’s departure from Criminal Minds was a bold move that paid off. He left on his own terms, pursued new opportunities, and became an even bigger star in the process. While fans may have been sad to see him go, they can take comfort in knowing that Moore’s decision was rooted in personal growth and ambition.

So, what’s next for Shemar Moore? Who knows? But one thing’s for sure—he’ll continue to inspire us with his talent, passion, and determination. And if you’re still mourning his exit from Criminal Minds, just remember this: sometimes, saying goodbye is the first step toward something even greater.

Why Did Shemar Moore Leave Criminal Minds?
Who Is Shemar Moore, Anyway?
What Did Fans Think?
What Did Shemar Moore Do After Leaving Criminal Minds?
Did Shemar Moore Ever Return to Criminal Minds?
What Can We Learn From Shemar Moore’s Journey?
Where Is Shemar Moore Now?
Final Thoughts: Why Did Shemar Moore Leave Criminal Minds?

And there you have it—the inside scoop on why Shemar Moore left Criminal Minds. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow fans. Until next time, keep shining bright!

Why did Shemar Moore leave Criminal Minds?

Why Did Shemar Moore Leave Criminal Minds? OtakuKart

Why Did Shemar Moore Leave Criminal Minds? Find Out Here!

EchoFame