‘Criminal Minds’ Season 12: Shemar Moore is ‘Willing’ to Return

Fans can agree that "Criminal Minds" season 12 without Shemar Moore will be very different. Could the actor possibly return to the long-running show after his exit last season?

In an interview, Moore explained his decision to leave "Criminal Minds" after 11 long years. The actor has been on the show since it started in 2005.

"My mother sends me these great cards. ... She gave me this one card and I'm looking at it right now and it says, 'Leap and the net will appear,'" he told TV Guide. "That's what she did her whole life. She thought outside of the box and she never got too comfortable because she wanted to continue to grow. There's been other people in my life who are like that too. I don't want to be ordinary. I don't want to follow. I want to be bold and I want to see what I'm capable of. So yes, it was my decision."

As for his rumored returned to the "Criminal Minds" set, Moore has not closed his doors on the possibility. In fact, he said that he would love to come back should his character be needed again.

"Erica Messer refused to kill Derek Morgan," he said. "Those elevator doors closed. Am I going to sign a long-term contract? Probably not. But if they ask me to come back and dance, yes, I would be willing to do that. [But] not right away."

Meanwhile, previous reports have already confirmed the return of a former regular. Fox News reported that actress Paget Brewster, who plays Prentiss on the show, will be guest-starring in a few episodes of "Criminal Minds" season 12.

"We're excited to have Paget Brewster back for multiple episodes in our 12th season," showrunner and executive producer Erica Messer said, Fox noted. "The BAU can use more help this year since they've got a lot of known and unknown subjects to catch."

"Criminal Minds" season 12 will see the return of other mainstays- Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson), Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Jennifer Jareau (A.J. Cook), and Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness). The upcoming run is slated to return to the small screens on September 28, 2016.

Stay tuned for more "Criminal Minds" season 12 news and updates here!