Criminal Minds: Please use this thread to post a message to CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler about the firing of the Criminal Minds writers and the recent media reports that CBS is cutting actors from popular television shows.
Let her know that we object to their "changing the winning formula" of Criminal Minds. "Why change a show that works?" "Why lay off writers and actors that make the show great?" "Don't change a winning formula." We won't tolerate any more changes with this show. We will stop watching. Period.
Here's your chance to speak your "Minds"............
I will print off and fax her office daily all the comments left.
741 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 741 Newer› Newest»Dear Nina Tassler,
I only watch one show on Tv and it is Criminal Minds. You have already did some damage to it by letting go of five writers please stop it, don't do more damage by letting go of an actor. We want to keep them all, Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, Paget Brewster, AJ Cook, Joe mantegna and Shemar Moore.
CM without any of them wouldn't be CM.
Alicia Cole
from Kansas
How much money do the PTB at cbs need to be making to figure out that firing actors after making the biggest mistake ever in firing key writers will just kill off CM? Do you even care CBS? CM Chiefs? It is hard to think that either of you do. TG has deserved an Emmy (with the aid of some of those self-same writers you've gotten rid of) and yet nothing. I hope that none of the team go... but if this one in particular isn't around for S5, then count me out. Fans can take only so much messing about with their show and characters and this would be the final straw.
Ms. Tassler,
Five writers adds up to an emormous savings for the network. Surely this lets CM off the hook in the losing of actors dept! It should!
Fellow CM Fans,
We've no idea if any of our actors are actually being targeted to be fired. The CBS announcements and reported leaks in the trade mags don't specify which CBS shows are involved. While they do seem to imply that it will include the top dramas, maybe our show will be left alone.
To Nina Tassler,
As you head into the upfronts I hope you remember that while you are selling CM you are selling a show you just butchered. Don't butcher the actors like you did the writers.
Dear Ms Tassler
The only word I can find to describe my feelings at the firing of five of the most talented writers of CM is ... astounded
One of the things I have enjoyed most about the CM fandom is the implicit appreciation of the people who are responsible for creating the stories and characters of our favorite show. We CM fans love our writers . And if writers are the "brains" of any theatrical production , you have effectively given CM a lobotomy . I can only pray that something will remain of the show that has become such a part of my life over the past 4 years .
My initial suspicion was that it might be some sort of "payback" for the writers strike, but I have to believe that those responsible for making the decision would not be motivated by such pettiness . However, I can't understand how it could be a sound business decision , since CM is one of only a few shows this year to have consistantly been in the top ten . To attribute this to anything other than the dedication and talent of the writers and actors is riduculous in the extreme. We, the audience, certainly do not watch a show for the commercials, as much as network executives might wish otherwise .
I can't even address the idea of firing someone from this amazingly talented cast that it has taken years to assemble . Hopefully that will stay a rumor
To say that these decisions sicken my heart is hardly an understatement . CM is one of the last shows left on my list of "must not miss" shows, and I don't relish the idea of watching it strangle and wither and eventually be cancelled , only to be replaced by a cookie cutter premise with wooden acting and cliched stories, as I find most other dramas to be these days .
I have to ask those responsible for this .. Have you ever WATCHED an episode of this show ? I have to think not , or you could never have done anything so foolish
Nina Tassler,
I think we should all call your office and leave our messages with your assistant. Can she handle a couple of thousand calls a day? I think a thousand a day for each writer you fired and one thousand extra a day just to remind you that we love our actors. ALL OF THEM!
Dear Nina Tassler,
The decision to fire five writers from Criminal Minds is both sad and, i think, very wrong. Some of those writers have been with the show since season one or two and very few other people know the characters and what makes this show a success better than them.
Any more tampering with what makes this show so great (firing more writers or actors) can only result in a drop in the quality of the show and thus, a drop in ratings. We're not watching Criminal Minds because we don't have anything better to do on a Wednesday night, we watch because we like i (as it is).
This is one of the best written and best acted shows on television. Please don't ruin it.
--Ana B
I have been a BIG fan of CM since the begining. I started watching the show because I heard that AJ Cook would be in it (I have been a fan of hers since Higer Ground). I now watch the show because of THEM (the cast and writers of the show).
Criminal Minds is the ONLY show I HAVE to watch every week. I am NOT happy unless I get my CM fix.
A few months ago, my DVR quit working, which meant that I couldn't DVR my CM. I was SOOOOO EXCITED when it was finally fixed. This meant that I could watch and DVR Criminal Minds. I HAVE TO HAVE MY CM!!!!!!!
With all the changes that are coming (and POSSIBLY coming) to CM, it just wont be the same. Why mess with a good thing??????
It seems like the shows I like, either get cancelled or change SOOO DRAMATICALLY that I loose intrest. PLEASE DO NOT LET THAT HAPPEN TO CRIMINAL MINDS!!!!! I dont know what I would do without it. Thank You
A VERY worried CM fan.
Criminal Minds is one of the best shows on tv, I've just started watching it, and it's even better than CSI, it would be a shame for it to go off the air, and if Matthew/Dr. Reid is not on the show, it will surely lose one of the best characters of the show, and I will not watch anymore if that happens.
Dear Nina Tassler,
I am sadened by the recent news that CBS is even considering changing high end shows by cutting of actors. Even the recent lay off's of writers to the shows make me angry as I do not want the show to change so much. I can understand that once in a while a writer will be asked to leave but not 5! It will change the show dramaticly and not for the better!!!
If you want to safe money you shouldn't do that by cutting out major pieces in the shows as viewers will leave as a show is never the same after!
I hope you will make more carefull decisions in the future
Kind Regards,
Marijke Buys
Dear Ms. Tassler,
I will tell you quite honestly, Criminal Minds is the only show I watch on CBS. My fiancee and I have bonded over this show, and we have both fallen in love with the characters. The combination of both the Actors and the Writers make the characters and ultimately the show the only reason I tune into CBS. I don't watch CSI, because there's not enough guess work. Criminal Minds leaves you on the edge of your seat, and makes you think like the Criminal.
But, I believe you've been watching the show too much as well. Because letting five of the best writers in the industry is criminal.
Concerned Fan in South Carolina
Just wanted to raise my tiny fist in solidarity against this decision. A show the caliber of Criminal Minds is a truly rare gem, and it is even more stunning that it is still going strong after all this time. Like everyone else, I truly fear that this decision will end up being the show's death knoll. Please, please reconsider.
Ms. Tassler..
Ditto to everything that has been said already from across the pond. We adore the show here.
You've made a huge mistake firing some of the most talented writers in television. These people made "Criminal Minds" the hit that it is. Now you want to start firing actors from your hit shows? Decreasing the quality of your shows will decrease viewers and decreased viewers means decreased revenue for the network. Find other ways to cut the budget other than handing out pink slips.
I love the show how it is and how it used to be and my worry is that changs are not always something good. Please do not cut the staff of writers & actors, they made the show great. I already abandoned or lost interest on other series because they changed too much and lost the appeal, please don't make the same mistake with Criminal Minds. A successful team should never be changed. Thank you for the great series you created!
I watch very little television because, quite frankly, I find most shows lacking depth. Too often they are turned into a vehicle for focusing on the characters' sex lives, the characters' jobs become nothing more than an excuse for these very different people to be in each others lives. However, Criminal Minds is one of the rare shows that isn't some lurid, tabloid headline played out onscreen. It is one of only two shows I watch per week. The fact that you have shown little support, in the way of advertising, for this show has always been disappointing to me. But now to have cut the heart of the writing staff from a show that is consistantly in the top ten is beyond my comprehension. On top of that, there is talk of cutting cast members. Why would you fire people that cause you no trouble? Unlike other shows that have cast members getting arrested every other week or checking themselves in and out of rehab every other day, the cast of Criminal Minds are intelligent and able to behave like role models. If you need to save money so badly, why don't you cut some of those outrageous executive salaries you people make? Perhaps Mr. Moonves could scrape by without his annual raise and bonus. Shows like Criminal Minds are the reason you people have jobs. When you tear apart your successful shows and your network's ratings plummet, you'll all have only yourselves to blame. This show may not be as popular as some others, but it has fans that are far more loyal than most others. If you mess with our beloved show, it will cost you viewers. Think about the consequences before you take further ill conceived actions. Try cutting some of your inane reality shows and leave the good programs alone.
This is an unbelieveable situation. Cutting fine writers and actors from a winning show like Criminal Minds will weaken the product and hurt ratings. And isn't ratings what you want??
Dear Nina Tassler,
I've recently heard the news about sacking 5 writers on Criminal Minds and it really is DISAPPOINTING. I've heard from a friend that these are TALENTED AND SKILLED writers and it was because of them that Criminal Minds often get high ratings.
I've been watching Criminal Minds when it was airing somewhere between season 2 and I have to admit that it is one of the greatest TV series I have ever watched. By sacking these 5 writers, I can't imagine how the show will still go on without them, maybe not...
Criminal Minds is recently on some top 10 show list that are aired there and if it wasn't for them, Criminal Minds would not have had these great achievements.
Alot of fans here are agreeing on the same thing: PLEASE reconsider your actions. We wouldn't want you to make the biggest mistake by firing 5 BELOVED writers.
Vivien
One of the disappointed fans
Malaysia
I've just recently started watching Criminal Minds. After executive decisions regarding my favourite shows in recent years, it took my best friend a year to convince me to give another show a chance.
Now I love Criminal Minds for its intelligently designed cases, brilliant dialogue, and the acting of these well-written scenes. Firing those five writers was a big mistake, one that could seriously hurt the show. Any more changes to the show, and it will go down.
I, like others before me, will not watch anymore once the show loses the things it makes special. Instead of telling people how great Ciminal Minds is I'll be back to bemoaning the lack of good television, and roll my eyes when reading of TV executives bemoaning the lack of viewers.
So you want to fire writers and actors because of the economic crisis? TV is the only thing people have to entertain them, make them think of something else than this crisis, so don't alter their favorite show.
CBS never supported CM, so are you trying to bring it down for good now? Why make this show at all if you never wanted it anyway?
If you want to fire writers and actors from the show, then you can as well stop the whole show. It won't be worth it if those important people are missing. And you'll lose half of the audience anyway, do you really want to gamble on that?
Dear Nina Tassler
Criminal Minds is one of the best shows out there. Why would you want to change something that already has such a strong following? The number of fans of the show that have made comments in hopes of keeping the tv hit the way it is, should have clued you in by now on how much it is loved by all different kinds of people all over the world. Please do us all a favor and do not fire anyone else from Criminal Minds. It doesn't matter who is on the list of people to be let go. What will matter in the long run is that you do not fire anymore writers and/or any of the cast.
Plenty of people were disappointed with what was on their television, and then there was Criminal Minds. If season 5 is not up to par there are a lot of people who will stop watching. I really do not want to stop watching Criminal Minds. Besides Ghost Whisperer and CSI: Miami its the only thing I like CBS for.
A Devoted CM Fan
Stella
Dear Nina Tassler,
Criminal Minds is one of the best shows on television right now; and one of two shows I refuse to miss week to week. With the firing of five of the writers who have penned some of the best episodes in the past four years, I am concerned about the fate of the show itself.
The rumor is also that some of the actors may be laid off or let go. I can only hope that none of the main cast members are fired; as this show has such a wonderful feel to it, and it's been a mix of writing and chemistry between the main cast of characters.
I can only ask that you please reconsider and look at this show as a whole. If you take away parts of what make it work, the show itself may not have much of a future. Writers and actors together add to the winning formula a show has, you can't have one without the other.
Season 4 has been my favorite season of Criminal Minds so far, each episode has had such an impact. This is both due to the writing and acting together. Delving into the backgrounds of each of the characters has been wonderful and led to fans wanting to see more.
But if you remove the continuity by removing writers and actors, I fear the show won't be the same as it is now, and for a show that has gotten such good reviews, and is in the top 20 every week, is that really the right move to make?
I hope that you reconsider this decision. I know that the economy is in trouble, but to take away from what -is- working makes no sense.
Criminal Minds works now.
Please don't change that formula that has helped it work wonderfully for four years.
Dear Nina Tassler,
I have been watching Criminal Minds since its inception and it quickly became one of my favorite shows and that says alot as I watch 3-4 shows every night. As a loyola fan I can honestly say that the current cast of characters is the best the show has had. Changing or cutting characters now is only going to set the show back and possibly get it cancelled. An example is when you temporarily replaced AJ Cook with Meta Golding. Those 8 episodes, although great story lines, just weren't the same. The chemistry of the characters just wasn't there. I could not wait for AJ Cook to come back. I am sure that there are others who agree. Although I understand budget cuts, getting rid of great actors with great chemistry is setting you up to fail and lose lots of money in the end. Please think about it and keep the BAU team together!
A very concerned and very loyola Criminal Minds Fan
To CBS
Please don't fire any of the actors, this show works because of those actors. Sacking 5 writers was a bad move don,t make another one by sacking actors too. If you do I will not watch anymore.
Christy Vale
Boston
Dear Nina Tassler,
As a huge Australian fan of Criminal Minds, I was saddened to read the sacking of 5 writers who are talented and passionate about what they do. And the fact that there is a possibility that enough more can be sacked is shocking.
I understand that cutting costs is something that can't be avoided, but taking away part of the CM team could destroy story lines and the show.
The news that there could be some of the cast leaving has left me with my mouth open and silently praying that it's not true. Over the years of watching the show, the characters and the actors who have played them so wonderfully, has grown on me and I'm sure on a lot of the fans. Each week I wait somewhat impatiently for the episode and when it's finally one a smile is on my face as I see familiar faces on the screen. The actors have created these characters from the script that is given to them and I fear that a change in cast may upset the balance that was previously created by that actor.
Criminal Minds is one of the best drama shows going around and is viewed internationally as well. The show has a large fan base from across the globe and the ratings aren't down. Too many changes will cause a backfire and I personally don't think it will go down well with the fans.
This wonderful team of writers and actors...everyone who works on the show shouldn't be broken up.
Please reconsider.
A very worried Criminal Minds Fan,
Samantha
Dear Ms. Tassler,
I believe the writers, Andrew Wilder in particular, have been instrumental in creating some of the most stellar episodes not just in this series but on TV. It seems poor form to reward their dedication and creativity on this show by removing them from the team of writers.
The talented writers have managed what few, if any, other shows have pulled off -- two replacement characters, Rossi and Prentiss, that surpass their originals. Criminal Minds regularly ranks in the top ten shows in the US -- surely the efforts of the writers and cast alike should be recognized.
On that note, please do not change any member of the main cast. Popularity and chemistry with the audience are both transient things -- Criminal Minds has a strong and fervent fan base both in the States and around the world. As the rise and fall of many other TV shows that alter their winning formula can attest, once fan interest is lost or the quality of the show is compromised, the costs are unquantifiable and reversing that situation far more complex and with incredibly slim chances.
You already have a pool of talent that all the money in the world cannot buy. Don't let them go just because of the current economic climate. This will one day pass; the mistake of messing with the Criminal Minds cast as it is, in the pinnacle of the show's success, as well as the writing geniuses behind it, will not.
Sincerely,
A Criminal Minds fan from Singapore
Criminal Minds is a very unique show. The writers, cast and crew make it that way. That is why CBS has a top ten show. This is why you have commercials ... if it wasn't a top ten show Walmart and Home Depot would not advertise here. Make your cuts elsewhere. Is CBS trying to implode itself? This show goes up against Idol and Lost...what other show could survive that type of battle and still maintain it's ratings? There are other CBS shows that I do watch, but honestly... I can turn the TV off if you do any more damage to this show. Plus, I can stop shopping at the places you advertise. I can even write them to tell them how I feel about CBS and how I will not patronize them any more due to CBS damaging a show that I watch on a regular basis. How about rethinking your actions and make your cuts elsewhere.
I have been a CM fan since it first aired in Malaysia. It's saddening that 5 writers had to leave but it's not justified because Criminal Minds has been bringing in viewers.
Please go to the root of the problem and not those who garner the ratings and bring in the income.
Dear Ms Tassler,
even as a recent fan, I cannot fail to notice that writers and actors are what makes Criminal Minds such a splendid show. I was sad to hear that some of the best writers had to leave CM and sincerely hope there will be no more cuts and that those writers who left would return, since even in a difficult financial situation it's not the best choice to save money on what makes CM successful.
Dear Madam!
I am very sorry to read that your company not only fired 5 outstanding writers but also want to fire some actors - I can´t help but think that the current crisis is used to clean hous -increase the profit, with cutting costs, and tell the fans -the economie is the reason. If you look around this is done a lot you cut costs even if not nessersary and than say -oh we need to do this because of the economie and even possible losts-. I think this thinking was one reason the crisis happend to maxim ones profit and not think about the results for others. I am deeply dissapointed that you react the same way- Criminal Minds is very succesfull-due to its great writers and actors and staff -now you want more profit and use the crisis to shorten the team - think again if this is ethical correct.
And don´t forget one thing - the customer is king, in this case the fan and if you make the fans angry you could lose a succesful show just because you wanted more profit- well Madam I hope you will rethink your actions.
My compliments to the great writers , many of which you fired were the best, and great actors.
It would leave me deeply saddened if the show were to lose actors aswell. If they must cut costs, don't have so many extras, or something else along those lines.
You can't repair what never needed mending in the first place.
Criminal minds is the only show that i watch faithfully without fail from the day it started to now. It is the best show ever and it would be a shame to change it in any shape or form. So please don't change anything
The current formula works. Please don't change it.
I cannot imagine watching Criminal Minds without any of the characters!!!!
What is happening to my show? First five writers among them the best Andrew Wilder, are let go and now you also want to cut an actor?
Why? Are you trying to run down one of the best show on TV?
Don't do this, you ruin CM.
Beth a CM fan from
Texas
Dear Mrs. Tassler,
I still can't believe what happened to the Criminal Minds team in the last few weeks. 5 very very talented writers and within them the most talented writer, in my opinion, were fired. The writers are the heart of this show and this show has a still growing number of fans all around the world. Please don't do this to this wonderful team.
It's an amazing show and the people who work there love it.
I don't want to see more good-bye letters from my favourite writers and, as I heard perhaps, actors here on this site. It breaks my heart to see that.
I do hope so much that you perhaps change your mind and get these wonderful people back to work. They really deserve to come back.
I cannot imagine how Criminal Minds can work without them. You're killing this wonderful show.
Please think about it again Mrs. Tassler.
Yours,
Renate (a german fan)
To Nina Tassler,
I know that the econnomy is bad but by cuting the writers and actors on CM will not bring you more money in the long run because the decisions made will only affect CM ratings next season. Lower ratings means less money...
I hope you will not cut anymore, leave the cast in place please.
Liz
Dear Nina Tassler,
It's bad enough to know that five brilliant writers are sacked.. I hope there will be no actors getting sacked too.
Go sack those CSI:Miami actors. Who needs three CSI shows anyway?? We can live with two CSI shows, but there's only one Criminal Minds. Please, please, please, don't change anything on Criminal Minds.
Yours,
A.J.
Dear Ms. Tassler,
Firstly. I am outraged at the firing of five of the fantastic writers which were employed on Criminal Minds. I am from Ireland and am an avid viewer and fan of the show, as I know are many people of all nationalities around the world, not only the U.S. fans.
This show is one of a kind and I can't imagine that the viewership will remain at the level it is at now if you decide to let any of the actors leave. They are each truly unique and the show would definitely not be one of the best, as it is now, if any of them leave.
This is one of the best shows in the last ten years, It has a huge following and it will be a massive let-down to the hoards of dedicated fans, not to mention the the actors and writers themselves, if any more changes are made.
It is understandable that there have to be cuts in the cost of the show but if there are any more cuts, I doubt there will be much of a show left to watch. Please reconsider your past decisions and do not let down the show's fans.
One of many worried Criminal Minds fans,
Emma
Ms. Tassler:
I am a long-time dedicated viewer of your show, and one who consistently works to bring new viewers on board. I maintain my dedication almost entirely because of the consistently outstanding writing. With the cut of five good writers from the show, I may reconsider my viewership.
So please, reconsider the cuts instead.
--Madelyn from Pennsylvania
I will leave a short note! Criminal Minds is an awesome show! I feel that is not right to fire some of the CM staff! This is an awesome CM staff! Nothing is messed up! Why change it?
Seriously...what...why screw up something great....Criminal Minds is AWESOME....don't ruin one of the only great shows on !!!!!!!
To CBS,
I read about all those writers losing their jobs, that is bad.
I hope CM can still be a great show despit the lost. Now I read on the blog that some cast member might be gone too? please say it ain't so!
CM works because of all the characters, don't want to lose any!
Thanks for reading,
Pam
I just want to say this; don't fire any of the cast! They are all great, we don't want to lose any of them!
As I sit and write this post, 249 of my fellow CM fans have also posted their disbelief, concern and loyalty to not only the 5 exceptional writers that were let go, but the cast, crew and CBS as well. I understand (as we all do) that in economic times as hard as these, cuts need to be made and a budget needs to be set - - but please rethink where those cuts are being taken from and what damage they will ultimately do. By cutting 5 writers, writers who undoubtedly are the very basis of a show (did we learn nothing from the WGA strike?). The 5 writers that were let go from CM help bring it, its million plus viewers quality/smart television (a rarity nowadays). CM is a show that goes beyond every other criminal and procedural show out there and you're willing to let those 5 writers go, and even consider cutting more wonderous talent? There seems to be no logical thinking in that.
Some of my fellow CM fans also stressed their fear and concern in the possibility of a cast member being asked to leave as well. Take a look, Ms. Tassler, at the comments alone and be prepared for an unimaginable fallout. Criminal Minds, to say its ensemble is cohesive, phenomenal, and brings forth passion every week, doesn't even begin to express what we all really feel for these actors. The actors on this show are not expendable, they breathe life into characters that we have come to know, love and admire over the past 4 years and to lose any of them would be beyond terrible.
This creative unit (writers, cast and crew alike) bring something new and eye-opening to television and to further break it up would be detrimental to not only the show itself but to your ratings.
Please think over everything and take into consideration the comments of loyal viewers and fans.
Nicole C.
New York
Mr. Bernero/Ms Tassler,
The CM fans are united in their plea to leave our actors alone. I thought you might like to see the power that an individual character can have in 'real life'...
So again, I implore you both to leave our team in place.
Dear Mr. Bernero:
I am writing in response to the recent ‘Entertainment.com’ article, which spoke of cutting actors from popular television shows. Of course, like any other fan, I am concerned what this will do to the only show that I watch or care about: Criminal Minds. I am realistic enough to know that I’m just an individual in a very large viewing audience, but I wanted you to know what CM, and Thomas Gibson’s character in particular, have done for me and for a few people close to me.
I hope that it is perfectly obvious that “Hotch” is the cement to CM. He is the reason why I was enticed to begin watching CM in the first place and he is honestly the major factor behind me continuing to do so four years on. I like all of the other characters but none compares to Aaron Hotchner. In a real world of cheating, corruption, blue and white collar crime, Hotch provides some relief. His integrity, strength and leadership provide a good role model for a younger viewing audience and for those of us in middle-age, he gives hope.
I was struck by a comment made in the EW article, which said that actors don’t save lives. I can refute this. Thomas Gibson, in combination with the writers, has created a character that HAS saved at least 2 lives and provided motivation to a third. I have a friend with cancer. She worked in a similar field to Hotch and loves what he brings to an audience and to her. I can honestly say that looking forward to him each week is huge motivation to fight the disease. In my own case, my mother was also recently diagnosed with cancer and being able to escape the stress of uncertainty, pain and worry through watching such a talented actor once a week is worth its weight in gold to both her and I. Hotch has touched me and my mother in ways that no other fictional character will do. And before you think I’m some nutcase, let me be clear that I have a life outside of watching TV, have good friends and a solid support system. And yet I choose to watch CM for the subtle yet extraordinary talents of TG and his character.
I understand that you have tough choices and I am only one tiny blade of grass in a very large lawn. But I wanted you to know how much that I believe Thomas Gibson and his character are underrated (and have been all along) and how integral he is to Criminal Minds. As much as I would hate to move on, if he should go, then I would no longer watch. That is definite. I know that the show survived the departure of a ‘big character’ in Gideon, but I don’t believe that would hold true for Hotch. He has developed into the heart and soul of CM; cut out the heart and the rest follows suit. Please don’t make that mistake to a show that is currently so good, or to a character and actor who deserve and give so much.
Thank you very much for your time,
This is thought time no doubt and i can understand the need to have better control on the budget but that said fireing people who help CBS make money isn't a wise decision. Losing a cast member will not help either, only thing that will do is bring the ratings down which mean lost of money.
I hope you will not fire anyone else.
Vicky
Please Nina, think what you are about to do! You fired 5 awesome writers and you want to get rid of a cast member? FOR SHAME!
This is simply an outrage. First you get rid of 2 of the shows best writers - it will never be the same without Andrew Wilder - now you are talking of firing a cast member? Someone at CBS needs to get their head on straight. I will not watch CBS if this madness continues.
I am so very upset by the loss of the CM writers...but I cannot fathom that you are considering getting rid of one of the team members as well.
I guess there will be nothing left to watch on network television with the way you are treating this show. It was the best show on tv. Now who knows what will happen with it? I won't watch CBS or support the CBS advertisers if you get rid of one team member.
Gigi
Dear Nina Tassler,
I'm very selective as a viewer because I'm well educated and want quality television. I do not understand the reasoning behind the sweeping cuts to the writing team on 'Criminal Minds'.This series over four years has been of a consistently high quality, both in the writing and acting, to mark it out as one of those rare programmes that stands out from the usual mundane plots and characterisations of other series.
To cut a couple of writers in these difficult times is understandable but five seems excessive. I understand that the cast may also face cuts. It seems very likely that the quality of 'Criminal Minds' is going to be affected by these drastic cuts and this may affect the numbers viewing as the quality of the writing dips to the usual mundane level of television drama. Quality television is worth the costs otherwise these crime dramas become too alike, the episodes too formulaic and the characterisations become the usual television stereo types.If the quality of 'Criminal Minds' drops then you will have lost another intelligent viewer as the studio just churns out dumbed down predictable drama.
I hope that it is not too late to re-consider these drastic actions before quality is compromised.
Helena Fallon
Dear Nina Tassler,
Why mess with something that work well? CM is doing well and by sacking an actor you will mess with the show and that can only bring the ratings down. Reconsider please.
Carol
SC
CBS,
I thought that quality meant something to you, that is why you have a show like Criminal Minds. losing five writers will certainly affect the quality of the show and if one of the cast is cut then it will make things worse. This show quality comes from the writing and acting. We lost a lot with those five writers, we cannot lose more.
If a cast member is cut then i will stop watching.
Peg from Philly
This really is beyond belief. You are ripping apart the only good show on tv. I can't believe my ears that an actor may now be fired? Pul-eeease! Do not continue to demonstrate poor decision-making and make a bad situation worse. Leave our entire team alone! I will be walking if any one of them goes...
Nina Tassler,
CM is good because of the writing and acting. You have messed up with the writing, lets stop the carnage there and leave the cast alone!
Stan, a piss off fan from
Michigan
Stupidity and short-sightedness seem to have found another owner... A consistently top 10 show getting shafted... Geez, this petition will make you smile then, won't it? Lots of attention, even if negative. Wow, lucky you.
Well, here's a piece of free advice... the CM fans are loyal. We like our team of actors as is, NO exceptions. Thomas, Joe, Matthew, Shemar, Paget, Kirsten, AJ... we do NOT need to lose any of them to boost your ratings, thank you very much. And believe me, we as fans DO have the final say. So don't fix what is not broken, you will lose in the long run.
I love this show sooo much that there are not even enough words to describe it. That being said, I was completely shocked and saddened to hear that five of the amazingly talented writers had lost their jobs because the writers are just as much a part of why I fell in love with Criminal Minds as the actors are. They have always been so open and friendly to the fan community and it is truly like members of the family are leaving home. I urge you to draw the line here and not make any other members of the Criminal Minds family victims to your cost cutting. It's the best show on TV right now, please don't screw it up.
I am a dedicated CM fan from Germany and I'm still in some kind of shock because five writers have been sacked last week, including the awesome Andrew Wilder.
Please, don't mess any more with this great show and cut any of the actors, too!
The show lost two members of the main cast in earlier seasons - and survived. It survived the writers' strike...I'm not sure it will survive another change of this great cast that has become a real family by now.
Another disappointed Criminal Minds fanatic,
Sabine
How can you let go of the five best writers? Andrew Wilder made this show as great as it was. Bring him back! You are destroying one of the best shows ever created by cutting its creators out! How can you dare do this?
The point of running a network is pulling in viewers, yes? Yet, here you are hacking up one of the best shows on television. I don't understand the thought process that's at work here.
Getting rid of the talent (writers and actors) is not how you ensure continued success. Decisions like this are the reason that most of my viewing comes from overseas DVDs. You find a good show, fail to support it and when it flourishes without any help from you, you decide to damage it. I'm all ready concerned enough, since the firing of five of the writers. But if you fire ANY of the cast, I will never watch another show on your useless network again.
Getting rid of even one of the characters will destroy the chemistry of the show. You have a proven winner with this show, why would you ruin that? Please think before you do any further damage.
It's hard to believe that CBS can't find any other ways to cut corners other than getting rid of the writers and possibly one or more actors of a top ten show. Who is running things over there? Why don't you cut some executives instead? You can't cut the heart and soul of a show and expect it to survive. If you cut a cast member, I will not continue to watch.....CM works so well because of the team/family aspect. Do not tear apart our family.
Charlaine
Please do not screw this show up. It is by far the best show out there. It was bad enough to dump writers but now actors. No matter which actor may get the axe, it is wrong. To me the strongest is Thomas Gibson, do not allow him to leave, having said that I believe all of the actors are important. I would hate to stop watching but I would just as a protest. Find a way to keep the team together.
Dear Ms. Tassler,
Five great writers already gone ... What's next? Geez, this show is a winner. Great reviews, great ratings, very loyal and invested fan-base. What more could you want? Now you've removed five successful writers who have helped make CM a success. I very much hope there are plans to call those five back in the future. If there are any talks about touching one of our beloved CM cast members ... Please, hands-off! They are an integral part of the success of the show. Especially Hotch who represents such high values and integrity. What a fantastic role model to us all!
Best regards,
Bina
Criminal Minds is a great show. The only one I watch faithfully every week. Please don't mess with it. Thank you.
My wife and I have enjoyed watching Criminal Minds for the last four years and hope it will continue for many more seasons. The show has a great cast and very talented writers.
Thank you.
Ms. Tassler,
CM is the only show I watch on network broadcast, everything else is on cable. If you cut any of the cast I will stop watching and be done with network broadcast.
CM is a great show just leave it be, you did that before with your lack of promotion, just do so now. Go cut the actor who makes the 15 millions on CSI instead or cut some of the money Mr. Moonves makes, that would save some jobs.
Sonia
My sister got us hooked on the show. We are aware of budget problems but hope that they will not affect Criminal Minds. We've been watching whenever we can for the last two years.
Best regards,
Ralph & Cristina in Bern (Switzerland)
Dear Nina Tassler,
I'm a fan right from the beginning of this wonderful show. I had the opportunity to chat with some of the people involved and I am shocked to learn that some of them aren't going to be there next season.
I don't see any good in this decision and would not understand to harm the show even more by changing the current main cast.
As some others stated before please bear in mind that Criminal Minds is a top ten show and will surely lose viewers with every bad decision YOU make.
CU sindee (Germany)
Criminal Minds is a great show. My friend got me to watch and I love her for that. Makes me want to become a profiler myself. The cast is awesome and I hope there won't be any personnel changes for a long time. This is such a winning team & concept. So well written and acted. My respect to the producers, writers & actors (especially TG!).
Best regards :)
Why would you even think about messing up a top ten show is beyond me.
So this, don't touch any of the cast. If anyone is let go i will stop watching.
Abby
There's nothing wrong with change, but please don't change just for the sake of change and think carefully about it, kay?
Thanks. I love criminal Minds and it's better than 99% of the other shows on TV. Please don't kill what makes it great - the writers and actors!
Good shows that do well in the ratings are rare things so why would you change CM? Losing writers was bad, losing actors would be even worse. I hope this will not happen. If it does, I will have to start looking for something else to watch on Wednesday night.
Thanks,
Yaz
I watch Criminal Minds every week. I love this show along with many other people who love it too. The show is amazing and I dont see why you fired 5 writers and are thinking about firing an actor too. Think about what you are doing!! Nothing is wrong with the show so you should leave it alone. Thanks,
Danielle
CBS/Mr Bernero,
You have a winning thing going on here with CM. Great show, only one worth tuning into each week. But I'm not a very patient guy and after the bone-headed move of letting go of key writers, you're threatening to do the same with the cast? Seriously, what are you smoking? Remove a single cast member and I'm out the door.
Pete
Because we've had a few comments in-between and we know how short-termist you seem to be, here's a reminder:
Thomas
Joe
Paget
Matthew
Kirsten
AJ
Shemar
The fans have spoken, bring them all back for Season5!
CM has reached a cross-roads. One path leads to distruction, the other to continued success. The firing of the writers got us a few steps the wrong way... Please don't let us sink. Save the actors and let CM continue to kick butt in the ratings. That or you'll see me (and by the sounds of it, many others) going off in a different direction.
Kevin
(Michigan)
Dear Ms. Nina Tassler,
I'm sure you have your reasons for firing five of the links holding the Criminal Minds writing foundation together. However, whatever your reasons are, I must say that I politely disagree with them. I think that to be a team - a family - you need everyone, and sans five of these important, significant people simply will not do.
It has also come to my attention that CBS has been letting some of their actors go. I have to tell you that seeing any of the BAU leaving us will absolutely break my heart. I love those people as if they were my very own family, and I am positive that should they leave me, I could not handle it. You wouldn't honestly let these people become such a huge part of our lives, only to turn around and take them away, would you? I truly hope not.
Whatever your reasons may be, Ms. Tassler, I do hope you can take all of our opinions into consideration concerning any further decisions about Criminal Minds. We are the fans, and we are just as important as the rest of you. Our opinions deserve to be heard and acknowledged.
Please and Thank You,
- Jennifer
wow I have read all the 280+ comments and everyone is pretty much saying the same thing, getting some writers off was a bad choice. Removing some of the cast
would be another one, one that would drove fans away from CM and your network Ms. Tassler. If I was one I would listen.
Count me in the numbers of fans that would stop watching if some of the cast were not back for season 5.
Claire
NY
Dear Nina Tassler,
Criminal Minds is by far the best show on television because of excellent writing and an awesome cast .Stop firing more good writers and don´t touch the main actors.
If you have to cut costs cut them from the famous guest stars. I don´t watch the show because of them.
I watch Criminal Minds because of Shemar Moore, Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, Padget Brewster, A.J. Cook and Kirsten Vangsness. Don´t change a winning team!!!
A concerned fan from Germany
Thomas, Joe, Paget, Matthew, Kirsten, AJ, Shemar are the reason I tune in every week. They are great actors and play their profiler roles so well. They make a fantastic team and it shows that they work well together on the set. I have nothing but respect for the writers of CM who don't get much of the spot-light. They have contributed much to the success of CM. There's finally a show that does the FBI and its devoted agents justice and now we have to worry about its future? Why? The show has great ratings, the approval of real agents, and the most loyal and devoted fan-base I've ever seen.
Please don't mess with a winning concept.
Thank you.
Dear Ms. Tassler,
The recent departure of 5 writers from Criminal Minds, for what appears to be purely economic reasons, is worrisome.
In these challenging economic times, cutting costs is understandable, but the tremendous success of Criminal Minds is due, in large part, to the fact that it is simply one of the best written show on television.
I have great faith that the remaining cast, crew and production staff will do their best to continue bringing a high quality product to air every week - this is a remarkable and gifted group of people whose creativity will know doubt rise to the challenge - but please consider the long term effects of so many departures on those who remain behind to take up the slack.
Hasty and drastic cutbacks nearly always backfire.
Sincerely,
Geishacat
A loyal and deeply concerned Criminal Minds fan
CM is (currently) such a fabulous show, not for the casual joy seeker, but for those who actually like to 'think' as they're entertained. Maybe that is why it gets so little respect from your station, Ms Tassler; it requires thought? I sincerely hope you think before you act again. Seven actors... we want them safe and sound in Season 5... Every last one of them. Enough is enough. Thank you.
Megan Thompson
No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No. No.No.
Why won't the madness stop spreading? These writers create some of the most memorable episodes that makes me love this show. Please find other means. Please.
I honestly do not watch much on TV, just not very impressed with much that is on. Criminal Minds is the exception for me. It is brilliantly written and the actors, ALL the actors are unmatched on TV.
It is so refreshing to see a group of actors interact so well and depend on each other the way the cast of Criminal Minds does.
I have watched this show from day 1 and was hooked immediately. I will continue to hope that the loss of 5 writers will not damage the quality show we have come to expect. The loss of any of the actors is not acceptable to me.
Please do not further damage this show by taking away any more of the cast or staff.
I'm a long time fan, I have watch the first episode and was hoping to watch until the show went off the air but if a cast member is fired at the end of the season then for me CM will end with season 4 finale.
CM is a great show that works because of the cast who play characters that I want to spend an hour with every week. Change any of them and that will not work anymore. Listen to all the fans who have spoken on this blog and don't make anymore cuts.
Samantha
(Seattle)
CBS/Ed Bernero,
My message is a short one, don't break the team. If you do you will ruin the show and that will be the start of the end for CM.
Roberta
To Nina Tassler,
Why break something that work well?
CM is work well with all the actors that are there now why would you want to change that?
I hope no actors will be fired,
Ann
from Atlanta
As a marketer, I'm finding it difficult to understand why you think that following up firings of writers with that of an actor will help you? Surely you remember that it costs more to recruit new fans than to maintain the old ones? We don't ask for much... just a well written, superbly acted, genuine show. Please don't crack the formula further; bring all the characters back for a fifth year (especially your star TG)... the chemistry between them all is priceless. Respectfully yours,
Peg Hultin
leave our show alone, we have the best actors, this show consistently hits the top ten despite lack of advertizing or promotion so it just proves how awesome it is, if you remove any actors you will lose that following...
To CBS,
Leave our show alone! Don't make any changes, don't fire any of the actors. When season 5 starts we want Hotch, Reid, Emily, Garcia, JJ, Morgan and Rossi back!
Cait
This show is truly the only TV I watch all week, because it has such a wonderful cast, please don't do anything to change this wonderful dynamic that produces such a quality show. They have consistently given you excellent results, yes times are hard, but it is temporary and there is such a thing as loyalty, it's your turn to prove your worth.......the Celt
I'm disappointed by the firing of five writers especially one writer who wrote Hotch so perfectly! PLEASE CBS/Nina Tassler don't take away the actors too! This cast/characters are a family! And you don't screw over families because if you do, who needs enemies?!The betrayer is right in front of them! PLEASE reconsider your actions over the writers and please reconsider the future choices you are about to make! I really don't understand the business decisions these days. You dudes and dudettes get off your high horses and do something right for a change. ALSO while you are at it: accept a pay-freeze, you guys make too much money over there anyway!
Nina Tassler,
I would like to draw your attention to one of the huge parts of Criminal Minds, which makes it a great show: the actors and actresses who play the seven core cast members.
I say seven "core" cast members, because that is what they are. Thomas Gibson plays Aaron Hotchner, and he is the boss and a beloved character, but he is not the face of the show on his own. This is not like other shows, with a lead who is the only unexpendable character on the show. Aaron Hotchner is a part of a team; a team that we fans love to tune in to watch every week without fail, whether it is a new episode or a rerun. We buy the DVDs and sign up for message boards because of this team. Aaron Hotchner, David Rossi, Emily Prentiss, JJ Jareau, Derek Morgan, Spencer Reid, and Penelope Garcia. Those are their names, and NONE of them are expendable! They are a team on the show, and they function as such. On a great team, each member has a part to play, and without that member the team would not function. This is such a case.
Serial killers, gore, blood and guts; these things are not, in the end, the reason we watch the show. It is the team that keeps us coming back, and the solid production and writing. The family makes us feel like a part of the show, a part of the fight against evil.
Without this family, there is no Criminal Minds. Therefore, it is blatantly obvious that without a member of the cast, there is no show! The cast of Criminal Minds mesh so well on screen because they mesh so well off screen. Like the BAU, the characters they play on screen, they function like a well-oiled machine; a team. Without one, all of them are off-kilter and they do not work so well as they once did.
They are brilliant actors and actresses, and they take the magnificent writing they are given and make it even better.
Thomas Gibson. Joe Mantegna. Shemar Moore. Paget Brewster. Matthew Gray Gubler. AJ Cook. Kirsten Vangsness.
These are the actors and actresses who perform for you every week. They bring us, the fans, back, time after time. Alone, they are still wonderful as performers. But on Criminal Minds, individually, they do not make the show. The unique, brilliant, awesome show that is Criminal Minds is all of these things because all of these actors perform together as a TEAM. Not apart. Not alone. Together. You remove one of them, you break the chemistry and the family. You break the chemistry, you break the family, and you no longer have viewers. No viewers, no cash coming in.
Criminal Minds is a consistent and dependable ratings winner. It is a winning formula, as so many people have said before me. A winning formula should not be messed with! Look at the ratings; they keep going up. If you keep all the actors, and bring back our writers, then those ratings should continue to go up! This show can and will go the distance, but not if you keep messing with it. So stop messing around! Please, please, please stop messing around with it.
Cut costs elsewhere; look at the people with the biggest salaries. They probably earn millions more than the five writers Criminal Minds lost this last week! Would you rather some a bit of cash now by firing actors and writers, or would you rather earn huge profits in the future when Criminal Minds goes the distance, and all of us fans rush out every year to buy the new season on DVD?! Because we will buy it on DVD - we DO buy it on DVD. And then we make our friends watch the DVDs, who get hooked, and end up buying the DVDs themselves and then watching the new season on TV! But without the entire cast, the team, without those writers, you have nothing, and we will refuse to buy something that is subpar.
Please, do not undermine this show. It has the potential to be a great money maker for you, and many more years of enjoyment for us. Why mess with a good thing?!
Helen
Dear CBS & Nina Tassler,
As a Fan of Criminal Minds from Day one, It Sadden My Heart to Hear that CBS Let Go 5 Amazing Writers and And now are thinking of Cut one of it's Cast Members.
Tell me of those Cast Members who would you let go?? I tell you NONE of them and you know why because they are Very Talent and Amazing Actors and each of them bring something special to this Show.
To lose one of them would be a great loss to this show. What truly amazes me about this show is how well it is written and how well casted it is. There is not another Show out there like Criminal Minds.
And if you will not Support and Fight for this Show Trust me - The fans Will. As you have already seen by the many posts - We are a dedicated Group. We love our Criminal Minds and all we are asking you to do - Is to Fight and Support this show like you do the others on your Network!!
Sincerely,
A dedicated Criminal Minds Fan
Ms Tassler, you cannot possibly ignore the pleas of the hundreds of fans who have asked you to leave our show alone, it is a stand alone that has done incredibly well with little or no promotion, all due to the incredible cast and writers of this amazing show.........PLEASE do not even think of cutting one of the cast, it is bad enough that we have already lost some of our brilliant writers........this is literally the only TV show I watch all week, because it has maintained it's high quality.........if you remove one domino, you will see it fall apart and to what purpose?.... when there are so many dreadful shows that you could cut and save your budget.........these hard times will soon be gone, but if you remove one of the actors or diminish this show any more than you have done, you will never return from that..........please don't even go there.........I am a Federal Agent, and this is the most true to life series I have seen............not over the top, just bang on............I have to remain anonymous but for those on the blog who know me.......the Celt
There's a great deal of hassle amongst the fans of Criminal Minds in the news that several great writers have been sacked from the crew, and that several actors are lined up for the same fate. And the question they all keep asking is, why fix was isn't broken? This is well put, despite its overuse in these comments. The ratings for the show are seemingly fantastic, as audience responses are positive and emphatic. The fans, upon hearing of the discarded writers, prepared themselves for maybe a different perspective on the storyline, but when it comes to the actors, it is a touchy subject. In a plea of logic, it seems that, from this fan's perspective, money will be lost from lost viewers and enraged fans if any more big losses occur. There is something unique about this show that it cannot afford to be taken off the air. In lieu of many criminology based shows, Criminal Minds brings something original and emotional to the characters and story that personally touches the audience, and shifting the cast will be the last straw for already aggrivated audiences. We protest this news only because we wish for the continuence of the show's success. Slashing costs is understandable, but from the other side of the screen, this appears to be taking it too far. The occurence of this news in the midst of a season that has concentrated on the humanity of the characters, associated heavily with the actors, makes this a disabling situation. The satiating response would be to cut other costs... the cornerstones of the show are not negotiable.
Nina Tassler,
I don't even know how you can consider cutting anyone from this show, actor or writer. They all work so well together, and the show is doing awesomely. Making any changes is a mistake, and I think alot of people would even stop watching if things change to dramatically.
There has to be other things that you can do to reduce the costs of the show, yes? I just don't think getting rid of people is the right anwser.
-Jeanne
PLEASE Nina! Keep our actors and BRING BACK THE WRITERS! Without the actors, writers, crew etc, there will be nothing! Doesn't creativity mean ANYTHING to you??
Do hope that you won't kill the patient with the cost-cutting. I'm an avid entertainment consumer and I really love "Criminal Minds". It's got the holy trinity of great cast, interesting story lines and well-written episodes. Please don't fall into the classic Hollywood trap of thinking that the writers are the least important part of the process. A poor script is worse than no script. See the tragic downfall of NBC's "Heroes" for a current real-life example of a show that went from must-watch to unwatchable in the blink of an eye. You also have a terrific and engaging cast. The loss of any one of them would be devastating. Please don't ruin one of the few shows left out there for the adults in the viewing audience who appreciate serious subject matter, well presented.
Criminal Minds is the highlight of my week. I watch very little other TV. It works well how it is.
Please don't destroy my favourite show.
Dear Nina Tassler!
I love to watch Criminal Minds,because it's different,then the other series.The writers gave soul to this show!I don't know how is gonna be without them,but I already knows,you can't change souls.You can only lose it...
I don't think ,this was the only way to cut costs.There are so many ways...Why can't you try something other to cut funds?
Please,think it all over again,and you'll see,there are so many things,that you can cut some funds in it,and you 'll not lose.With this decision you can only lose funds,fans and other things...
Sincerely:
JAM from Serbia ,CM fan!
Ms Nina Tassler,
Criminal Minds is the best and most intelligent show on television. By cutting the costs of the show, firing writers and maybe even writers you're making the biggest mistake of all.
The cast and crew of Criminal Minds are an incredible bunch and they work so well together. The great scripts are brought to live by the great actors and if you take either of the binding factors away, you stand to lose a lot.
Personally I still cannot believe that a very talented writer like Andrew Wilder was let go. He has written so many wonderful episodes and his episodes truly represent the essence of Criminal Minds to me. It is still a shock to know that he is not coming back next season.
In that light I do think that letting more people go, especially the cast, will be the biggest mistake ever. The current cast has overcome and has to overcome so many changes that a casting change on top of the downsized writers staff, will have a devastating effect.
Let's give the show a chance and keep it intact. Maybe even get Andrew Wilder back, but do not change a winning formula.
This fan will have a hard time not watching the show, but I'd rather watch the latest news than a good show go down fighting, because the cast and crew will always make the best of it!!
And of course I meant: and maybe even actors ... in my previous post. Unfortunately I cannot change it.
Why bring changes when everything is in perfect order? Why try to save a few dollars when it will lead to losing not only fans but also revenues... CM is what it is because there is a wonderful team working to keep it wonderful, dropping off members will hardly improve the outcome, now, will it? We should be able to preserve that which is worth saving while the world is crumbling down all around us.
The little value and pleasure we find in life should be the main concern - efforts eventually pay off - that's what I've found out after 29 years of living.
Loosing writers is sad and disappointing enough, but loosing actors would mean loosing the 'Criminal Minds', one mind at a time...
Ms. Tassler,
as fans we often refer to writers/producers/networks etc. as The Powers That Be, or TPTB for short.
I realize this must be a trying time for you, but I would ask you to consider that with great power comes great responsibility. As CBS Entertainment President you undeniably have great powers over us, thousands of CM fans all over the globe. It wouldn't be out of line for you to feel some sense of responsibility towards us as well.
regards,
Tina,
Norway
i have been a criminal minds fan since the very beginning, i love the show just as it is! please dont change a thing!
Criminal Minds had lost 5 great writers which will have drastic effect on the future of the show. Please do not make CM lose anymore valuable cast and crew. The team should not be torn apart, yet again, it will be very tormenting on all of them!
Can CBS look at other TV shows or programmes instead of Criminal Minds?
They better not change Criminal Minds, because I love how it is right now, and i don't want it to change.
I don't know what made me watch Criminal Minds in the first place, but I have never looked back since and was appalled and gobsmacked with the cutting of the writers to this fabulous show. I used to follow the 3 CSI's but not anymore since CM started airing.
My whole family watches Criminal Minds without fail and was depressed with the current cutbacks. It will definitely affect the quality of such a quality show.
My sister introduced me to Criminal Minds and I was blown away with the magnificent storyline of the show. I was so shocked to learn about the firing of the writers, and one of the top writers of a programme which is bringing in the ratings week after week. It does not make sense.
Why Criminal Minds? And not other low ranking shows on CBS? The person doing this exercise uses what criteria?
Simply cannot believe what I have just read!! First you are letting five writers go - and Andrew Wilder is one of them - and now there is talk about an actor getting the ax. A big big mistake, if you ask me.
I love Criminal Minds. It has grown on me so much that I even respond to a blog, which I normally never do. Friends and family are watching Criminal Minds as well and we have these great discussions afterwards, but for how long is the question?
Making changes to Criminal Minds seems to be totally illogical and irrational. The show has never before been so popular and outranks several other CBS-shows by far. Other CBS-shows are slipping in ratings and quality and it seems unfair that Criminal Minds has to pay the ultimate price for it.
Losing the writers was already unbelievable and devastating news, but losing an actor of the great cast will be the end. It will undoubtedly be the beginning of the end, that's the conclusion of our Criminal Minds group in Minneapolis.
Please do not make any more changes (to the cast) and preferably rehire Andrew Wilder!
To Ms. Tassler,
I'm not much of television shows person, but Criminal Minds has changed me. Although I've found this show quite late since I've only started on Season 3, just two episodes of CM (I bought the DVDs after), I realised that Criminal Minds is not just some tv show, not just some crime procedural show. The characters casted, the stories have reached out to me... have shown me the different perspectives of life. I've smiled, cried, laughed, sobbed, felt troubled, felt touched watching this show. The team is the best of the best set of members I have ever, ever seen. I love everyone of each characters. The chemistry, the emotions, the connections, that special connections each of them has to contribute to this team is amazing. They each represent a real-life person in the society.
The show's successes (includes a strong and active fanbase) could not have been possible if not for the amazing team of writers, the actors & actresses who put their heart and soul to bring life to their characters, the wonderful crew members who worked really hard and sweated it all out. I'm therefore deeply saddened by the news that 5 wonderful, talented writers have been axed this week. I've also heard that one of the actors/actresses will be out by the end of this season 4. I know all this decisions are difficult and that none of you (the management) want this to happen. The present is awesome. We fans all this show very much and we're all very worried about the future of CM because of all this bad news. Please do not change.
Thank you very much for reading this. The fans and viewers will be all really appreciate if all these can be avoided. We wish all the best for CM and its future and the team.
Regards,
Kaiying
A hopeful CM fan from Singapore
Your actions are breaking our hearts!!!
I have been an avid viewer of Criminal Minds since the first episode and has not missed one yet. I am extremely upset of what has happened to the shows writers and to add insult to injury now Im hearing that one of the actors may have to leave. Extremely furious at what is happening. How can you destroy the best show on your station. It's the only reason I watch TV. PLEASE STOP!!!! You have other boring sgows that no one watches and your destroying the best sgow on your station. Help me understant that.. Signed, Ticked Off
Criminal Minds is an incredible show.
DON'T CHANGE IT!!!!!!
Jennifer
Tennessee
Criminal Minds is a wonderful show, with talented writers, and the some of the best actors in the business!
Please don't do anything crazy Nina!!
Shirley J.
Georgia
My roommate and I love this show! My roomie loves Matthew, and I love Shemar, but we can't help but be intrigued by all the incredible talent and writing.
Please don't fix something that's not broken!!
Danielle S
TN
Ms. Tassler,
while reading all these messages from other fans I was reminded of some things that are not new to me, but might be surprising news to you:
A lot of the Criminal Minds fans are intelligent and well-educated people. This often translates into decently paid jobs which lend them the buying power to purchase the products advertised during the commercial breaks of the show.
This is furthered by the fact that the Criminal Minds fandom is not a particularly young one. You come across an amazingly high proportion of middle-aged people in this fandom. These people already have accomplished something in their lives. They have lives outside Criminal Minds, they carefully choose on what they spend their time and their financial resources on, they are self-confident and quality-conscious. These characteristics should make them a desirable target group for the advertisements airing during the commercial breaks of Criminal Minds. Unfortunately for you, these characteristics also make them more likely to spend their time and money on other activities than watching TV once their demand for high quality standards isn’t met anymore which might easily happen with your current cost saving strategy.
Last not least, a lot of the Criminal Minds fans are female, and often it’s the women who make the everyday consumer decisions for their households, not only for themselves. So losing one viewer might translate into losing more than one consumer.
I just thought this information might help you make future decisions.
Shadow
Ms. Tassler: Criminal Minds is one of the best TV shows there is. While I understand the need for cost cutting measures and fiscal responsibility, cutting some of the best writers this show has and the thought of cutting some of the cast may end up costing you more then you would save. You will be putting the show at risk and how much further ahead would you be with a canceled show? Please reconsider these actions and any further actions that would be harmful to the show. Thank you, a concerned Criminal Minds fan.
I love this show and it's cast. It makes me incredibly sad that five incredible writers recently lost their jobs, and it's concerning already that it might affect the quality of the episodes. I had assured myself that it wouldn't because we have an incredible cast that could probably make even drek like Twilight read like Shakespeare (Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but you get my point.)
However, if one or more members of the cast is lost, that leave me a lot less hopeful for the coming seasons. Everyone on the cast works wonderfully together, and each member of the BAU team serves a function that the others don't. It wouldn't be the same show with even one of them missing.
Please don't cut the cast. In the long run, it will only hurt the show and its viewership.
JD
Dear Nina Tassler,
There's an old saying that
goes: "If it's not broken,
don't fix it"! Or maybe you
haven't heard that before.
I can tell you, that i have
been a loyal fan and follower
of Criminal Minds since its
inception back in 2005. This
show, has been in the top 10
for ratings, for months, and
to fire writers from this show,
is implorable. I understand,
that during this rough time,
cuts have to be made, but why
do it to a show, that is doing
so remarkably well, and keeps
growing in numbers on a weekly
basis? Why not cut on those
shows that are showing declining
numbers instead?
Why lay off writers and actors
that continue to make this the
greatest show ever to grace the
tv screen?
By laying off the writers of
this most awesome show, you are
changing the winning formula
and we don't want to change
the winning formula of this
fantastic show.
Criminal Minds is the show
that it is, because of the
writers it has working for
them.
Please, don't make any more
changes to our beloved, most
watched show on tv.
We here on the Criminal Minds
Fanatic board love all our
writers; cast; and crew and
all those that make it possible
for Criminal Minds to air every
Wednesday night. So please, no
more changes!!!!!
A Worried Criminal Minds Fanatic
Jackie Casey
Ms. Tassler,
Fire one actor and I will stop watching the show immediately! I am most partial to Thomas Gibson/Hotch but even if you fire one of the others I WILL STOP WATCHING!
Why would you mess up a good thing on CBS. Who is in charge over there? First you all fire the writers on Criminal Minds and then you (cbs) canceled Guiding light. You make to many changes and you will be out in the cold.
CBS and ABC could give a damn about us. We get that Ms. Tassler but you answer to shareholders and you depend on ad buys and we can do something about both of those things.
The writers and actors are the heart and soul of the show and you just made a bad mistake. Don't compound it by making a stupid business decision and firing an actor.
Please leave this show as it is. We need something that we can enjoy during these bad times.
Please figure out some other ways to cut costs.
I think if you start firing actors, you're gonna lose a whole lot of viewers.
I love Criminal Minds, it's one of very few shows that I love these days and if it changed, I would be very sad.
Please don't get rid of anyone!
Dear Nina,
I've been made aware of the firing of some of the Criminal Minds writers and have heard the rumors that some of the actors may be getting fired as well. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?? You are going to ruin a wonderful show. My teenage children and I watch (& DVR) every episode, and enjoy watching the reruns almost as much as we enjoyed them the first time. This is crazy, you're are going to wreck something that is running wonderfully and growing in fan base on a weekly basis. PLEASE STOP THIS MADNESS!!!
I am trying to find the logic.... you have fuel (excellent writers) , you have an ignition source (amazing actors), and you have a raging fire of a success...... but you want to snuff it out because..... why?
I am still struggling with the whole concept of destroying a hit drama = making money?
Take away anymore of our family, and I go with them... and I will take everyone who will listen with me.
You thought people were p*ssed about Jericho? You ain't seen nothing yet.
I live in Costa Rica and my friends and I love CM. It is a very different and smart show, there is not one like it right now in TV. We would like it to keep its great standards up, we know there were writers who were let go and we are concerned about that but PLEASE do not change the cast. The actors and actresses have a great chemistry that make the BAU team believable. We love our Hotch! and Reid too!
Dear Nina Tassler,
The news that one of the actors will be fired is even worse than all the other terrible news you've dropped on the cast, crew and the fans. It's unbelievable that this fantastic show is being sacrificed and to no avail I might add. Just poor decisions.
Losing the greatest character of all, the character that holds the team together, portrayed by an incredibly talented actor is unforgivable and I will certainly draw my conclusions from this.
Losing this character, and yes I'm talking about Aaron Hotchner (portrayed by Thomas Gibson), will have a disastrous effect on the show. It will never be the same and the show will most likely never recover from the loss. And no, it can't be compared to the leaving Jason Gideon. Just check out the CM fanatics board for the reasons why.
The show is still not getting the appreciation it clearly deserves - with 14 million weekly viewers - and the fans are being ignored. And we're not talking about the average fans of several other fandoms, with all due respect.
It will be a bad call to fire Thomas Gibson or any other cast member for that matter. If any of the cast members, and especially Thomas Gibson, doesn't return next season, I will not only not be watching Criminal Minds anymore, but I will not watch any of the CBS shows anymore. That's how strongly I feel about it.
Do not fire any of the actors, if you want to profit from the best show on television.
Dear Mrs Tassler, please don't make another mistake. It was such a big mistake to fire five beloved authors of Criminal minds! They're the heart of this show. Please don't start firing actors, too. We, the fans, can't live without Thomas Gibson and his team! This team is so wonderful, please don't break it.
Yours faithfully
Abby (from NY)
I hope you can see how popular this great show is all over the world? Maybe that will help you to think carefully before allowing any more staff cuts. If any of the actors go, but most specifically your show's heart, Mr. Gibson, please consider me to be an ex-viewer of not only CM, but of your station.
Thank you.
I cannot believe this madness, Ms. Tassler! First writers and now actors? Please understand that our viewing time should not be taken lightly; we CHOOSE to watch CM. Should any of the actors go, it will no longer be the same. If Thomas Gibson, my fav, departs, I'll be looking to another network that shows its staff more respect. No threat, just a promise.
Dear Nina Tassler,
There are so many reasons I could give you to why the changes you have been making are wrong, but I think there is only one that is important - the show is a hit, and my cutting any cast and crew that worked hard on making the show the hit that it is, will be completely and utterly determentail to it's success. So then will everyone be? People will be out of jobs, and you'll have a failing show. NOT GOOD FOR BUSINESS!
Cuts might need to be made, but if you take away from what the show really is, you will be losing a whole lot more than the writters!
Michaela
(England)
Ms. Tassler,
Criminal Minds is my favorite program. If you are considering on getting rid of any actors, I beg you to reconsider. My favorite is Thomas Gibson, I can't imagin CM without him or any of the others. I assure you if Thomas Gibson leaves CM, I will no longer watch. Please leave the cast alone. The show has constantly been in the top 10. If you elimenate a character, it will drop in ratings.
Thanks for your time,
Lizp
Phoenix, AZ
There are a few shows that I watch every week, but the one that I do not miss is Criminal Minds. I can't stand the gross parts, but that is not why I watch. I watch because of the stories and the team.
I am very concerned for the stories because of the five writers being released. Mr. Wilder has written my favorite episodes...please reconsider his status. The writers are the voice.
Now for the team... there are seven core actors that work well together and create a team that I have never witnessed on a show before. Each one brings something special to the screen. Please do not cut any of them: Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, Paget Brewster, AJ Cook, Joe Mantegna and Shemar Moore. The actors are the soul...Please no more cuts!
I know the economy is struggling right now however you do have a very high rated show on your hands right now. The industries job is to entertain... let them continue doing their jobs.
I honestly have no problem turning off my TV if this show is damaged anymore.
A Graham
North Carolina
How can you fire any of these talented writers or actors? This is one of the best shows on TV. I've been watching since day 1 and never miss it!!!!! Please dont even think about it.
Dear Nina Tassler,
wasting a show that works is a weird way to face the crisis, don't you think?
I will stop to watch the show if one of the actors is not coming back next season.
I'd like to add my voice that I believe it would be a bad decision to let any cast member go. The rationale may be that the show survived two other cast changes. But, let me counter that. First, a lot of people watch the show largely because of the team. It's of equal, if not more importance than the murder of the week. Which means each change to the fabric of the cast is harder and harder on the quality. Don't think that just because it's worked before that it can keep working. At some point it becomes too much. You can't know that this wouldn't be that point. Second, is the difference in why a change might be happening. It effects people's desire to watch if they feel someone is being let go not because of of the story line or because the actor has decided to move on, but because they're victims of cuts. If people feel an actor is being unfairly treated, that could very well effect their ability to view the show in the same light. If people no longer enjoy something, many of them stop watching.
We're not at the point where we have to decide how the show will work without one of its current stars. No one has been let go, as far as I know. Do we really want to get to that point? I know I don't. You're already at the point where you have to try and keep the quality up without the use of 5 talented writers. Should you add the pressure of needing to make up for the loss of an actor? Again? It doesn't seem like a sound decision. Why make trouble that could be avoided?
am so sad that the brilliant writers are leaving. I cannot understand how the decision was taken, as for example Andrew and Deb are the one who wrote the favorite episodes of so many of us fans.
I can understand the economical fact, that is something that is a problem all over the world and in all business but I really cannot understand how you can change a winning team in this time of crisis. The writers that have been cut in my opinion are a guarantee of good episodes and that means a guarantee for a lot of viewers and that means money.
As one of the moderators of the cmf board I see the sadness of the fanatics and the fear of losing cm. We all love this show, we became like a big family just like the cm crew. We all are afraid of losing that I guess.
So please don't make more changes like that and perhaps you can give a statement why those writers were let go?
lilly aka morticia_addams
-moderator on cmf board_
from germany
Ms. Tassler!
1. Firing five writers PLUS
2. Leaked articles about Thomas Gibson PLUS
3. CBS/ABC greed
EQUALS that you are not done cleaning house.
We're not stupid and we won't take this sitting down.
To the tune of "Jolene"
CBS, CBS, CBS, CBS
I'm begging of you please don't kill my show
CBS, CBS, CBS, CBS
Please remember that the fans will go
Others have their choice of men
But I could never love again
CM's the only one for me, Nina
I have to have this talk with you
My happiness depends on you
And whatever you decide to do, Nina
Ben
Dear Mrs. Tassler,
I would love for you to speak up and explain to me exactly what were you thinking when you dared to even consider letting the brilliancy and stability that is Thomas Gibson go from this staff?
Remember how desperate you were when Mandy Patinkin left? Well, now you have a real reason to be concerned. Because this time it will be your doing, and unlike last time, the support you got was deserved.
Criminal Minds survived that abrupt deserting, it stands firm ground against American Idol, does great during reruns, was the first show back after the Writer’s Strike, and that all despise your complete lack of promotion of it. Is that not enough for you? Or is it too much? Is the show too good, too intelligent, too stable, that you feel the need to interfere and try to damage it being repair? What is it that your are trying to achieve with one bad decision after the other?
Mrs. Tassler, this is an adult, professional and very outspoken fandom here. A fandom who is not afraid to show you how much we appreciate this show, despise you failing to show any interest in it and its audience. Letting anyone else, either CAST, writers, crew or production staff go from now on will certainly (and I’m attesting to this) not only cause permanently damage the quality of the show, but anger and with that lose your audience for good.
Amelia L.
Red Bank, NJ
Who currently watches CRIMINAL MINDS, How I Met Your Mother, The Bing Bang Theory and The Mentalist, but who is here to say that won’t watch any of those anymore, NO exceptions, if any other negative actions is taken against her favorite show, CRIMINAL MINDS.
Say it would be ridiculous to get rid of the actors especially Thomas Gibson, cause that would destroy the show COMPLETELY...the firing of the 5 writers is an outrage! cmon ppl!
Dear Nina Tassler,
Thomas Gibson, Joe Mantegna, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler, AJ Cook and Kirsten Vangsness. Those are the 7 people who must remain with the show next season in order for me to remain a fan. This is non-negotiable. I'm willing to abandon your entire station because of this. Because even though Criminal Minds is not the only show I watch on your network, it's the main reason I started to watch your network. And it will be all that it takes for me to reattribute the appreciation you are showing your audience nowadays and leave you for good.
I would think long before causing this much damage and alienating the total of 14 million people in these hard times we are all going through.
Cassandra - NY
Dear Mrs. Nina Tassler,
I think enough was done to hurt this “little show” that brings your station 14 million people weekly, don’t you think? What else do you think you can do to damage this show? Oh, I see, now you want one of the key actors fired.
Let me ask you this, how often does a success like Criminal Minds happens? How often does a show do so good even without the network backing it up? How much do you think it will take your audience to abandon you when you show these much times that you do not care for it?
If Mr. Gibson do not stay with the show, I won’t either. And if anything else is done to further damage this show, I will think long and hard before switching to your station ever again.
Claudia
Ohio
Nothing that I might say has not already been said, but I would ask a question.
What are you thinking?
While you claim that tv is a business, you don't treat it like one. In most jobs you lose your job by poor or lackluster performance. Why are the people with the best performance being let go or are under the chopping block?
This one will be for the textbooks. Under the chapter of "how to flush a top ten show down the commode in two easy weeks". Not a chapter I would want to be known for.
Keep the actors and at least keep the few special and seasoned writers that you still have. Otherwise that chapter is being written as we speak.
There is absolutely no way this can happen. That cast is amazing, they work so well together to bring all the stories to life, taking one away by force will have such an adverse affect. It's the best show on television, if you fire anyone you'll be killing the show.
Ms. Tassler,
I think it is a shame that Criminal Minds has already lost some of it's best writing talent. It would be the end of the road for the show if it were to lose a team member as well. I know it would certainly be the end of me watching CBS.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline
Ms. Tassler
I can hear the wheels turning in your head now. "These online people represent only a small number of individuals who are viewers of the show."
Extrapolate this:
The online community may appear to be be small but every single one of us who have promoted the show has a sizeable network friends and family who began watching because of our referral... and who would just as easily stop watching if major changes were made that affect the quality of the show. Many of these are in your "preferred" demographic!
If you make more changes for the bottom line only, you will see a marked decrease in overall viewers, not just the old folks you seem to loathe.
Rumors on the internet are usually based in truth so I hope there is no truth to the latest one that you intend to get rid of an actor. If you do, we will lose but you will too.
I hope you are listening.
I simply cannot understand why CBS would want to change the winning combination that CM is in the slightest way. Letting 5 writers go? What were you thinking? It's an abomination. As if that's not bad enough, I have seen on the net that you are considering doing away with a cast member as well. I certainly hope not. I would reconsider that decision if I were CBS. It will only cost you viewers and ratings. You HAD a great show and now you are messing it up. I'm afraid I will no longer be able to watch my favourite show if this madness continues.
Kathy Taylor
Rock Hill, SC
Having recently rewatched "No Way Out Part II: The Evilution of Frank", from season one of Criminal Minds (on the DVDs I went out and bought because I love this show and want to support it and watch it over and over again), I just want to draw your attention to a specific quote:
"I stand by my team, and if you think that you can find a better person for the job, good luck."
This is said by Aaron Hotchner when Erin Strauss is suggesting that he cannot do his job effectively anymore. This quote perfectly relates to the situation we have found ourselves in. If you think you can find a better person for the job of leading this cast than Thomas Gibson, then good luck. It ain't gonna happen.
When it comes down to it, each cast member fits the bill. You think you'll find better people for their jobs? You think they are expendable? Good luck. You'll need it.
Helen
Dear Nina Tassler,
the writers and the actors are what MAKES a tv show - letting part of an established team go equals up to taking out most of the walls of a house and foolishly hope the roof will stay up nevertheless.
With concerned wishes,
cedricsowner, a CM fan from Germany
To CBS and Nina Tassler,
How can you even consider to let go of some of the cast of a show that is a top ten show??? The cast are the reason why we watch, not the cases, unsubs or the gore. We come back week after week to see what will happen to Hotchner,Reid, JJ, Prentiss, Morgan Garcia and Rossi.
Do not let go of anyone. If you do i will not longer watch Criminal Minds. Thank you.
Britney
SC
Nina Tassler,
I can't believe you're actually considering tampering with Criminal minds. This show has such a great quality to it and has constant high ratings. It has a great cast and crew and a hugely devoted fanbase. I thought that would be the dream of any network. I'm amazed to discover that it apparently isn't yours. A top ten show with loyal fans and great ratings is worth destroying in your opinion? I'm not sure what the resons behind your decisions are, but they surely can't be only economic ones. I just can't see the use of destroying a perfectly functional tv show for the sake of budget cuts. I hope you realise you're turning a very succesful money making show into quite the opposite. Many people have said it here before...This show doesn't need change, it's just perfect as it is. And if you think that you'll get away with the cuts and changes you'll make to the show, surely reading all these posts here will have changed your mind. The unanimous opinion is that this show is perfect as it is. I strongly share that opinion. So why would you risk ruining that? That is beyond my power of comprehension. This show has everything going for it. Strong ratings, despite very little promo, good demographics, a very dedicated fanbase, great cast, great crew. How anyone could even contemplate to break that? This is like cutting the branch from under your feet. It really is crazy. The firing of five writers alone can be a disaster for this show, but now that reports have surfaced that actors and more specifically Thomas Gibson could be in danger, it surely is the beginning of the end of Criminal Minds. This show needs the people that make it so successfull...actors, writers, directors. All of them are important. NONE of them are expandable. I can't picture this show without any of the cast memebers. And how you can even think of letting Thomas Gibson go...again it's beyond my understanding.
I just hope you will reconsider your decisions in time before you make a serious error in judgement and destroy the most wonderful show on TV right now. This is a huge misake and I guarantee that this will come back to haunt you. Please reconsider.
Criminal Minds Fan
Aniela
Hi, I'm using my girlfriend's account to post my own thoughts. I watch CM with her every week and although I pretend its a chore, it really isn't. Love the show, love the cast. But now you seem to be trying to sink it and that i just don't understand even though I work in business. Please leave all of the cast alone. We will stop watching if you cut ANY of them; we have other options.
Graham
Dear Nina,
Obviously as you can tell many devote Criminal Minds' Fans are protesting against the termination of one of our actors. We are still trying to get over the shock of loosing five amazing writers and the mere thought of loosing one actor and, with him/her one character that has found a place in our heart every Wednesday night, is just to much to bare. I understand that there has to be cuts, I myself am worried about how I'm going to pay for my education in these rough times, but to many of us and especially to me, this show provides and outlet to the stress of life. One hour a week with this awe-insipring team keeps me from driving up the wall and I seriously doubt I'm the only one since I'm the 367th comment.
And as many of my fellow Fanatics have pointed out, we are fearful that the show we know and love will become different than what we fell in love with from Episode One! I understand that sometimes you've got to let things go and I also understand that this is a business...you have to make money but at what cost? At what cost are those five writers and possible one actor expendable? Maybe it's the price of a strong, loyal fan base but I think something more could be at stake: The integrity of the show itself! I think that this next season could be interesting but I am afraid that Criminal Minds will lose it's integrity with the loss of those writers however with the loss of an actor and character Criminal Minds it isn't even an question.
Thank you for listening
Maddie
Great wrting is the core of a great show so I do not understand why budget cuts would be made in such an important area. I am convinced another reason why Criminal Minds stands apart from other shows & is not only consistently great but continues to grow in greatness is due to the close bond, talent & hard work of the cast & crew. Please leave the cast alone all of them are very important to the success of the show. Please do not ruin a great show. I have watched every episode, bought every box set, even pre-ordered for the first time ever. None of that is true of any other crime tv show.
I love and never miss CM. I am very upset with the loss of five great writers but I am even more worried (if that is possible) about the possibility of loosing a cast member, all of them are great but my favorite character is Hotch (TG is a wonderful actor), I can´t imagine the show without him. Keep this top ten show as it is, fans all over the world love it, do not change one more thing!
OMG PLEASE DONT GO MESSIN UP THE SHOW BY LETTING GO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF IT.....THE ACTORS.....MY GOD EVERYBODY LUVS THE SHOW JUST THE WAY IT IS....I KNOW COST PROBABLY DOES GET EXPENSIVE...BUT U'D B DEFEATIN THE PURPOSE OF UR ACHEIVEMENT BY USING THE SHOW TO DO IT..........IF TOO MUCH KEEPS CHANGING MANY PEOPLE WILL JUST QUIT WATCHING.....BECAUSE IT WILL NO LONGER B INTERESTING....
Ms. Tassler,
I really don't get why you feel the need to mess with a show that already has it all. Criminal Minds is one of the few shows I actually watch on a weekly basis. I admit, I almost gave up when Mandy Patankin left the show, but as a long time fan of his, I know how he can be and decided to give the show a chance (He was the reason I started watching actually) and found that I really enjoyed it.
With the economy going down the toilette still and life getting harder each day, one of the few things I do count on is being able to relax with those few shows I enjoy and feeling a little bit better about life in general.
Thanks for working to take that away from me in particular, and the loyal fan base in general.
Mess with what I like, and it won't be what I like any more and I will have to see if something else catches my attention in that time slot.
Please reconsider your actions on this matter for the good of those of use who pay the bills.... the consumers.
Sincerely,
James Baleno, Syracuse, NY
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." More than a proverb here, I'd say. If producers are so worried about cutting costs, why not move production to someplace cheaper? (I know for a fact the state of Michigan can cut them a pretty sweet deal...)
Seriously, though, firing talented writers and sacking actors who turn in knockout performances every week? Say it ain't so, or else we may lose yet another high-quality 'appointment' program for something far worse--mindless reality television (bleah!)
I think it's poor judgment to consider getting rid of any actor from the show. I can only assume that someone with the power to make the decisions has made a point of mentioning Thomas Gibson somewhere, which is why his name keeps getting singled out here. I don't want to downplay any of the actors or their importance to the show. This message could easily be concentrated on any of the others as individuals (and as a group, I say don't get rid of anyone). But, if there's a specific reason to think Mr. Gibson is in more danger than others, well, the focus will be on him. He's an instrumental part of the show. His acting is excellent and highly underrated. The character of Hotch is very difficult to play. The temptation is probably to overplay it, to add to it. Mr. Gibson doesn't. He stays true to the character. There's also the danger of underplaying the role. Again, he doesn't. He doesn't hit a false note. And, you wouldn't only lose a great actor but the character he plays. Characters are important. Including the ones in procedurals. Hotch is one of the most fascinating multifaceted characters. Characters make for good tv.
Again, please don't think talking about him has anything to do with being fine with another cast member leaving. It's just that if you are concentrating on him, then so will I. Please keep Mr. Gibson and the rest of the cast of this show.
Angela
Tought econnomic time, we all know that you need to save money but why cut people on one of your most successful show? Don't cut the cast of Criminal Minds, no one should go, we love the show as it is. Changing a winning formula will only bring bad ratings which mean less money.
Patrick
NB Canada
It concerns me that you have let go 5 writers, all of whom are so amazingly talented.
It also concerns me that there's a rumor going around that some actors may also be let go.
Surely, there are other (better!) ways to cut costs.
Criminal Minds has great ratings and a very devoted following of fans. Is it really a good idea to risk those things?
My mother told me that if I couldn't say anything nice, then I shouldn't say anything at all...
Ok, I don't feel any better. Please respect the fans' opinion and have ALL actors back for next season. My own bias is TG's character, and if he isn't there, I will not be either. Cheers.
To Nina Tassler,
Only tv show that I watch is Criminal Minds and you are destroying it. First some of the best writers were let go and now you want to cut one of the actors?
What are you trying to do Ms. Tassler, killing CM? If so well you are doing a splendid job!
If ANY of the actors are let go and especially the actor who pla my favorite character Aaron Hotchner, then I will stop watching CM, this member of the 18-34 demographic will watch cable instead!
Think about that before cutting someone on CM.
Marcy Doyle
San Diego
Ms. Tassler, Even if you decide against firing one of the actors (of course, then why are you spinning him to the media as a raving lunatic) you still fired five writers. That is a big number. Cutting the budget? Or is this payback for the WGA strike?
I’m really, really worried, because I don’t think you understand how serious your recent actions are, nor do I think you can measure the consequences of them.
There are 7 actors in this show, not one of them is expandable, especially the team leader.
Have you ever watched this show? I think that you should, just so you can have the slightest idea of what you are about to do, and lose.
We are 14 million people here, plus the fans who don’t have Nielsen’s but buy DVDs, support and anything else we do in spite of your insistence in ignoring and not promoting this show.
I will not watch the show anymore if any actor is let go. It's not even open for negotiation. And I’ll not watch any other show on CBS either. How could I, after what I saw what you do with your shows?
And I have to ask, how, in the times like the one that we are in, you will be able and willing to completely ruin a top ten show in one week record?
I can see it already: “In just one week, from April 3rd to April 10th, CBS did something quite extraordinary and unheard of; they managed to completely ruin their quiet but certain success, Criminal Minds. A show that in spite of having no promotion to this day, still delivers high and solid numbers, even against the monster American Idol and the hyped Lost. Why, you ask? The show was called perfect, the fans adored it and supported it, the cast, crew and everybody else responsible for its making were nothing but proud of.
But along came CBS and undid something they did not help do in the first place.
Criminal Minds is a show with 14 million viewers each week, but apparently, CBS is not happy with that. Four writers fired, one more followed and then a lead actor didn’t return. All in one week. Is this the kind of record CBS is interested in breaking?”
Alana P - NJ
Ms. Tassler,
Is it a logical course of action to fire five writers from a highly successful television show? I don’t think you fully realize how important the writers of Criminal Minds are to the show. “Criminal Minds” It is the combination of the outstanding writers, cast, and crew that gives “Criminal Minds” its quality and success. I don’t watch that much television, but I am a devoted fan of “Criminal Minds”. The intelligent, nuanced writing, and talented actors is why I watch the show. Do you really wish to undermine the quality of this great show by getting rid of the people that make “Criminal Minds” successful? Without its great writers, “Criminal Minds” will not continue to enjoy the huge rating success it has. Less viewers means less money for the network. I understand that many people are under financial stress, but I fervently believe your cuts to “Criminal Minds” will do more harm than good. I thank you for your time and beg you to reconsider.
Respectfully,
Andrea
I have been a fan of CM from day one. The actors and writters are what makes the show, the development of the show and the success of it wouldnt have been possible without all of them. The stories each week continue to keep everyone guessing and captured. Downsizing is understandable but it must be done using some common sense, and if at all possible not at all!
Just my two cents,
Dan
Ms.Tassler,
Criminal Minds is an ensemble show where everyone works together to produce the quality show that I have come to love so much.The actors Thomas Gibson, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler, Kirsten Vangsness, and Joe Mantegna bring something special to the show as a group and as individuals. If one of them is let go of or leaves the quality of the show immediately suffers. I can say with certainty that if any one of them is fired I will stop watching CM and I know there are many others who are with me in this.
Criminal Minds is one of the only shows that I do watch on TV but if people are going to continue to be fired that will not be the case.
Stephanie
Please don't take away our beloved actors and their beloved characters with it! It's bad enough that you fired 5 writers, and now you want to fire the actors too?
Criminal Minds is amongst one of my most favourite shows! It's intelligent and witty and exactly what I need on a Wednesday night after a hard day at work! If you take away some of these actors, then the show no longer exists. What makes this show work for me is that the actors fit with one another and they've made a lasting impression on me. I have grown to love these actors and their characters and I couldn't bear to watch the show any more if you take away some of these people in my life.
So please please please PLEASE DON'T TAKE AWAY OUR ACTORS!!!!!
Hello. I have been watching CM from the first season and every year the characters have grown and the show has gotten stronger. Now you fire 2 writers who have also been there from the start, and your anchor actor is also threatened? I'm very worried that this will be my final year watching; without the full cast of 7, and Thomas Gibson's "Hotch" in particular, I will no longer be a fan. Please know this is not a decision that I take lightly, but it is the right thing to do. Please reconsider the axing of any actor.
Dear Ms. Tassler,
My wife loves Criminal Minds and, on her suggestion, I watched it. I love it. It is one of the only shows that we can watch together. And we both love the same things about it (and for us to agree is saying something!), THE TEAM and THE WRITING. All 7 members of this very talented cast are integral parts of this show. You cannot afford to lose a single one of them and not lose what makes Criminal Minds the show that it is.
I don't normally like scripted shows. This is the ONLY one that I watch and I was dismayed when my wife told me some of the writers were let go. You've already staggered us with that blow, do not do further damage by letting a single member of this cast go.
I hope you won't make what I consider to be a HUGE mistake. Keep this team intact. And I hope you will also reconsider and bring some, if not all, of the writers back to the show too.
Plus, if you make my wife unhappy, I'm the one that has to hear it!
Sincerely,
Shawn Orr
As others have posted, but I don't think we can hammer the point home enough... we love ALL of our actors. Please do not get rid of any of them.
Thomas, Joe, Matthew, Paget, AJ, Shemar and Kirstin... all back for next season.
How many more fans need to promise to move onto something else for sanity to prevail?
Please listen and leave the best show on tv alone.
I fit into your 30-49 demographic. I'm a successful business person, so am finding it hard to understand the positioning that you have taken with my favourite show, CM. I agree with all of hte 386 comments before me, and will add my voice to those who say that touch a single actor, but I'm sorry, especially Mr. Gibson, who is a great role model in his character on & off screen, I will tune in to something else and on another channel. This is important, Mr.Bernero/Ms. Tassler, do not get it wrong.
I don't like to believe in rumours, but just in case, please know that if you fire just one single cast member, Thomas Gibson being at the top of that list, I will never watch CM again and will be seriously considering my viewing future with CBS. Please consider your actions carefully. Thank you for your time.
Ms. Tassler: As I sit here watching CM, I'm even more distressed than when I read about the departure of our dear writers. I know that nothing can be done for them, but it can for our beloved actors. Thomas Gibson et al had better be staying put. yes, all of them. NONE are expendable... NOT A ONE.
no, no, no! This is just wrong and senseless! Please leave CM alone! You have plenty of underperforming shows to pick on, leave ours alone.
And while you are at it, please leave our actors alone.
Ms. Tassler,
What is this?! Writers now a gifted actor who does nothing to shame the show or your station? Please tell me the rumors are wrong! Mr. Gibson does NOT go. NONE of the actors go, they are what will keep it going! If we don't have them all back, enjoy finding fans; you will have lost this one.
Please leave the remaining writers and ALL of the actors of CM alone. You have a great show. I want to be able to say the same next year.
Gary
I live in France, where Criminal Minds is greatly appreciated and successful, and I'm writing this message on behalf of the actors of this wonderful show.
I wanted to let you know that if one of the actors does not return for season five I'll just stop watching the show, as painful as this decision will be.
I'll also stop watching any show that airs on CBS, and I can assure you that I won't be the only one.
So, with all due respect, if you are considering taking out one of the actors, please reconsider.
This decision would be disastrous for the fans, and ultimately it would be damaging for CBS.
Thank you for reading this,
Hermione.
Please Ms Tassler don't touch CM, it is great now no need to change any of the cast. They all work well together and I love all the characters.
I wanna see Reid, Hotch, Prentiss, Garcia, Morgan, JJ and Rossi back next season!
To Ms. Tassler,
I urge you not to mess with a show that continues to steadily growing in popularity. Popularity means rating, and ratings mean revenue for CBS and its affiliates.
Each one of the actors and the characters they portray are essential to the dynamics of the show. Each bring something to special to the characters they bring to life each week. You saw that during casting; to break them up would be disastrous.
Criminal Minds is one of the few shows on television that keeps improving with each season; changing and evolving with creative writing and new ideas.
Again, I urge you not to break up the dynamics of the team, both on and off the screen.
Thank you,
Aimee
To Nina Tassler,
So now CBS is so in need of money that it need to cut half of the writers actors from their succesful shows? have you thought about what this will do to Criminal Minds? Losing those writers wasn't that good but to lose an actor, would be awfull.
Please don't do that. Look at the posts here, no one wants to lose Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, Paget Brewster, Kirsten Vangsness, A.J Cook, Joe Mantegna and Shemar Moore.
Thanks.
Maggy
NY
Yet another worried fan here... followed CM from day 1 and absolutely adore it. Love all the characters and do not want to imagine the show without ANY of them. Please don't break up our show.
To CBS,
Only thing I want to tell you is stop messing with a good show!
Don't cut anyone else!
Thanks,
Kyle from Baltimore.
Dear Ms. Tassler,
Tough times, tough decisions, we all understand that. In fact, it is our limited incomes that still provide your salaries. Please don't forget that. And in regards to recent 'rumors' about a CM actor being fired... no. Fire any one of this exceptionally talented people, destroy their chemistry and you will ruin the show. Like others here, I too will walk away.
The fans of Criminal Minds are loyal to this extraordinary show because it's unlike anything else on TV, and the two major things that make it stand out against a background of formulaic crime dramas are its brilliant writers and its immensely talented ensemble cast. One of the things we love so deeply about this show is the diversity of viewpoints, both in the writing and in the characters represented, who between them are telling stories we don't get to see anywhere else. Please don't water down what makes CM unique by eliminating writers or actors - they're what we show up for week after week. It would be a real loss to quality television if CM were to become a shadow of itself, and the viewers who once fell in love with it started talking about how good it used to be.
CBS has always been a favourite channel and 3, almost 4 years of CM has contributed to that. Great show! But i'm concerned for its future... I had hoped it would be the next ER with a looong run, but with the departure of key writers and the threat now for an actor, I am skeptical. I feel both for those who go, and for those left behind... so please do me a favor and do not pull on any more of our wonderful tapestry that is CM.
Dear Mrs Tassler,
I so hope for a nice Easter present from CBS, telling us fans that our great actors will all come back for the next season.
When you fire one of them, I won't come back watching Criminal Minds the next season.
Firing writers who were with this staff from the beginning was already one big mistake. So I hope you won't do another big mistake.
Yours Michelle
a fan from Pennsylvania
Dear Nina Tassler,
i´m a fan since the first episode. You have the best show so please don´t ruin CM. You cut 5 talented writers that is sad enough. Please don´t cut any actors. CM will not be the same and people will stop watching.
WB
Germany
Dear Mrs Tassler,
I honestly don't understand why someone so desperately tries to ruin a show which is as great as Criminal Minds. As far as I know the show is aired in many different countries and has millions of fans. So why do you try to make it no longer worth watching by firing writers and now maybe even actors? Sure, the show already survived the departure of two of its actors but the third time isn't always the charme. I love the team so much because they all have such a great chemistry. So no matter which actor should leave I will definitely stop watching - as sad as it would make me.
Yours sincerely,
Catharina (Germany)
i am so sad that some of the briliant writers have to go! and i am affraid that also a acctor has to go!
we (the fandome) really love the show, the actors, the writers the whole crew. and the fanatics are like a big family that now is really scared of more big bad news. please stopp, loosing all those writers already turned out that we can not have the convention because people don't want to attend because of the latest news. please don't make more changes. i am afraid that the people will stopp watching
please no more changes on cm! i am really sad about the latest ones!
don't destroy the hard work of the last 4 seasons with this!
i watched cm since the first ep and i am a part of the cmf family! now i am affraid to loos them both.
the show as i think people will stop watching with more changes then already done. and my briliant cm family
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