Gilford exits Criminal Minds Evolution Season 20

Zach Gilford, who first gained fame as Matt Saracen on Friday Night Lights, has continued to take on darker roles, culminating in his portrayal of Elias Voit on Criminal Minds and its Evolution spinoff. In Criminal Minds: Evolution, Voit rises from serial killer to a conflicted figure whose dynamic with The Fan and his own imagined consequences drive season 19, with Gilford discussing the performance and directorial moments in interviews. Following the season 19 finale, Gilford confirmed he will not return for season 20, sending Voit off in a way that leaves a lingering impact on Rossi and the BAU while hinting at a potential spin-off idea centered on Voit. Gilford has even floated a Suicide Squad–style spin-off concept featuring Voit, underscoring the character’s intelligence and ongoing appeal to fans. Across outlets, the narrative frames Voit as a lasting, complex antagonist whose arc has left room for future revisits, even as the actor steps back for now.