Criminal Minds Star Paget Brewster Lashes Out at TV Critic for Review

Paget Brewster, known for her role in “Criminal Minds,” found herself in hot water after lashing out at ScreenRant staffer Shealyn Scott over a critical article she wrote about the changes brought to the show by Paramount+. In a since-deleted post, Brewster called out Scott, telling her that bad reviews can lead to people losing their jobs and suggesting she find a better profession.

The incident sparked a backlash from film and TV critics, with David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter calling Brewster out for attacking a young reviewer and questioning her professionalism. Senior ScreenRant writer Andy Behbakht also defended Scott, condemning Brewster’s behavior and demanding an apology.

Following the backlash, Brewster issued an apology on social media, admitting that she was wrong to insult Scott and expressing regret for her actions. She acknowledged her mistake and apologized to both Scott and her followers for her behavior.

The controversy arose after “Criminal Minds” transitioned to Paramount+ for its revival as “Criminal Minds: Evolution” following its 15th and final season on CBS. Scott’s article discussed the changes in the show, including a shift to streaming, a TV-MA rating allowing for stronger language, and the introduction of new main cast members.

While some changes were well-received, such as the show’s continued success as a gripping crime drama, others, like the new 10-episode season structure, were seen as downgrades. Scott noted that the shortened seasons may be working against the show’s strengths, despite the logical reasoning behind the decision.

Overall, the incident between Brewster and Scott highlighted the challenges of adapting a long-running show to a new platform and the importance of constructive criticism in the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder that respect and professionalism should always be maintained, even in the face of criticism.