TV Article Criminal Minds: Aisha Tyler is a series regular By Christian Holub Christian Holub Christian Holub is a writer covering comics and other geeky pop culture. He's still mad about 'Firefly' getting canceled. EW's editorial guidelines Published on August 10, 2016 02:57PM EDT Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS Aisha Tyler will be a big part of the new season of Criminal Minds, which is good because it looks like the BAU will need all the help they can get in season 12. When the show returns, Hotch (Thomas Gibson) has just been arrested for charges of conspiracy, and a murderous group of 13 serial killers is on the loose. The BAU will be aided in these high-stakes investigations by Dr. Tara Lewis (Tyler), who first appeared on the show last season and has now been made a series regular, CBS announced on Wednesday. In addition, Adam Rodriguez joins the show as a series regular — he’ll be new BAU recruit Luke Alvez — while Paget Brewster will return as Emily Prentiss for a few episodes. Season 12 of Criminal Minds premieres Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. on CBS.