Following the sudden firing of Thomas Gibson and the exit of Shemar Moore in season 11, "Criminal Minds" is changing its cast in season 12.

In the previous season, Thomas Gibson had an on-set altercation with the writer producer of the show, Virgil Williams, leading to his abrupt dismissal. Since his and Moore's exit, the show has begun its search for two series regulars to join the cast.

According to reports, CBS has already found the actress for one of the two roles. Paget Brewster, "Criminal Minds" season 7's Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss, has been promoted as a series regular starting season 12. The actress was previously tapped to make cameos in random episodes of the upcoming season. Given Gibson's firing, however, the "Grandfathered" actress will return next season not as a guest star but as a series regular.

Brewster's character will make her first appearance in the episode that is scheduled to air on Oct. 12.

"We're all so excited to have Paget with us full time," said "Criminal Minds" executive producer Erica Messer.

"The BAU family has definitely missed her, on screen and off. Having her back on set has been great, it's like she never left," she added.

There are speculations that given Prentiss' experience in the series, she will be tapped to replace Hotch as BAU's new team leader.

Aside from Brewster, Aisha Tyler, who plays Dr. Tara Lewis, has also been promoted as a series regular.

"Criminal Minds" season 12 premieres on Sept. 28 on CBS.