when did emily prentiss return to criminal minds
Emily Prentiss On July 21, 2016 at San Diego Comic-Con International, it was announced that Brewster will be returning in season 12 in a recurring role.[4] On August 30, 2016, it was confirmed that Brewster would once again be a series regular for the 12th season.[5] She was re-hired soon after Thomas Gibson had been dismissed from the show.
Sami Brady In April 2017, it was revealed that Sweeney would return to the serial, for an "extended visit"; Sweeney confirmed she would film during May and June 2017.[21] Sweeney began making appearances on October 13, 2017.[22] Sweeney wrapped her stint on December 14, 2017.[23]
Emily Prentiss In the season seven premiere, Morgan captures Doyle and Emily returns to the BAU to assist the team in finding who kidnapped Doyle's son.[15] The team comes under fire from the judiciary panel for their retaliatory actions to avenge Prentiss's death, but everyone stands their ground to protect the team. Section Chief Erin Strauss later reveals to them that the committee was persuaded by Prentiss' defense and eventually decided to lift the BAU's suspensions although they will still be "keeping a close eye" on the members. Reid, who is still angry over her 'death' refuses to speak to her or JJ or even look them in the eye. At the end of "Proof", Prentiss talks it through with him and they make amends.[16] In the premiere it is also revealed that Garcia has been taking care of her cat, Sergio, and when she inquires about him, Garcia jokingly states that she wants visitation rights.
Jennifer Jareau Cook later returned for the departure of Paget Brewster (Agent Emily Prentiss).[8] In the episode titled "Lauren", JJ receives a call and returns to help the BAU find Emily and capture Ian Doyle. The episode ends with Emily presumed dead after being stabbed with a broken chair leg in the stomach. It is later revealed that Emily is alive and in Paris with JJ's help, providing her passports from three different countries and a bank account in each "to keep her comfortable". In the season six finale, JJ returns in order to tell David Rossi that she is "coming back".