Shemar Moore is Leaving 'Criminal Minds' After 11 Seasons

Television’s sexiest special agent is saying goodbye. 

E! News confirms that Shemar Moore is officially leaving Criminal Minds. NOOOOOO! Moore has been with the show as FBI special agent Derek Morgan since it began, but at the end of Wednesday night’s episode decided to leave the behavioral analysis unit to focus on his wife and children, which we definitely understand after Moore’s character survived an insane kidnapping.

Producers released a touching statement on Moore’s depature, saying:

“All of us at Criminal Minds are sad to say “see you later” to Agent Derek Morgan. Even sadder that our friend Shemar Moore isn’t on set anymore. It was definitely a surprise that he wanted “To leap,” as Shemar said, “to try new things.” For those reasons, we have nothing but love and respect for him and his choice. But it doesn’t mean we can’t also be really, really sad.

It was important that we honor a character who has grown with us for over a decade, which is why we wrote the 3-episode arc for Morgan. Those final episodes were directed by fellow actors with the last one co-written by his “baby girl,” Kirsten Vangsness. Thomas Gibson got things started with an amazing journey in “Derek,” followed by our milestone 250th episode directed by Joe Mantegna. Matthew Gray Gubler helmed “A Beautiful Disaster,” helping Shemar and Morgan walk out with a proud, determined stride. One that we’ve been honored to have on our team for eleven years.”

The cast and crew also revealed what they’ll miss about Moore in a heartfelt video to the actor.

While we’ll miss special agent Derek Morgan, we look forward to seeing what Moore does next.

WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.