Paget Brewster Guest-Starring on 'Criminal Minds' Special Episode

Paget Brewster will be returning for a special 200th episode of "Criminal Minds" later this season. Fans will be happy to see Brewster, who played Emily Prentiss on the show, return, and Brewster herself is thrilled to reunite with her friends.

"Super excited about ep #200 of CM! (Thanks for keeping the secret, my friends)," Brewster tweeted.

"Our 200th episode is going to be a special show," showrunner Erica Messer told Deadline. "We can't imagine this story without Paget being present."

Brewster chose to leave the show in 2012 after spending six years playing the mysterious Prentiss. Her exit left the door open for a possible return, which the show's producers are taking full advantage of, at least for one episode. According to Messer, the episode will focus on what took place during J.J. Jareau's year away; Brewster will return to help the team solve a present day case and tell Jareau's story.

"Criminal Minds" is one of CBS' higher-rated shows and focuses on darker storylines than most TV shows. It has gone through major cast changes, including the loss original lead actor Mandy Pantinkin. He later called the show "his biggest public mistake. I never thought they were going to kill and rape all these women every night, every day, week after week, year after year. It was very destructive to my soul and my personality, and after that, I didn't think I would get to work in television again."

Pantinkin was replaced by Joe Mantegna, and just months ago, the show was renewed for its ninth season.

Fans are already thrilled by the news of Brewster's return and are busy posting their hopes and excitement.

"How am I suppose to accomplish anything knowing that Paget Brewster will return for the 200th episode of Criminal Minds?" Karen tweeted.

"Thanks to you Paget a bunch of Pageteers are Screaming, Crying and Jumping up and down like little girls! WE LOVE YOU!!!!" added Shayna Adele.