Criminal Minds

10 Best Episodes of Criminal Minds - Season 8

Criminal Minds is a crime drama show that follows an elite team of FBI profilers as they attempt to analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds. The show first aired in 2005 and is now available on Paramount+. With 17 seasons, it can be difficult to know which episodes are the best. That's why we have ranked the best episodes of Criminal Minds so you can get the most out of the show.

From the pilot episode to the series finale, Criminal Minds has offered fans many memorable episodes. From thrillers to heart-breaking moments, it’s hard to pick the best ones. Luckily, we have compiled a list of the best episodes ranked from top to bottom.

Whether you are a fan of the show or just getting started, our list of the best episodes of Criminal Minds will help you get the most out of this amazing show. So settle in for a thrilling ride with Criminal Minds as you watch some of the best episodes the show has to offer.

Written by Sophie and last updated on dec 20, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Criminal Minds - S8E17

#15 - The Gathering (Season 8 - Episode 17)

The BAU investigates victims who were documenting their personal lives and inner desires on blog posts and social media. Also, Kevin gets jealous when he learns Garcia may have a new love interest.

The episode was rated 7.75 from 675 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E15

#14 - Broken (Season 8 - Episode 15)

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The BAU heads to Austin to investigate victims found there with their watches set inaccurately, a clue which may connect the crimes. Meanwhile, the UnSub stalking the BAU inches closer in his pursuit of the team.

The episode was rated 7.76 from 606 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E20

#13 - Alchemy (Season 8 - Episode 20)

The BAU travel to Rapid City after two male victims are discovered murdered in a ritualistic manner. Also, Reid continues to grieve over Maeve’s death.

The episode was rated 7.77 from 638 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E3

#12 - Through the Looking Glass (Season 8 - Episode 3)

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An UNSUB who kidnaps families with the intention of making them admit to and pay for their indiscretions.

The episode was rated 7.78 from 629 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E6

#11 - The Apprenticeship (Season 8 - Episode 6)

When prostitutes in Miami are discovered murdered in a similar style to local animals found dead there, the BAU must work fast to find an unsub whose confidence is quickly escalating. Also, Morgan tries to increase Reid's athletic skills by convincing him to join the bureau's softball team.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 639 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E4

#10 - God Complex (Season 8 - Episode 4)

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When a legless body is found in the New Mexico desert and a second unwilling amputee shows up at the hospital, the BAU team searches for this amateur surgeon before he preys upon his next reluctant victim. Also, Reid's phone calls to a mystery woman have the team intrigued.

The episode was rated 7.82 from 631 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E14

#9 - All That Remains (Season 8 - Episode 14)

A writer's daughters vanish on the anniversary of their mother's disappearance, which leads the BAU to investigate the man as a possible suspect.

The episode was rated 7.83 from 644 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E10

#8 - The Lesson (Season 8 - Episode 10)

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A ritualistic killer is hunted after male bodies are found that have been physically altered. Meanwhile, Reid gets anxious at the prospect of meeting his mystery woman.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 624 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E5

#7 - The Good Earth (Season 8 - Episode 5)

The team from Criminal Minds heads to Oregon to investigate four mysterious missing men. While in Oregon, the team discovers the shocking truth about the disappearances. However, the team is left in disbelief when they find out who is responsible for the disappearances.

The episode takes an unexpected turn when the team discovers that the person responsible for the disappearances is a young woman. This discovery leaves the team feeling dismayed and frustrated as it is difficult to process why someone so young would be behind such an act. Despite the shock of the discovery, the team is determined to uncover the truth and bring justice for the missing men.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 615 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E18

#6 - Restoration (Season 8 - Episode 18)

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In the episode Restoration of the show Criminal Minds, the BAU travels to Morgan's old neighborhood in Chicago in pursuit of an unsub that has been targeting middle-aged men. After some investigation, Morgan realises that the unsub may be someone connected to the man that molested him as a child.

The episode is an emotional rollercoaster as Morgan confronts his past and the team strive to protect the innocent. Throughout the investigation, Morgan must grapple with the pain and anger he has kept buried for years, while the other members of the BAU must work together to find the unsub and stop them from harming anyone else. The team's dedication to their work and to each other is on full display as they bravely enter the dangerous streets of Morgan's old neighborhood in order to apprehend the criminal.

The episode was rated 7.87 from 672 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E21

#5 - Nanny Dearest (Season 8 - Episode 21)

In the episode "Nanny Dearest" of the hit show Criminal Minds, the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit heads to Los Angeles to investigate a mysterious UnSub (unknown subject) who has been abducting nannies and the young children they care for on the same day each year. With this new case, the team must work together to uncover the identity of the UnSub and put a stop to their criminal activity once and for all.

The team is faced with a difficult case as they attempt to track the UnSub and figure out what their motive is. They will have to use their skills of observation and deduction to find clues that will lead them to the UnSub and the missing nannies and children. With the clock ticking and the lives of innocent people in danger, the team must act fast to solve the case and bring justice to the victims of the UnSub.

The episode was rated 7.87 from 663 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E16

#4 - Carbon Copy (Season 8 - Episode 16)

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The team working at the BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit) are on full alert in the Criminal Minds episode, "Carbon Copy". When victims are found in Philadelphia in a similar style to victims of The Replicator, the stalker who has been tracking the BAU's every move, the team thinks this could be the break they need to try and apprehend him. The BAU team is in a race against time to figure out the identity of the Replicator before he can strike again.

In this episode, the team have to put together clues from the crime scenes to discover who the Replicator is and stop him before he can hurt anyone else. With the help of their special resources and the insight of their Behavioral Analysis Unit, the team will have to work quickly to prevent the Replicator from furthering his sinister agenda. With the stakes higher than ever before, the team must not only apprehend the Replicator, but also determine his motives and put an end to his reign of terror.

The episode was rated 7.99 from 639 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E23

#3 - Brothers Hotchner (1) (Season 8 - Episode 23)

In the Criminal Minds episode Brothers Hotchner, the BAU team is targeted by the Replicator, a killer who is determined to terrorize them. Hotch discovers that his estranged brother, Sean, is caught in the middle of the investigation. To make matters worse, the team is also called to investigate a string of deaths in Manhattan related to apparent ecstasy overdoses.

The episode is full of high-stakes drama as the team strives to protect Hotch's brother and prevent any more deaths from occurring. As the clock ticks down, the team must uncover the Replicator's identity and put an end to the killing spree before anyone else gets hurt. Every second counts as the team races against time to stop the Replicator and save Hotch's brother.

The episode was rated 8.02 from 657 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E12

#2 - Zugzwang (Season 8 - Episode 12)

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In this episode of Criminal Minds, titled "Zugzwang," viewers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as the BAU team, led by the brilliant Dr. Spencer Reid, work together to locate his kidnapped girlfriend Maeve. With time running out, the team must find a way to save her before it's too late.

The intense episode had viewers on the edge of their seats, with many experiencing an emotional response. In fact, [spoiler] at the end of the episode, when Maeve was reunited with Reid, many viewers were brought to tears. [/spoiler] However, some viewers were left feeling frustrated, as they wished the two could have had a happier ending.

The episode was rated 8.05 from 671 votes.

Criminal Minds - S8E24

#1 - The Replicator (2) (Season 8 - Episode 24)

In this thrilling episode of Criminal Minds, the BAU is faced with a terrifying situation when the Replicator, a serial killer targeting the team, zeroes in on one of their own. With the team member's life at stake, the BAU rushes to uncover clues and identify the killer before it is too late. Meanwhile, the team is also tasked with investigating a string of deaths in Manhattan that are tied to apparent ecstasy overdoses. As the investigation unfolds, Hotch makes a shocking discovery - his estranged brother, Sean, is caught in the middle.

The team must unravel theReplicator's motives before it is too late, while also finding out what role Sean plays in the deaths in Manhattan. With time running out, the BAU must use all their skills and knowledge to prevent a tragedy. With the lives of the team and Sean on the line, will the BAU be able to outwit the Replicator and save the day? Watch this exciting episode of Criminal Minds and find out.

The episode was rated 8.13 from 364 votes.

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