The popular CBS crime drama, “Criminal Minds,” is set to have the eleventh season premiere this Wednesday. Fans can expect to see several guest star appearances in light of the departure of several main characters.

Jennifer Love Hewitt will not play her role as FBI undercover Agent Kate Callahan in the new season since she is taking time off to spend with her new baby, while A. J. Cook who plays JJ is on maternity leave and will be M.I.A. during the first couple of episodes of the new season. The show has cast actress Aisha Tyler to be the newest member of the BAU Team. Tyler will play a forensic psychologist named Dr. Tara Lewis, in the hopes of adding a new element to the show.

“We love her so much that we’re hoping to extend her stay with us,” executive producer Erica said. “The deal is not totally done yet so I can’t really talk about it but we are hoping to have her in quite a few more episodes this season, not just the initial six.”

Other guest stars will include “The Mentalist” star Tim Kang and Marisol Nichols of “Teen Wolf.”Both actors will be on an episode airing on Oct.7 titled “The Witness.” Nichols will play an agent who helps the BAU stop an attack on Los Angeles and Kang will play a medical supply worker.

The premiere episode is titled “The Job.” As Hotch is interviewing several candidates to fill Kate’s position, the BAU will be searching for a yet another killer. This episode will introduce Tyler who will be helping the team with her knowledge in forensic psychology. As there is always some kind of drama within the team, that definitely won’t be spared this season. It is rumored the premiere episode will already show that there is a mole in the midst of the team who leaks out information on the current case.

There’s something familiar and comfortable with this team of heroes that has been on air for 11 years. Everyone has their cast favorites through the seasons, whether that is the spunky and quirky Penelope Garcia, the genius mind of Spencer Reid, or the protective Derick Morgan.

“As always, we learn something new about everybody every season. Come back and find out more about what makes your heroes tick,” Messer said. Criminal Minds returns Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 9 p.m. on CBS.