The reimagining of 'Criminal Minds: Evolution', that premiered on Paramount+ in November 2022, saw the revival of the BAU and offered cast members, including A.J. Cook, a fresh perspective. Cook returned as J.J. Jareau, who had evolved significantly, appearing strained while managing her role of a wife and mother during the pandemic. The intent was authenticity, mirroring the trials lived by the audience in recent years, as Cook confessed. The change wasn't merely superficial; significant twists in the plot included J.J. dealing with her husband's potential cancer diagnosis, while pursuing a serial killer. A.J. imbued real-life experiences into the character, as her own husband battled cancer. Drawing strength from J.J.'s fearlessness, Cook commented on her resonance with the character's struggles.