Inside A.J. Cook's Friendship With Criminal Minds Co-Star Matthew Gray Gubler - The List (2024)

Inside A.J. Cook's Friendship With Criminal Minds Co-Star Matthew Gray Gubler - The List (2)

Inside A.J. Cook's Friendship With Criminal Minds Co-Star Matthew Gray Gubler - The List (3)

Inside A.J. Cook's Friendship With Criminal Minds Co-Star Matthew Gray Gubler

Inside A.J. Cook's Friendship With Criminal Minds Co-Star Matthew Gray Gubler - The List (4)

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ByLana Schwartz/Updated: Aug. 17, 2022 1:58 pm EST

Fans of "Criminal Minds" know that on screen, there's more to Jennifer "J.J." Jareau and Dr. Spencer Reid's relationship than meets the eye. The characters, played by actors A.J. Cook and Matthew Gray Gubler, respectively, even have their own set of shippers, called "Jeiders," longing for a romantic relationship between the two characters (via TV Guide). From the very beginning, there was always something between J.J. and Reid, with the pair going on a date in Season 1. Later, in the finale of season 14, "Jeiders" get a glimpse of what they're looking for (though some other fans of the show were notably unhappy with the plot twist featuring J.J. and Reid).

So with their characters having such a connection on screen, it's only natural that Cook and Gubler would develop a friendship off screen as well.

Cook has previously taken to Instagram to wish Gubler a happy birthday, writing, "Happy birthday to the cooooooolest guy I know." In another post, Cook didn't hesitate to call Gubler "the most joyful person I know," while sharing a picture of them all smiles.

The pair clearly enjoyed their time on set together, finding opportunities for fun between takes. "@gublergram once again proves, once a model, ALWAYS a model. #smolder," Cook captioned a photo of them on set, with Gubler mugging for the camera.

Is there more to the friendship?

Inside A.J. Cook's Friendship With Criminal Minds Co-Star Matthew Gray Gubler - The List (5)

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While J.J. and Reid's friendship might have always had romantic undertones, A.J. Cook and Matthew Gray Gubler appear to really be ... just friends. In fact, during a 2015 interview with Glamour, Gubler said Cook was "like a sister" to him.It also helps, of course, that each of them have their own separate love interests.

Cook has been married to her husband, producer Nathan Andersen, for almost 20 years (via Paramount+). The pair first met in college at Utah Valley University and have two sons, Mekhai and Phoenix.Mekhai appeared alongside his mom on a number of episodes of "Criminal Minds," playing J.J.'s son, Henry.

While Gubler appears to be single today, he has in the past been linked to stars like Kat Dennings and Taylor Swift, both of whom would have made incredible "Criminal Minds" guest stars, we have to say (via Distractify).

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Inside A.J. Cook's Friendship With Criminal Minds Co-Star Matthew Gray Gubler - The List (2024)

FAQs

Is Matthew Gray Gubler actually AJ Cook's sons godfather? ›

Trivia: – during an interview AJ admitted that she has a little bit of a crush on Matthew Gray Gubler. – Matthew Gray Gubler is the godfather of her son (as Reid is the godfather of JJ's son).

Is agent jareau in love with Reid? ›

After JJ pulled through in the hospital, the pair got another chance to share their feelings, and this time, both parties admitted they were in love with one another. However, JJ said that she also loves her husband, Will, so she and Reid decided that they would continue to be "best friends."

Did Reid and JJ like each other? ›

Reid has previously shown romantic interest in JJ, which later blossomed into an unbreakable friendship, and he was even made the godfather of JJ and her husband Will's (Josh Stewart) son, Henry.

Was JJ always in love with Reid? ›

In the Season 14 twist that shocked many viewers, JJ told Spencer Reid that she had always loved him. Since she'd been married to Will since Season 7 and already had two sons with him, this confession came as something completely out of character and surprising.

Are Matthew Gray Gubler and Shemar Moore friends? ›

The answer is no, so don't even try to come up with anything else. The pair starred on the CBS drama for several years before Shemar exited, but their friendship never strictly stayed on the small screen. Instead, these two have been known to take supercute — and superhot — photos together both on and off set.

Why did Reid leave Criminal Minds? ›

Matthew Gray Gubler

However, Reid is now among them, as he left the team to go on classified assignments. In reality, Gray Gubler said that he isn't interested in reprising his role in season 16 of Criminal Minds: Evolution and wants to pursue other projects. For 15 seasons, he played Dr.

Who was in love with Reid? ›

After six months of dancing around each other, BAU team members JJ (A.J. Cook) and Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) were forced to confront their feelings once and for all during Criminal Minds' two-hour season premiere on Wednesday.

Do Reid and JJ have a baby? ›

Season Four

Henry is born. Henry was born during "Memoriam", and after the team gets to meet him after finishing a case, JJ asks Reid and Garcia to be Henry's godfather and godmother, respectively. In "Normal", JJ brings Henry to the BAU headquarters after the team solves a case, and the team takes turns holding him.

What episode does JJ and Reid say they love each other? ›

In the finale of Criminal Minds season 14, an emotional episode that saw both a wedding and a hostage situation, JJ Jareau (played by A.J. Cook) told her longtime coworker, Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Grey Gubler) that she had loved him all along. I repeat: JJ loved Reid all along.

Why didn t JJ and Reid end up together? ›

In terms of the narrative, however, Reid's absence could be because of JJ and their failed romantic plot. It's no secret that the BAU's boy genius also harbored secret feelings for her, but never made a move, since his coworkers was married and has kids.

Does Reid confess his love for JJ? ›

Back in season 1, it seemed like something might be brewing when brilliant, but awkward, Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) confessed to having a little office crush on JJ Jareau (A. J. Cook). An attempt at setting the two up was made, but ultimately, romance never blossomed.

What did JJ say to Reid in Truth or Dare? ›

In “Truth or Dare,” while being held at gunpoint and with lives on the line, JJ told Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), “I've always loved you. I was just too scared to say it before.” Unfortunately, things had just become too complicated for the two. (After all, she is married with children — and Reid is their godfather.)

Who does Dr Reid end up with? ›

With the series finale on CBS, Reid's story didn't exactly come to a satisfying end. In the final season, he has started a romantic relationship with Maxine Brenner (Rachael Leigh Cook), and the two continue in their romance after Cat Adams (Aubrey Plaza) attempts to break them up.

Who is JJ in love with on Criminal Minds? ›

Jareau is married to Will LaMontagne, Jr. They have two sons, Henry and Michael. As of season 13, she and Matt Simmons (Daniel Henney) are the only members of the BAU who are married with children. Prior to meeting LaMontagne, Jareau displays little interest in dating.

Do Spencer and JJ fall in love? ›

I do love you. You were my first love. And I'll always love you.” But then she goes on to admit that while she loves Spencer, she also loves her husband and children — JJ even goes so far to admit that had things been different, she thinks they would've been happy together.

Are JJ and Reid best friends? ›

From the very beginning of the series, JJ and Reid have been the best of friends. Despite season 14's finale cliff-hanger, this duo's friendship has been consistently demonstrated through the years.

Are Morgan and Garcia friends in real life? ›

Kirsten Vangsness and Shemar Moore remain good friends in real life. In an interview with Parade, Vangsness revealed that she and Moore hit it off immediately at her first table read for the role of Garcia.

Who is Derek Morgan's best friend? ›

Few friendships in Criminal Minds were as iconic as that between Derek Morgan (Shemar Moore) and Spencer Reid.

Did Reid have autism? ›

Personality. It is suggested by other people within and outside of the team that Reid is on the autism spectrum, it is confirmed by The Fisher King in Season 1 Episode 22 through to Season 2 Episode 1. He is socially awkward and has a hard time dealing with his emotions.

Who is JJ's real husband? ›

What is Matthew GREY Gubler doing now? ›

Matthew proceeded to share that he is expanding his literary empire with his upcoming children's novel, The Little Kid With the Big Green Hand.

Who is Spencer Reid's wife? ›

Lilliana Reid | Criminal Minds Fanon Wiki | Fandom.

Does Reid ever meet the girl? ›

In Season 8, Dr. Spencer Reid began a relationship with a woman named Maeve, whom he had never met in person because she lived in fear of a stalker. This star-crossed relationship came to an abrupt—and tragic—end when Maeve was kidnapped by a deranged ex-student of hers.

Does Reid find love after Maeve? ›

Criminal Minds introduced Reid's new love interest. Max, played by Rachael Leigh Cook, made a huge impact on viewers.

Who did Spencer Reid have a baby with? ›

Acquiescing, Reid admits to having liked it when he poisoned several inmates in prison. Then, he reveals that he knows Cat was lying about him indirectly fathering her baby so he could be put in as compromised of a position as possible, and identifies Wilkins as the real father.

Does JJ tell Reid she is pregnant? ›

In the wake of Kate's pregnancy, JJ informed Reid in "The Hunt" that she was pregnant with another baby and he could expect another godson or goddaughter, much to his happiness and surprise. Her pregnancy leads to her temporarily leaving the BAU on a maternity leave.

Does JJ leave her husband for Reid? ›

In the end, JJ did not leave her husband, they didn't get together, and Spencer got a new love interest, so the confession didn't amount to much.

Why was Reid upset with JJ? ›

When Hotch and JJ told the team they'd faked Prentiss's death in "Proof", Reid became very upset with JJ. He told her he felt betrayed because he "came to her house for ten weeks, crying" and she didn't say anything. He also mentions that he considered taking Dilaudid again after Prentiss "died".

What episode does Reid fall in love? ›

"Criminal Minds" Zugzwang (TV Episode 2013) - IMDb.

Does JJ get divorced? ›

On Tuesday, July 20, Lauren announced on Instagram that she and JJ have decided to separate after 10 years of marriage.

Does JJ end up with anyone? ›

Kiara and JJ do end up together in Outer Banks season 3, which is something fans have been wanting to happen for so long! When JJ sneaks into Kitty Hawk in the middle of the night and finds Kiara, he apologizes for stealing from her dad and she tells him she loves him.

Does JJ and Kiara get together? ›

Yes, JJ and Kiara Finally Kiss (and Say 'I Love You') in 'Outer Banks' Season 3. Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey break down the buildup to that long-awaited moment. It's been a long time coming, Pogues, but it finally happened.

Does Reid kiss anyone in Criminal Minds? ›

The same night, Lila, becoming infatuated with the agent, drags Reid into the house's pool and starts kissing him. Reid, suffering from a bad conscience, tells her about Michael's death. She feels betrayed but is somewhat comforted when Jason Gideon tells her that he had ordered Reid to not to tell about it.

What is JJ's secret on Criminal Minds? ›

JJ finds out she's pregnant there and only shares the news with Cruz, who later has to break it to her that she lost the baby after their car came under attack while en route to a location. That's only half the story though. Their mission is compromised when JJ's informant is killed by a double agent.

Who betrayed JJ in Criminal Minds? ›

During the top-secret mission, JJ and Cruz were betrayed by one of their colleagues, Tivon Askari (Faran Tahir), who had their convoy in Afghanistan bombed and who kidnapped another of their colleagues, Michael Hastings (Tahmoh Penikett).

What did JJ say to Reid in season 14 finale? ›

In the Season 14 finale, J.J. (A.J. Cook), while being held at gunpoint, told Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), “I've always loved you. I was just too scared to say it before, and now things are just really too complicated to say it.”

What does JJ tell Reid in season 14 that makes it weird between them? ›

Jareau (A.J. Cook) were taken hostage by the suspect, and J.J. was forced to reveal her deepest, darkest secret. In a twist that no one saw coming, J.J. revealed that she's, “always loved” Reid, despite the fact that she is married and has kids with her husband Will (Josh Stewart). This content is imported from poll.

What does JJ call Reid? ›

Throughout the series, JJ calls Reid "Spence," a nickname showing their close relationship.

Who is JJ's son's godparents? ›

In later seasons, toddler Henry is portrayed by Cook's real-life son Mekhai Andersen. Jareau and LaMontagne name Reid and Garcia as Henry's godparents.

Who is Matthew Gray Gubler's dad? ›

Gubler was born on March 9, 1980, in Las Vegas, Nevada, the son of Marilyn (née Kelch), a rancher and political consultant, and John Gubler, an attorney.

Does JJ cheat on Will? ›

Erica Messer wants to set the record straight: JJ and Cruz are not having an affair on Criminal Minds. "I'll say it again: They did not and are not having an affair," the showrunner tells TVGuide.com.

Why did Morgan name his son after Reid? ›

Due to his mother being shot, Hank Spencer almost died, but barely survived. Hank is named after his paternal grandfather and his godfather, Dr. Spencer Reid, who Morgan sees as a brother.

Is Henry JJ's son in real-life? ›

Mekhai Andersen, the child actor who portrays Henry in "100" and onward, is actually the real-life son of A.J. Cook, the actress who plays JJ. Henry's birthday was confirmed to be November 12, 2008 ("Memoriam", "200").

Is Penelope the godmother? ›

Fellow team member Garcia Penelope (Kirsten Vangsness) became his godmother.

Who does Reid end up with? ›

With the series finale on CBS, Reid's story didn't exactly come to a satisfying end. In the final season, he has started a romantic relationship with Maxine Brenner (Rachael Leigh Cook), and the two continue in their romance after Cat Adams (Aubrey Plaza) attempts to break them up.

Does JJ leave Will for Reid? ›

In the end, JJ did not leave her husband, they didn't get together, and Spencer got a new love interest, so the confession didn't amount to much. Generally, this whole storyline is a sore spot for the fandom.

What happened between JJ and Reid? ›

Back in season 1, it seemed like something might be brewing when brilliant, but awkward, Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) confessed to having a little office crush on JJ Jareau (A. J. Cook). An attempt at setting the two up was made, but ultimately, romance never blossomed.

Is Spencer Reid autistic? ›

Personality. It is suggested by other people within and outside of the team that Reid is on the autism spectrum, it is confirmed by The Fisher King in Season 1 Episode 22 through to Season 2 Episode 1. He is socially awkward and has a hard time dealing with his emotions.

Does JJ's husband get killed? ›

JJ and Prentiss fight Hastings, which culminates in his death by falling off the roof. Later, the team and Prentiss celebrate at a bar and say farewell to Prentiss before she heads back to London.

Who does JJ fall in love with? ›

It is implied from the first season that JJ has an attraction towards Kiara, and they have a flirtatious relationship. By the end of the second season, Kiara begins to realise her feelings for JJ after they discuss their shared future plans.

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