In what some are calling a shocking move, Paget Brewster has quit Criminal Minds, and will officially exit this hit CBS drama at the end of the currently airing Season 7.

Paget Brewster left fans with this statement.

"After six wonderful years playing Emily Prentiss, I have decided it's time for me to move on. As much as I will miss my Criminal Minds family, I am excited about the future and other opportunities."

The decision to leave the show came after CBS and ABC Studios denied the actress the opportunity to enter pilot season in search of a half-hour comedy project. Last year, the actress actually joined the cast of NBC's pilot My Life as an Experiment, but when the show wasn't picked up, she had to return for another season on Criminal Minds due to contract stipulations, something she wasn't entirely happy about.

It is believed that Paget Brewster will continue her search for a half-hour sitcom after leaving the series.