Felicity Huffman Returns to TV in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' After College Admissions Scandal

Felicity Huffman is making a comeback to television in a multi-episode arc in the Paramount+ series 'Criminal Minds: Evolution.' The actress' return marks her first significant role since her involvement in the 'Operation Varsity Blues' college admissions scandal in 2019, which resulted in a prison sentence and damaged her career.

Felicity Huffman is returning to television in a three-episode guest appearance on the Paramount+ series, "Criminal Minds: Evolution."

Felicity Huffman Returns to TV in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' After College Admissions Scandal

After being implicated in the "Operation Varsity Blues" college admissions scandal, Huffman has kept a relatively low profile since her release from prison. Now, she's making a comeback by taking on the role of Dr. Jill Gideon, the ex-wife of Mandy Patinkin's character, Jason Gideon, in "Criminal Minds: Evolution."

"I can tell you that she was deeply involved at the beginning of the BAU," Huffman told TV Line. "She and Rossi [Joe Mantegna’s character] and her husband were the pioneers. Then she got divorced from Gideon because it wasn’t working, but they stayed friends, and she even kept being his therapist," she continued.

Felicity Huffman Returns to TV in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' After College Admissions Scandal

Patinkin’s character was killed off in season 3 of the series, and Huffman said, "That’s when she went, ‘OK, I’m done, I’m out.’ She just couldn’t be around it."

Huffman has been away from TV for the better part of five years after her involvement in the "Operation Varsity Blues" college admissions scandal. In addition to her upcoming role in "Criminal Minds: Evolution," she previously made a one-episode guest appearance on ABC’s "The Good Doctor" in 2023.

Felicity Huffman Returns to TV in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' After College Admissions Scandal

According to public relations experts, Huffman's careful planning and timing of her comeback may help her regain some of her pre-scandal popularity. However, they also note that the public has a short memory and that she may not be able to fully reclaim her former status.

"Felicity Huffman and her team have done a good job timing her comeback, selecting her roles, determining when she'll speak publicly and crafting what she'll say. She may not ever rise to peak celebrity status again, but she's likely to find a largely welcoming and forgiving environment," said Kara Schmiemann, senior director of Red Banyan PR.

Felicity Huffman Returns to TV in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' After College Admissions Scandal

Industry insiders also acknowledge the impact of the scandal on Huffman's career, but believe that she has the talent and drive to overcome the challenges.

"On top of the brief jail time, the bad press surrounding her put a pause on new roles, which was only exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic and the writer and actor strikes put on the industry itself. But I think we all have seen that people have a pretty short memory for scandal in today's age," said Brian Balthazar of Balthazar Entertainment.

Felicity Huffman Returns to TV in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' After College Admissions Scandal

Huffman rose to fame on "Desperate Housewives," winning an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series. She has also received critical acclaim for her performances in "Transamerica," "American Crime," and "When They See Us."

Her involvement in the college admissions scandal was a major setback in her career, but she has expressed remorse and a desire to move forward. Her upcoming role in "Criminal Minds: Evolution" is a significant step in that direction.

Felicity Huffman Returns to TV in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' After College Admissions Scandal

"I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done, I accept full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences that stem from those actions," Huffman said in a statement after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud.

"I am ashamed of the pain I have caused my daughter, my family, my friends, my colleagues and the educational community. I want to apologize to them and, especially, I want to apologize to the students who work hard every day to get into college, and to their parents who make tremendous sacrifices to support their children and do so honestly."

Felicity Huffman Returns to TV in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' After College Admissions Scandal

Despite the challenges she faces, Huffman remains hopeful about her future.

"I did a pilot for ABC recently that didn’t get picked up. It’s been hard. Sort of like your old life died, and you died with it. I’m lucky enough to have a family and love and means, so I had a place to land," Huffman told The Guardian in 2024.

Felicity Huffman Returns to TV in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' After College Admissions Scandal

"When you think about what that looks like for someone with a strong presence and in the limelight, it takes great fortitude to walk back into public life after such a life-altering event," said Kathy Fielder, CEO of THRIVE by Kathy Fielder.

Huffman's upcoming role in "Criminal Minds: Evolution" is a testament to her perseverance and her commitment to her craft. While she may never fully recover from the damage caused by the scandal, she is determined to prove that she is more than her past mistakes.

Felicity Huffman Returns to TV in 'Criminal Minds: Evolution' After College Admissions Scandal