Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Paget Brewster Fired, Returns, Secures Equal Pay After Moonves Dispute

4/29/2026

47 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Paget Brewster was fired from CBS’s Criminal Minds after president Les Moonves said he disliked the women.
She returned to the series in season 12 in 2016 after Thomas Gibson’s firing.
Brewster negotiated a salary equal to the male cast, which triggered raises for other female actors.
In a podcast released on April 27, Brewster detailed the pilot dispute and her pay-equity fight.

1 of 1

Story summary

Paget Brewster was fired from CBS’s Criminal Minds after president Les Moonves said he disliked the women.
She returned to the series in season 12 in 2016 after Thomas Gibson’s firing.
Brewster negotiated a salary equal to the male cast, which triggered raises for other female actors.
In a podcast released on April 27, Brewster detailed the pilot dispute and her pay-equity fight.