Kirsten Vangsness will play her character Penelope Garcia on both "Criminal Minds" and its spinoff "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior," CBS said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Vangsness will become a series regular on "Suspect," when it debuts midseason.

Garcia is a computer wizard who helps research cases. Vangsness will play the role and support the "Suspect Behavior" BAU team headed up by Special Agent Sam Cooper, played by Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker.

"In reality, the real BAU teams share analysts, so it made sense for us to combine the positions on TV," explained "Suspect Behavior" Executive Producer Chris Mundy said in a statement. "On a personal note, Kirsten is amazing, both personally and professionally. Her talent will make our new series that much better both on screen and behind the scenes."

"I'm super-excited to be invited onto the series," added Vangsness. "The cast is astounding and I love playing this character."

"Suspect" stars Forest Whitaker, Janeane Garofolo, Matt Ryan, Michael Kelly and Beau Garrett.