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‘Criminal Minds’ Alum Matthew Gray Gubler to Star in CBS Drama Pilot ‘Einstein’

by · Variety

Matthew Gray Gubler could soon be making his return to CBS.

Variety has confirmed that the actor is attached to play the lead role in the pilot “Einstein” at the broadcaster. The show is described as a drama with comedic undertones. The pilot order was originally announced back in August. It is an adaptation of the German series of the same name.

Gubler will play Lew Einstein, the great grandson of Albert Einstein. The character is described as “a popular professor at Princeton…when he actually shows up for class. Irreverent and misguided, Lew’s genius and famous name weighs heavily on him but using his gift to help solve homicides may- finally- offer his life some direction and purpose.”

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Gubler is best known for his role as Dr. Spencer Reid in the long-running CBS procedural “Criminal Minds,” starring in the show for its entire from 2005-2020. He also directed multiple episodes of the series. He was one of the only main cast members to not appear in the revival “Criminal Minds: Evolution” at Paramount+, due to scheduling conflicts. He is also known for his roles in shows like “Dollface” at Hulu as well as films like “(500) Days of Summer,” “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” and the “Alvin and the Chipmunk” franchise.

He is repped by CAA, Anonymous Content and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.

Andy Breckman is writing and executive producing the pilot, with Randy Zisk directing and executive producing. Tariq Jalil also executive produces along with Rose Hughes, Rodrigo Herrera Ibarguengoytia and Laura Beetz of Seven One Studios International. Gubler is also a producer in addition to starring. CBS Studios will produce.

Deadline first reported Gubler’s casting in the pilot.