Spencer Reid is a fictional character on the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds, portrayed by Matthew Gray Gubler.

Reid is characterized as a genius and prodigy with an eidetic memory and an IQ of 187, possessing multiple doctorate degrees in mathematics, chemistry, and engineering.

[1] Known for his social awkwardness and analytical brilliance, Reid’s intellectual capabilities and unique quirks have made him an integral part of the BAU team, remaining a regular theme in the series even after initially not returning for the renewal, Criminal Minds: Evolution.

Reid’s academic prowess was evident early, as he graduated from high school at twelve and went on to earn multiple advanced degrees by the age of 22.

When Reid was eighteen, he institutionalized his mother, a decision that left him with lingering guilt, leading him to maintain regular correspondence with her.

Reid joined the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit at the unusually young age of 22, becoming one of the team's youngest members.

His eidetic memory allows him to retain and recall vast amounts of information, often leading to rapid, information-heavy responses that occasionally overwhelm or shock his colleagues.

[5] In addition to his academic strengths, Reid displays emotional resilience, overcoming a traumatic kidnapping and forced drug addiction in Season 2.

Reid’s youth and inexperience in fieldwork gives him a rough start socially, yet he begins forming bonds with his colleagues overtime, especially JJ, to whom he asks out on a date.

His traumatic experience in captivity affects him deeply, and he begins attending support meetings for law enforcement officers struggling with substance abuse.

[9] Reid also forms deeper friendships with his team members and begins opening up more, especially to Morgan, who acts as a mentor and older brother figure.

[12] In Season 7, Reid learns that Prentiss’s death was faked as part of an operation, and he feels betrayed by JJ, who withheld the truth.

[14] The season ends with him beginning to mend emotionally, as he receives support from his teammates, especially Rossi, who consoles him and helps him confront his grief.

In "Entropy," Reid reveals the extent of his fears about his own mental health while undercover to take down a hitman network targeting the BAU.

Reid’s ordeal tests his loyalty and resilience, and his teammates rally to prove his innocence, reflecting his importance to the BAU family.

[17] Reid’s prison experience alters his approach to fieldwork, and he adopts a more aggressive stance against suspects, showing how deeply his imprisonment has affected him.

[20] When he suffers a brain injury and hallucinates people from his past, including Maeve, Reid gains emotional clarity and finds peace with his memories.