Criminal Minds has announced a major casting move.

Jeanne Tripplehorn will join the CBS drama as a series regular on season 8, coming on board as “a new profiler,” according to producer Erica Messer. “Her character will be introduced in the premiere.”

Tripplehorn helped anchor HBO's Big Love for five seasons; earned an Emmy nod for her portrayal of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in Grey Gardens; and appeared most recently on multiple New Girl episodes.

Her casting is meant to offset the loss of Paget Brewster, who exited after Criminal Minds Season 7.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.