Fans of CBS’s hit show “Criminal Minds” can rest assured, now that the network has found a worthy replacement for former lead actor Mandy Patinkin: Joe Mantegna.

Mandy Patinkin played Special Agent Jason Gideon from the very beginning of “Criminal Minds,” some two years ago. Last month, he unexpectedly announced his departure from the show, due to “creative differences.”

Executive producers were apparently taken aback by his decision to leave and suddenly faced with the difficult task of finding a replacement. At the time, executive producer Ed Bernero commented on the “Criminal Minds Fanatic” website: “"He gave us no advance notice that anything was wrong, no opportunity to find a way to make the loss of this character work.”

It would seem now that all has come to a smooth denouement, as Joe Mantegna, 59, recently nominated for an Emmy as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, for “The Starter Wife,” has joined the project.

“We are very excited to tell you all that Joe Mantegna is officially joining the cast of ‘Criminal Minds,’” executive producer Ed Bernero wrote on the “Criminal Minds Fanatic” website this weekend. “Thanks for hanging with us, everyone.”

Details about Mantegna’s character on the show still have to be arranged.

Joe Mantegna has been lending his voice to mobster Fat Tony on “The Simpsons” since 1989. He played in “The Godfather Part III” and “Liberty Heights.” He has also collaborated with CBS before: on “Joan of Arcadia” and “First Monday.”

His role on USA Network's miniseries “The Starter Wife,” starring Debra Messing, has earned him an Emmy nomination.

“Criminal Minds” will see the debut of its third season late September. The crime drama’s cast includes Thomas Gibson, Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler and Paget Brewster.

Hollywood Reporter reported last week that among the candidates as Patinkin’s replacement was veteran actor Harvey Keitel.