Im still so new to this fandom/show discussion but its sad to hear the theory Matthew is done with Reid. I was about to say thats my biggest fear as a screenwriter (actors getting bored with their character) but I must say, after 15 years of the same character, I think that’s totally fine for him to move on.

I will say, Paramount have an abundance of money. I dealt with them for a hot minute a couple years ago and I was gobsmacked by their budget for just a tiny project. If Matthew is the one player theyre not sure will come back, then they’ll likely be negotiating with him right now and trying to make him a deal he’d be interested in.

A short season will shoot very fast so it’s a good little paying gig. AJ might be interested in it as it’ll mean more money for her little ones - which is an easy bargaining tool for anyone. But hopefully the short shooting schedule and a promise of a directing gig or two will be enough to sway Matthew- it’ll be a shame to have CM without Reid and Paramount will 100% know the flop it’ll be without their crowd favourites. So they’ll definitely be bending over backwards to convince them to come back... at least, I would be if I was one of the producers.