ABC’s new crime drama RJ Decker is moving fast through its first season. The series, which started on March 3, 2026, has viewers hooked with its Florida setting and complicated main character. Episode 5, titled “Burn Notice,” is set to air on March 31, 2026. This episode brings back the main cast while introducing new faces that add more trouble for the ex-con turned private eye.
The show follows Scott Speedman as RJ Decker, a former newspaper photographer who lost everything. After serving 18 months in prison, he tries to build a new life as a private investigator in South Florida. The show is based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel Double Whammy, and it mixes crime solving with personal drama.
Main Cast Returning for Episode 5
Scott Speedman leads the show as RJ Decker. Speedman, known for his work on Grey’s Anatomy and Felicity, plays a broken man trying to find his way. His character went from taking photos for a living to taking cases for money. The role asks him to show a man who is smart but also carries a lot of guilt.
Jaina Lee Ortiz plays Emilia “Emi” Ochoa. She has a direct link to RJ’s past. Emi is the one who sent RJ to prison, but she did it because her corrupt father, a state senator, ordered her to do so. Ortiz, famous for Station 19, brings a tough energy to the screen. Her character works as a detective, and she keeps a close watch on RJ.
Adelaide Clemens takes on the role of Catherine Delacroix, RJ’s ex-wife. She works as a journalist, which puts her in the middle of RJ’s cases. Clemens has shared that working with Speedman feels easy and fun because their characters know each other so well.
Kevin Rankin plays Aloysius “Wish” Aiken. Wish is RJ’s former cellmate and now runs a bar. Rankin, who appeared in Breaking Bad and Justified, adds a grounded feel to the show. His character gives RJ a place to crash and someone to talk to.
Bevin Bru plays Melody “Mel” Abreu. Mel is Catherine’s current wife and a detective with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Bru’s character does not trust RJ, which creates tension every time they work together.
Guest Stars and New Characters in Episode 5
Episode 5, “Burn Notice,” brings in new faces. ABC has not released the full list of guest stars for this episode yet. But based on the show’s pattern, viewers can expect to see clients who bring weird cases to RJ’s door.
The show’s official description says RJ takes on cases that range from slightly odd to outright bizarre. Episode 5 will likely follow this rule. Past episodes have featured criminals hiding in plain sight and people with strange secrets.
How the Characters Connect
The show works because of how these characters bounce off each other. RJ cannot escape his past because Emi reminds him of it every day. He still cares for Catherine, but she has moved on with Mel. Wish gives him advice, but even Wish has limits on how much he can help.
Jaina Lee Ortiz said about working with Scott Speedman: “Scott is great. He’s such a professional. He shows up, he has all his lines memorized and he is just so great. He’s present and I love that every scene is different and it’s very unexpected. There’s something new that happens in every take and that’s what I love the most.”
Adelaide Clemens added: “He’s so fun. We have a great time and there’s a lot of unspoken stuff that happens. It’s really fun with our characters where they make each other laugh and even just the little things. When you’ve known someone so well, you know what they’re going to say and what a little twitch of their eyebrow means. Things that irritate you also charm you.”
Where to Watch RJ Decker Episode 5
RJ Decker airs on ABC every Tuesday night. Episode 5 will release on March 31, 2026 at its regular time slot.
For viewers in the USA, new episodes show up the next day on Hulu. Canada viewers can watch on CTV or stream on Disney+. UK audiences will find the series on Disney+ as well. Australia viewers can also stream through Disney+, while India viewers have access via Disney+ Hotstar.
Each episode runs for 60 minutes, giving enough time to build the case and the character drama.
What Makes the Cast Work
The cast of RJ Decker brings a mix of known faces and newer talents. Scott Speedman carries the weight of the lead role well. He has played damaged characters before, and he knows how to show pain without overdoing it.
Jaina Lee Ortiz stands out as Emi. Her character could have been a simple villain, but Ortiz gives her layers. Viewers can see that Emi feels bad about what she did, even if she won’t admit it.
Kevin Rankin offers some lighter moments as Wish. His bar becomes a safe space in a show full of danger.
Adelaide Clemens and Bevin Bru play a couple caught between RJ’s world and their own. Their scenes feel real, and they avoid the usual TV couple cliches.
Also Read:
Show Background
RJ Decker started as a pilot order from ABC in mid-2025. The network picked it up for a full season, and the first 13 episodes are set to run through April 2026. The show is based on Carl Hiaasen’s 1987 novel Double Whammy, but the TV version updates the story for modern audiences.
The show films in and around South Florida, using the location to add color and danger to every scene. The bright beaches hide dark crimes, and RJ has to walk through both.
The series comes at a time when crime dramas are still popular on network TV. But RJ Decker tries to stand out by giving its hero a real flaw. He is not a cop. He is not a former spy. He is just a guy who took bad photos of bad people and paid the price.
Also Read: XO, Kitty Showrunner Explains Yuri’s Season 3 Ending: ‘Was About Her Reinventing Herself’
For more entertainment news and updates on your favorite TV shows, keep checking VvipTimes. We bring you the latest on what is airing, who is starring, and where to watch. Stay with us for more RJ Decker coverage as the season moves forward.
