ABC is adding another quirky crime solver to its popular Tuesday night lineup. The network’s new series RJ Decker brings a fresh face to prime time, with Scott Speedman stepping into the role of a down-on-his-luck private investigator in sun-soaked South Florida. The show premiered on March 3, 2026, and is already drawing attention for its mix of humor, odd cases, and complicated relationships.
Based on Carl Hiaasen’s 1987 novel Double Whammy, the series follows a former newspaper photographer who trades his camera for a PI license after serving time. But he doesn’t work alone. A small group of allies—including his ex-wife, her new wife, and a former cellmate—help him navigate cases that are anything but ordinary. Here is a complete breakdown of who plays whom in this new ABC drama.
Scott Speedman Takes the Lead as RJ Decker
Canadian actor Scott Speedman plays the title character, RJ Decker . Viewers know Speedman from his long career in television, including his role as Ben Covington on the beloved drama Felicity and more recently as Dr. Nick Marsh on Grey’s Anatomy . He also spent several seasons on the crime drama Animal Kingdom.
His character in this new series is a man trying to rebuild his life after everything fell apart. RJ worked as a newspaper photographer until a scandal sent him to prison. Now out of jail, he works as a private eye in South Florida. The cases he takes on range from “slightly odd to outright bizarre,” according to the official show description .
Speedman also serves as a producer on the series . His commitment to Grey’s Anatomy remains unchanged, as he continues to appear in a recurring role on the long-running medical drama .
The actor recently joked about his new character in an exclusive trailer shared with Us Weekly, where RJ calls himself “the sunshine state’s most lovable PI.” The trailer then shows him getting punched in the face, proving the job is not always glamorous .
Adelaide Clemens Plays RJ’s Ex-Wife Catherine Delacroix
Australian actress Adelaide Clemens takes on the role of Catherine Delacroix, RJ’s former wife . Catherine works as a journalist, which keeps her connected to the world of crime and investigation . Despite their divorce, she remains an important part of RJ’s life and often helps him with cases.
Clemens has built an impressive resume in both film and television. She appeared in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Silent Hill: Revelation . More recently, she starred in the limited series Under the Banner of Heaven alongside Andrew Garfield .
Her character serves as a bridge between RJ’s past and present. Catherine still cares about him but has moved on with her life. That new life includes her wife, Detective Melody Abreau.
Bevin Bru Brings Detective Melody Abreau to Life
Bevin Bru plays Detective Melody “Mel” Abreau, a Fort Lauderdale police detective and Catherine’s wife . This creates an unusual but functional dynamic. RJ works with his ex-wife’s new spouse to solve crimes. Mel is described as a skilled detective who tolerates RJ’s unconventional methods because of her love for Catherine.
Bru is known for her role in Batwoman, where she played a recurring character . She brings a grounded presence to the procedural, representing the official side of law enforcement while RJ operates outside the lines.
Kevin Rankin Appears as RJ’s Former Cellmate Wish
Kevin Rankin portrays Aloysius “Wish” Aiken, RJ’s former cellmate who now owns a bar . Wish provides a link to RJ’s criminal past but also serves as a loyal friend. His bar becomes a regular meeting spot and source of information for RJ’s investigations.
Rankin has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed shows over his career. Viewers may recognize him from Breaking Bad, Justified, or Claws . His character adds a layer of street-level knowledge that RJ needs when dealing with South Florida’s seedier elements.
Jaina Lee Ortiz Joins the Cast as Emilia “Emi” Ochoa
Jaina Lee Ortiz rounds out the main cast as Emilia “Emi” Ochoa . The show describes her as the “shrewd-if-unpredictable daughter of a very powerful, very corrupt state senator” . She has ties to RJ’s past and becomes his “shadowy new benefactor” .
Ortiz is no stranger to ABC audiences. She starred for several seasons on Station 19, the Grey’s Anatomy spinoff about Seattle firefighters . Her character in RJ Decker exists in a moral gray area. The show presents Emi as someone who could be RJ’s greatest ally or the person who sends him back to prison .
This role was originally cast with actress Weruche Opia in the pilot episode . However, producers decided to recast the part before the series order. Opia, known for I May Destroy You, will not appear in the series .
The Creative Team Behind the Series
Rob Doherty created the series and serves as writer and executive producer . Doherty has extensive experience with crime procedurals. He created the CBS series Elementary, which modernized Sherlock Holmes for modern audiences . He also executive produced Medium, another long-running supernatural crime drama .
Paul McGuigan directed the pilot and executive produces . McGuigan has directed films like Lucky Number Slevin and has worked extensively in television . He previously directed the pilot for Will Trent, another ABC crime drama that shares a similar tone .
The series comes from 20th Television and is based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel . Hiaasen himself serves as an executive producer alongside Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman .
Cami Patton served as the primary casting director for the first season . Her previous credits include Justified and The Americans, two shows known for their strong ensemble casts.
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Where and When to Watch RJ Decker
RJ Decker premiered on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10 p.m. Eastern on ABC . It airs as part of ABC’s Tuesday night crime block, following Will Trent and High Potential .
For viewers who prefer streaming, episodes become available the next day on Hulu . The show also streams on Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers .
The show films primarily in Wilmington, North Carolina, though the story takes place in South Florida . Production shot the pilot in summer 2025 and continued filming additional episodes starting in November 2025 . Some scenes also shot in actual South Florida locations, including Palm Beach .
Viewers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India should check local listings and streaming services, as international distribution details vary by region. The show airs on ABC, which is a U.S. broadcast network, so international audiences may need to wait for local broadcasters or streaming platforms to acquire the rights.
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The cases may be bizarre and the punches may keep coming, but RJ Decker is already proving that second chances make for great television. For more updates on your favorite ABC dramas and casting news, keep reading VvipTimes.
