ABC has officially announced that the fourth season of the popular series Will Trent will premiere on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The show will return to its familiar time slot, airing at 8 PM ET/PT on ABC, leading into the new seasons of High Potential and The Rookie.
Official Release Schedule and Timeslot
The premiere date was confirmed in an official press release from ABC, outlining the network’s midseason lineup. The show will maintain its successful Tuesday night schedule.
- Show: Will Trent Season 4
- Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Time: 8 PM ET/PT on ABC
- Lead-out: High Potential Season 2 at 9 PM and The Rookie Season 8 at 10 PM
This scheduling keeps the show in the same pattern as its previous seasons, which have all debuted in the January midseason window. The first season premiered in January 2023, and the third season launched in January 2025.
Picking Up After Season 3’s Cliffhangers
The new season will immediately address the major cliffhangers from the dramatic Season 3 finale. The finale featured a domestic terrorism attack that left key characters in perilous situations.
Amanda Wagner, the GBI Deputy Director played by Sonja Sohn, was shot while protecting Angie and was left in a comatose state. Additionally, Detective Michael Ormewood, portrayed by Jake McLaughlin, suffered a seizure, potentially related to a brain tumor. In another major development, Angie Polaski, played by Erika Christensen, learned she is pregnant and decided to keep the baby with Dr. Seth McDale.
Author and series executive producer Karin Slaughter appeared on Good Morning America to discuss what fans can expect. She confirmed the new season would dive straight into the unresolved stories.
“There’s so many great new ideas [in Season 4]. There were so many cliffhangers in that last episode of the season, and they’re just picking up where they left off and doing amazing things,” she explained on GMA.
Returning Cast and New Story Arcs
The core cast is set to return for the new season. Ramón Rodríguez will be back in the title role, and he will also step behind the camera to direct multiple episodes. He previously directed the Season 3 premiere.
Kevin Daniels, who plays Detective Franklin Wilks, has been promoted to a series regular for Season 4. This means audiences will see more of Angie’s colleague, friend, and sober sponsor.
The season will also explore the new dynamic between Will and his biological father, Sheriff Caleb Roussard, played by Yul Vazquez. Their relationship was a key development at the end of Season 3. Furthermore, Angie’s pregnancy will significantly impact her life and her complex relationship with Will.
Other main cast members expected to return include Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell and Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood. The fate of Sonja Sohn’s character, Amanda Wagner, remains a central question after the finale.
Episode Count and Where to Watch
Season 4 is expected to have 18 episodes, following the same format as the third season. New episodes will air weekly on ABC. For streaming viewers, episodes will be available to watch on Hulu the day after they air on ABC.
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