AceShowbiz - ABC’s lineup of crime dramas continues to expand with the introduction of a fresh new series, RJ Decker, set to air on Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. ET/PT. This addition follows the success of popular procedurals like High Potential and Will Trent, which have helped establish ABC as a stronghold for engaging police and detective dramas on broadcast television.

Created by Robert Doherty, known for his work on Elementary, RJ Decker draws inspiration from the 1987 crime comedy mystery novel Double Whammy, authored by prolific writer Carl Hiaasen. Though the show retains the original book’s Florida setting and quirky tone, it expands beyond the novel’s focus on the corrupt realm of competitive bass fishing to explore a wider variety of cases and characters within South Florida.

At the heart of the series is R.J. Decker, portrayed by Scott Speedman, best known for his role in the Underworld franchise. Decker is a complex and flawed character: a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-convict attempting to rebuild his life after prison by establishing himself as a private investigator. His efforts to start fresh are complicated by his relationships, including his ex-wife, her new police detective wife, and the daughter of a corrupt state senator responsible for Decker’s incarceration.

ABC’s gamble on this offbeat detective drama seems to be paying off. Following its premiere on March 3, 2026, the series currently holds an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on five reviews. While not quite matching the Certified Fresh 96% rating earned by High Potential during its groundbreaking first season, this is a promising start that suggests RJ Decker has the potential to carve out its own dedicated audience.

Critics have responded positively to the show’s blend of crime-solving and humor. Collider’s Jennie Richardson gave the series a 7/10 review, praising its "laugh out loud" comedic moments and Speedman’s portrayal of the titular character. She noted that, like Decker himself, the show is "a little rough around the edges, but it has a lot of potential," highlighting its unique voice within the crime procedural genre.

The cast supporting Scott Speedman includes Adelaide Clemens, Bevin Bru, and Kevin Rankin. Notably, Jaina Lee Ortiz, known for her role on Station 19, appears as Decker’s shady benefactor and the figure behind his prison sentence. This casting adds a familiar face to the series and connects it to ABC’s extended universe of crime dramas.

Speedman has recently focused on television, with acclaimed roles in Peacock’s horror series Teacup, TNT’s Animal Kingdom, and the ongoing ABC hit Grey’s Anatomy. With RJ Decker, he steps into a lead role that could establish him as a staple of Florida-based crime dramas on network television.

The series explores themes of redemption, corruption, and complicated personal dynamics, all set against the sun-soaked yet morally ambiguous backdrop of South Florida. This setting provides a vibrant contrast to the darker elements of the stories and helps differentiate RJ Decker from other procedurals currently on air.

As the show progresses through its first season, it will be interesting to see if it can sustain its initial critical momentum and build a loyal viewership comparable to its ABC counterparts. The network’s investment in distinctive characters like Kaitlin Olson’s Morgan Gillory in High Potential and Ramón Rodriguez’s Will Trent has proven successful, and RJ Decker aims to continue that trend with its unique blend of comedy and crime drama.

For viewers who enjoy a mix of mystery, humor, and character-driven storytelling, RJ Decker offers a compelling new option. Its premiere marks another step forward in ABC’s strategy to dominate the procedural landscape with shows that emphasize both personality and plot.

Stay tuned to Collider for ongoing coverage and updates on RJ Decker as it unfolds throughout its debut season. With its strong cast, intriguing premise, and early positive reviews, this new series is poised to become a notable part of ABC’s crime drama roster.