AceShowbiz - ABC has confirmed the renewal of its first-season drama R.J. Decker for a second season, ensuring the private investigator series will return for the 2026-27 broadcast schedule. This announcement marks the last pending decision for the network’s scripted lineup, which will see all 10 current scripted shows returning next season.

The series, inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s novel Double Whammy, follows the life of Scott Speedman, who portrays the title character, a disgraced former photojournalist and ex-convict turned private investigator operating in South Florida. The cast also includes Jaina Lee Ortiz, Bevin Bru, Kevin Rankin, and Adelaide Clemens.

This renewal is a notable achievement for ABC, as it represents the first time since at least 2012 that the network has avoided cancellations entirely for its scripted slate. Alongside R.J. Decker, ABC has also renewed popular series including its two 911 dramas, Abbott Elementary, Grey’s Anatomy, High Potential, The Rookie, Scrubs, Shifting Gears, and Will Trent.

ABC currently has only one pilot under consideration for the upcoming season: The Rookie: North, a spinoff of The Rookie starring Jay Ellis. Last week, the network passed on the comedy pilot Do You Want Kids? from creators Rachel Bloom and Dan Gregor.

During its spring run, R.J. Decker delivered strong audience performance. The series premiere on March 3 attracted over 15 million viewers across multiple platforms within five weeks. When isolating seven days of linear-only viewing, the show averaged just under 5 million viewers, closely matching the viewership of The Rookie (5.23 million) and another freshman series, 911: Nashville (4.73 million). Streaming likely contributed several million additional viewers beyond the linear figures.

The production of R.J. Decker is handled by 20th Television. Rob Doherty, known for his work on Elementary, adapted Hiaasen’s novel and serves as showrunner. Executive producers include Doherty, Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman, Carl Hiaasen himself, and Jason Tracey, with Scott Speedman also credited as a producer.

With the renewal of R.J. Decker, ABC’s 2026-27 scripted lineup is fully locked in, marking a rare period of stability for the network’s programming strategy. Fans of the series can look forward to seeing the continuation of the private eye’s story in the upcoming season.