ABC just made a big decision on R.J. Decker that will please fans of the new mystery series.
As we get closer to the May upfronts, the networks are making decisions on several “on the bubble” series. Thankfully for fans of R.J. Decker, ABC announced that the freshman mystery series will be back for a second season. There’s no word yet on when it will premiere or how many episodes it will have, but it’s a great choice for a highly underrated show!
For those who missed it, R.J. Decker is based on the book Double Whammy by Carl Hiaasen. It carries the author’s classic touches of examining the strange world of Florida culture and crime. Scott Speedman plays the title role of a former news photographer who went to jail for fighting the son of wealthy Florida state senator Victor Ocha (David Zayas). That was thanks to Ocha’s daughter, Emi (Jaina Lee Ortiz), whom Decker had literally just slept with, giving false testimony to send Decker to jail for two years.
After getting out, Decker sets up shop as a private eye, investigating unusual cases around Fort Lauderdale. He’s aided by his ex-wife, Catherine (Adelaide Clemens), her current wife and FLPD detective, Mel (Bevin Blu), and Decker’s former cellmate, Wish (Kevin Rankin), who now runs a bar. There’s also Emi returning to Decker’s life for some odd encounters.
The show’s renewal chances seemed iffy. While it started strong thanks to lead-ins from Will Trent and High Potential, Deadline noted that the ratings had tapered, with over 15.21 million total viewers across 35 days of multiplatform viewing on ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+, and digital platforms.
However, Decker benefited from great Hulu viewing numbers as well as Speedman’s likability, making him a selling point along with the show progressing after a rough pilot. There’s also how ABC has renewed every other scripted show this season, so ending Decker after just one year would have been odd.
The question remains what season 2 can be about and how that plays into more than one show.
What's next in R.J. Decker season 2?
First, a major question is actually for fans of Grey’s Anatomy, as Speedman has been a recurring guest star as Dr. Nick Marsh. Indeed, the season 22 finale had Nick badly injured in a bridge collapse, and while he recovered, he and Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) got engaged. With R.J. Decker coming back, it’s uncertain how much of Nick will be in Grey’s season 23, so likely he’ll only pop up in an episode or two.
Getting back to Decker, season 1 ended with Ocha arrested for his various crimes and out on bail, only to be shot dead in his home. It’s likely season 2 will focus on Decker doing “case of the week” episodes while also investigating who killed Ocha. Sadly, the suspects may include Emi as she and Decker rekindled a relationship.
Hopefully, we'll also get more about the supporting cast, such as flashbacks showing how Catherine and Mel got together and Decker's time in jail. It's not hard to imagine someone he crossed paths with in prison may come into his life again.
It’s still uncertain when the new season will premiere, as ABC may want it for the fall or keep it to mid-season. Hopefully, with more episodes, the show can continue to build its audience to maintain itself as a surprise hit!
R.J. Decker is now streaming on Hulu.
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