ABC's lineup of crime solvers just got a major vote of confidence. The network has officially renewed its flagship drama, Will Trent, for a fifth season, solidifying the series' position as a cornerstone of its primetime schedule. The announcement comes as no surprise to industry watchers, given the show's remarkable performance and dedicated fanbase.
A Ratings Juggernaut Makes History
The renewal is a direct result of the series' phenomenal success. Will Trent has achieved a rare and impressive feat in broadcast television: it has increased its ratings with every single season since its debut. According to Nielsen data, it's the first ABC series since Scandal to accomplish this, and the first broadcast show across all major networks to do so in nearly 14 years. This consistent growth culminated in the show's fourth season becoming its most-watched yet, recently ranking as the top program in Live+Same Day viewership for the network.
What Keeps Fans Coming Back?
Starring Ramón Rodríguez in the title role, the series follows Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The character's compelling backstory—abandoned at birth and raised in Atlanta's challenging foster care system—informs his unique, empathetic approach to solving crimes. Fans have connected deeply with his journey, which balances gripping procedural cases with poignant personal struggles. The show, adapted from Karin Slaughter's bestselling novels, boasts an impressive 82% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for being both a funny and endearing take on the crime genre.
The recently concluded fourth season delivered high-stakes drama, forcing Will to confront his past head-on. Major storylines included the beginnings of a relationship with his biological father and the terrifying return of serial killer James Ulster (Greg Germann), the man responsible for his mother's murder. This potent mix of character development and chilling villains has kept audiences thoroughly invested.
ABC's Crime Drama Empire Expands
Will Trent is not alone in securing its future. The renewal is part of a larger wave of positive news for ABC's drama slate. The network recently ordered a third season for the Kaitlin Olson-led High Potential, and the Nathan Fillion vehicle The Rookie was also picked up for another season. With stalwarts like Grey's Anatomy, Abbott Elementary, and the 9-1-1 franchise also returning, ABC's schedule for the upcoming season is quickly taking shape. The fate of newcomer R.J. Decker is still pending, but its record-breaking premiere makes a renewal seem likely.
This cluster of successful renewals highlights a thriving era for character-driven crime series on network TV. For viewers who can't get enough, other platforms are delivering compelling stories, from the gritty Miami revenge plot in the upcoming Ozark creator's new thriller 'M.I.A.' to the star-studded chaos promised in Beef Season 2.
The Team Behind the Badge
Rodríguez leads a talented ensemble cast that includes Erika Christensen, Iantha Richardson, Jake McLaughlin, Sonja Sohn, and Kevin Daniels. Their chemistry has been a key ingredient in the show's success, bringing depth and warmth to the high-pressure world of the GBI. The series' ability to blend serialized character arcs with standalone criminal cases has proven to be a winning formula, appealing to both loyal weekly viewers and those who discover the show through streaming.
With its fifth season confirmed, Will Trent joins the ranks of TV series built to run for decades, demonstrating the lasting power of a well-crafted character and compelling mysteries. The show continues to air on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for all the latest updates on casting, plot details, and the premiere date for Season 5.
