R.J. Decker’s Future: ABC Hasn’t Officially Renewed Its High Potential Replacement for Season 3
ABC’s crime lineup shifts
ABC’s crime dramas are spread across the fall and midseason schedule. High Potential was held for midseason for the first time in Season 3, while Will Trent is heading into Season 4.
The Rookie is also set to share Wednesdays with its Jay Ellis-led spin-off, The Rookie North, beginning in early January. R.J. Decker, the network’s remaining crime series, finished its second season last month after a shortened run.
A mixed record for R.J. Decker
The South Florida-set mystery had strong reviews and a solid start on ABC, but it did not match the breakout success of High Potential. Streaming support helped the series earn a second season, with Scott Speedman returning as photojournalist-turned-ex-con private eye R.J. Decker.
The new season averaged around 4.5 million multiplatform viewers in its first seven days, according to the article. Its planned nine episodes were cut to seven, and the finale aired before Halloween, developments that have fueled uncertainty about a renewal.
Renewal decision may take months
More than two weeks after the finale, ABC had neither renewed the show nor signaled that it would continue. The network is expected to begin shaping its schedule for the following year in January, but a decision could take longer.
The series previously came close to cancellation before returning, and low linear viewership remains a concern. The article suggests the show could wait until around April for an answer, ahead of May upfronts.
Finale leaves a major question
Creator Rob Doherty ended the season with a cliffhanger that puts Mel’s family in jeopardy. That ending leaves the story open for another season, though it does not confirm the show will return.
The finale also left viewers waiting to learn who killed Victor Ochoa. Whether R.J. Decker gets another round to investigate that mystery remains unsettled.
Key points
- ABC has not renewed R.J. Decker for a third season.
- A decision could come as late as around April, before May upfronts.
- The finale ended with Mel’s family facing danger and Victor Ochoa’s killing unresolved.