R.J. Decker Returns: Scott Speedman Back for Season Two Murder Mystery
R.J. Decker is back on the case. Season two of the ABC detective drama premiered on September 15, 2026, picking up the story of a South Florida private investigator with a criminal record and a complicated love life.
The seven-episode run puts Scott Speedman back in the lead role as R.J. Decker. Speedman also serves as an executive producer, meaning he helps guide the show behind the camera as well as in front of it, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The series was adapted by Elementary creator Rob Doherty from Double Whammy, the novel by Carl Hiaasen. Decker starts out as a former photojournalist and ex-con trying to reinvent himself as a private investigator.
The first season aired last spring and arrived with momentum. It became ABC's most-watched 10 p.m. debut in more than five years, The Hollywood Reporter reported.
Season two centres on a death at the top. The new episodes uncover the mystery around the suspected murder of Victor Ochoa, played by David Zayas. Ochoa is written as a corrupt politician and the father of Emi.
Jaina Lee Ortiz plays Emilia "Emi" Ochoa, R.J.'s on-again-off-again love interest. Her testimony originally sent R.J. to prison. That history hangs over every scene they share.
Family is the other fault line this season. Beau Bridges guest-stars as Reggie, R.J.'s father. The new season explores how R.J.'s work intrudes on his personal life and on that father-son relationship.
Viewers will also see more of the wider team. Bevin Bru plays Detective Melody "Mel" Abreu, and Kevin Rankin is also in the cast, according to ABC. The network lists a season two episode titled "The Point of Us."
Production was still in motion when Speedman spoke to the press. At the time of his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the team was filming its sixth episode in Wilmington, North Carolina.
For many viewers, Speedman is still Ben Covington from Felicity, the WB college drama that made him known nearly three decades ago. In the interview, he also discussed why he will always make time to return to Grey's Anatomy and gave an update on the current status of a potential Felicity reunion.
The original series premiere was listed by ABC for Tuesday, March 3. Season two premiered on September 15, according to Yahoo and People.
What makes this return stand out is the mix. A short seven-episode mystery. A father turning up. An old lover with reason to feel guilty. R.J. has cases to solve, but the people closest to him may be the hardest part.
