©Deadline - Disney/Dana HawleyIn addition to lead actor Scott Speedman (pictured), the cast includes Kevin Rankin as Aloysius 'Wish' Aiken, Adelaide Clemens as Catherine Delacroix, and Bevin Bru as Melody 'Mel' Romero. The role of Shay Bennett, initially played by Weruche Opia in the pilot, will be recast.
The pilot, delivered to ABC earlier this month, was well-received, with high praise for Speedman's performance. The series combines crime procedural elements with humor and a charismatic lead, fitting well with ABC hits like High Potential, The Rookie, and Will Trent. As with the latter series, director Paul McGuigan was brought in to helm the pilot for RJ Decker.
The story follows RJ Decker (Speedman), a disgraced press photographer and ex-convict who begins a new life as a private detective in the colorful but crime-ridden South Florida. He investigates cases ranging from strange to bizarre, with help from his journalist ex, her police officer wife, and a mysterious woman from his past who could either aid his progress or send him back to prison.
The pilot was filmed in North Carolina, but a permanent filming location for the series is yet to be determined. This is familiar territory for Speedman, who also has a recurring role in ABC's long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy.
Notably, this is the only drama series pilot ABC has ordered this year. New drama series like 9-1-1: Nashville received a direct full-season order, while the spin-off The Rookie: North is still in development. On the comedy side, ABC has already ordered a Scrubs reboot and the pilot Do You Want Kids? with Rachel Bloom, intended for 2026-27, as well as Mittens, a sitcom about a neighborhood cat.
