There’s a new investigator coming to ABC this TV season. The working title for the primetime crime drama is RJ Decker. The show will feature Scott Speedman as the titular character, an ex-con and former newspaper photographer who has turned his disgrace into a career as a private investigator.
With Speedman leading this new show, there’s been speculation on whether Grey’s Anatomy fans should brace for a cast exit. Will the actor be able to play double duty? Here’s what we know!
Is Scott Speedman leaving Grey’s Anatomy?
Back in June, Deadline reported Speedman’s recurring status as Dr. Nick Marsh wasn’t expected to be impacted by a series pick-up for RJ Decker. The plan is for the actor to be able to do both shows. News of the series order hasn’t contradicted this information. However, it hasn’t been confirmed by ABC that Speedman won’t be leaving the medical drama during or after season 22.
An official episode count hasn’t been released. The new series is scheduled to premiere during the midseason, which could mean it’ll only have 10 episodes to film. That’ll leave Speedman leeway to make an appearance or more on Grey’s this season. Per the outlet, he’s expected to wrap filming on RJ Decker first and then film for the medical drama. His ability to continue doing so in the next TV season will likely depend on how successful his new series is and whether it’ll stay a midseason offering if it’s renewed.
What is RJ Decker about?
RJ Decker is a crime drama full of odd and bizarre cases. It’s based on Double Whammy (1987) by Carl Hiaasen. Speedman’s character is described as being a charmer with a short fuse and restless spirit. If season 1 follows the plot of the book, RJ will be looking for a killer connected to a body found floating in Coon Bog, Florida.
Solving cases requires help from his ex, a journalist, and her police detective husband. It also means relying on the kindness of a new benefactor, a woman tied to RJ’s past, whose assistance could prove her to be his strongest ally or land him right back in prison. But it’s a gamble he’s willing to take, no matter how shadowy she is.
RJ Decker premieres in 2026. Grey’s Anatomy season 22 debuts Thursday, October 9, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. The next day, streaming will be available on Hulu.
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