The wait for more Florida-based mystery is nearly over. ABC has officially confirmed the R.J. Decker Season 2 premiere date, announcing that the hit crime procedural will return to the network on Tuesday, September 15. To celebrate the show’s comeback, the network is planning a high-profile crossover event that bridges the gap between the scripted series and one of its most popular unscripted programs.
Florida, where the weather's hot but the P.I.'s are hotter 🥵 #RJDecker returns Tuesday, September 15 on ABC. Stream on Hulu. pic.twitter.com/siEDxu1Nbh
— R.J. Decker (@rjdeckerabc) August 25, 2026
The Season 2 debut will air immediately following the Season 35 premiere of Dancing With the Stars. By positioning the return of Scott Speedman’s private investigator character directly after the reality competition, ABC is clearly looking to capitalize on the massive audience that follows the ballroom series. The network also released a new teaser trailer that provides a first look at how the two worlds will collide.
A Crossover with Ballroom Flair
The upcoming premiere episode will feature guest appearances from three familiar faces within the Dancing With the Stars family. Pro dancers and real-life married couple Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy are set to appear alongside Season 33 champion Joey Graziadei. The newly released footage shows Speedman’s character interacting with the trio in a scene that successfully blends the show’s signature Florida noir atmosphere with a touch of ballroom energy.
This crossover is a clever strategic move for the network. By integrating popular reality stars into a scripted procedural, ABC is creating a unique event that encourages viewers to tune in for the entire night. It is a bold way to maintain momentum for a series that has already proven to be a significant performer for the network since its debut earlier this year.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Based on the novel Double Whammy by Carl Hiaasen, the series follows a former newspaper photographer and ex-convict who reinvents himself as a private investigator in South Florida. Created by showrunner Rob Doherty, the show features a diverse cast including Jaina Lee Ortiz, Bevin Bru, Kevin Rankin, and Adelaide Clemens. The series has quickly carved out a niche for itself by balancing crime-solving with a distinct, often bizarre, regional tone.
The show’s success is backed by impressive numbers. Following its March 2026 premiere, the series set a five-year ratings record for ABC’s 10 p.m. time slot. With millions of viewers tuning in across linear and digital platforms, the anticipation for the sophomore season is high. Fans can catch the new episodes on ABC starting September 15, with streaming options available on Hulu.
For more information on the upcoming season, you can visit the official ABC show page. You can also view the latest teaser on the official R.J. Decker X account.
Source: Coming Soon
