The Will Trent fanbase is buzzing with excitement for the next chapter of this captivating crime drama. Rooted in Karin Slaughter’s bestselling novels, the ABC series follows Special Agent Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation as he cracks tough cases in Atlanta while wrestling with his own personal struggles. With a Season 3 finale that left hearts racing, everyone’s eager to know what’s next. Here’s everything we know so far about Will Trent Season 4.
When Will Season 4 Hit Screens?
No official date has been locked in for Will Trent Season 4, but ABC has confirmed it’s slated for early 2026, likely as a midseason show. Past seasons give some clues: Seasons 1 and 3 dropped in January, while Season 2 hit in February. That points to a possible January or February 2026 start. Filming kicked off on August 11, 2025, as Karin Slaughter shared on Good Morning America, which fits a winter release. Expect 18 episodes, like Season 3, airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with next-day streaming on Hulu and Disney+. Keep an ear out for ABC’s official word on the exact premiere.
Who’s Back and Who’s Joining?
The heart of Will Trent lies in its stellar cast, and most of the main players are expected to return. Here’s the rundown:
-
Ramón Rodríguez as Will Trent: The sharp, dyslexic GBI agent who solves cases with grit and heart. Rodríguez is also stepping behind the camera to direct a few episodes, fresh off directing the Season 3 opener.
-
Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski: Will’s longtime friend and complicated love interest, whose pregnancy choice in Season 3 shook things up.
-
Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell: Will’s quick-witted GBI partner, ready to tackle more cases.
-
Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood: Angie’s work buddy, whose health scare in the finale has fans worried.
-
Kevin Daniels as Detective Franklin Wilks: Big news—Daniels is now a series regular! As Angie’s friend and sober sponsor, Wilks will dive deeper into the action.
-
Yul Vazquez as Sheriff Caleb Roussard: Introduced as Will’s biological father in Season 3, his role is set to grow as their bond evolves.
There’s a question mark over Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner, the GBI deputy director shot in the Season 3 finale. A teaser from the willtrentabc Instagram showed her on set, but her recovery is unclear, and she might have less screen time early on.
Could we see familiar faces pop back up? Gina Rodriguez as Assistant DA Marion Alba, Will’s Season 3 fling, might return, with co-showrunner Liz Heldens saying, “She was a joy to work with, and we’d love to have her back.” Scott Foley as Dr. Seth McDale, Angie’s new partner, could also show up, depending on his availability.
Book fans are clamoring for Sara Linton, Will’s major love interest from Slaughter’s novels. Season 4 feels like the right moment to introduce her, especially with Will and Angie’s relationship at a crossroads.
What’s the Story Ahead?
The Season 3 finale, “Listening to a Heartbeat,” was a rollercoaster, with a terrorist group called the Founder’s Front unleashing a bioterror attack on Atlanta. Amanda was left fighting for her life, and Michael collapsed, possibly from a brain tumor. Season 4 will jump right into the fallout.
Here’s what might unfold:
-
Will’s Family Drama: Learning Sheriff Caleb is his dad changes everything for Will. Their relationship could grow warmer but also hit rough patches, given Caleb’s shady side. This will dig into Will’s past and his struggle to trust.
-
Amanda’s Survival: Amanda’s fate hangs in the balance after surgery. If she makes it, her recovery could shift the GBI’s dynamics, maybe pushing Will into a bigger leadership role temporarily.
-
Michael’s Health: Michael’s collapse raises stakes. Will his condition sideline him, or will he push through? This could shake up his role on the team.
-
Angie’s Journey: Choosing to keep her baby with Seth is a huge step for Angie. Her path to motherhood, sobriety, and returning to the Atlanta PD will be a big focus.
-
Big Cases: Expect intense investigations, possibly inspired by Slaughter’s books like Criminal or Unseen. Political scandals, high-stakes crimes, or ties to past plots like Rafael’s gang could surface. The show will mix standalone cases with deeper character stories.
-
Heart and Humor: The series’ balance of emotional weight and light moments will shine. Will’s chihuahua, Betty, might steal a few scenes, and the team’s banter will keep things fun.
Co-showrunner Daniel Thomsen hinted at “massive changes” for everyone, making Season 4 the most emotional yet. The theme of family—chosen and biological—will tie it all together.