If you’re a fan of sharp-witted detectives, heartfelt character arcs, and Atlanta’s gritty underbelly, Will Trent has been your go-to ABC procedural. Based on Karin Slaughter’s bestselling novels, the series follows Special Agent Will Trent—a brilliant but neurodivergent investigator with a traumatic past—as he navigates complex crimes for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). After three seasons of escalating tension, the show’s renewal for Season 4 brings fresh excitement. Here’s everything you need to know about the new season.
Will Trent Season 4 Release Details
ABC dropped the official word in late October: Will Trent Season 4 kicks off on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. That’s right in line with the show’s midseason groove—Seasons 1 and 3 launched in January, while Season 2 slipped to February thanks to those pesky 2023 strikes. Expect a full 18-episode run, airing weekly with minimal breaks to keep the momentum rolling. New episodes will stream the next day on Hulu, so binge-watchers won’t have to wait long to catch up.
This timing feels perfect after Season 3 wrapped in May 2025, leaving jaws on the floor. The network’s confidence shines through; Will Trent averaged 4.6 million viewers last season, topping ABC’s scripted charts in live-plus-same-day ratings and racking up streaming wins. No wonder renewal came quick in April 2025—it’s a steady earner that’s only getting stronger.
Will Trent Season 4 Expected Cast
The ensemble that makes Will Trent feel like a well-oiled family machine is mostly intact, with some exciting shakes to the lineup. Leading the charge, of course, is Ramón Rodríguez as Will Trent himself. Fans got a treat when ABC announced he’ll direct multiple episodes this season, building on his Season 3 debut behind the camera. His take? Expect even more layered glimpses into Will’s world—neurotic quirks, sharp instincts, and that dry wit that sneaks up on you.
Core players are circling back too:
- Erika Christensen reprises Angie Polaski, Will’s ex and APD detective, who’s navigating her own chaos after the finale bombshell.
- Iantha Richardson steps in as Faith Mitchell, Will’s steadfast GBI partner, ready to tackle cases that test their bond.
- Jake McLaughlin returns as Michael Ormewood, the hot-headed APD vet whose family drama always adds sparks.
- Sonja Sohn anchors as Amanda Wagner, the no-nonsense GBI deputy director whose tough love keeps everyone in check.
Big news on the promotion front: Kevin Daniels gets bumped to series regular as Detective Franklin “Frankie” Wilks, Angie’s wry sponsor and APD colleague. His comic timing and grounded presence have been fan favorites since Season 1; now, he’ll dive deeper into cases and team dynamics. Showrunners Liz Heldens and Daniel Thomsen teased that Frankie could stir up conflicts with Will over community policing philosophies, promising clashes that evolve into growth.
Yul Vazquez is set to recur as Sheriff Caleb, Will’s newly revealed biological father—a twist that dropped like a grenade in Season 3. Their dynamic? Equal parts hope and heartache, with Caleb’s positive traits clashing against flaws that mirror Will’s own struggles. And keep an eye out for Cora Lu Tran as Nico, popping up in that killer new promo.
One bittersweet note: Gina Rodriguez won’t return as Marion Alba, Will’s Season 3 love interest and ADA. Her arc wrapped neatly, but doors aren’t slammed shut for a guest spot. Overall, this cast refresh feels organic, tightening the circle while opening fresh storytelling lanes.
Will Trent Season 4 Potential Plot
Season 4 wastes zero time, picking up seconds after Season 3’s gut-punch finale. Remember the bioterror plot that nearly poisoned Atlanta? The GBI thwarted it, but not without cost—Amanda took a bullet shielding Angie during the office showdown, flatlining on screen as Will raced to her side. Cut to Will at Angie’s sonogram (yep, she’s pregnant, and keeping the baby), only for ex Seth (Scott Foley) to swoop in, leaving Will reeling. Oh, and that dinner invite from Caleb’s family? It’s hanging like a storm cloud.
Expect the premiere to unravel these threads fast. Co-showrunner Daniel Thomsen spilled to Screen Rant that every character faces “seismic changes” by finale’s end—shifts that bind the team tighter amid the fallout. Family emerges as the heartbeat, blending Will’s bio-dad revelations with the “chosen family” vibes of the GBI crew. Slaughter, chatting on Good Morning America, gushed about “so many great new ideas” and cliffhangers resolved in “amazing” ways, hinting at emotional depth laced with procedural punch.
Cases this season? Teasers show Will and Faith chasing leads on gritty Atlanta mysteries—think murders with personal ties, bureaucratic blowback from the terror attack, and Will insisting (maybe unconvincingly) that he’s “great” amid the scratches and screams in the trailer. The promo’s disco nod to Season 3’s Emmy-nominated “Last Dance” sequence? Pure joy, with the cast grooving to The Chambers Brothers’ “Time Has Come Today” at APD HQ. It’s a reminder: amid the darkness, Will Trent always carves out levity.
Book purists might spot nods to Slaughter’s novels, like potential teases for Sara Linton (Will’s book romance), but the show carves its own path. Stakes rise across the board—more action, deeper personal arcs, and that addictive balance of humor and heart.
