Do you remember when ABC mastered the art of escapist summer programming?
It was a fantastic time when there were actually options to watch some broadcast television in the summery months, while you had a light dinner in front of the TV with the AC blaring.
Unfortunately, those days of ABC scripted programming are gone, but the vibe of it? RJ Decker may be onto something.
(ABC/Screenshot)
The Scott Speedman-led series seems to capture all the vibes we used to love in shows like Mistresses, Grand Hotel, and The Baker and the Beauty.
These shows were fun, bright, sun-kissed, humorous, and relatively low-stakes.
You could tune in for a welcome distraction, with entertaining plots and characters you loved. And then carry on about your day.
They were the kind of escapist television you only find on streaming now, much to my chagrin.
As someone whose love of television doesn’t stop when May finales roll around, it was also lovely to have something scripted to cling to every week in the summer months.
We don’t know when RJ Decker will premiere. We finally have an official trailer for the series, but we still don’t have a release date.
(ABC/Screenshot)
But as unlikely as this would be, and risky too in the current climate for television, in the perfect world, it could debut during the summer like ABC used to do and win us over with something sexy, adrenaline-inducing, but more importantly, fun.
Many of ABC’s summer shows, or at least the escapist ones they long since abandoned, were endearing because they followed a standard formula that lured people in.
It typically involves a slightly rogue, off-center character who leads, and a partner of sorts who balances them out.
RJ Decker is giving us a character of the same name, obviously played by Scott Speedman, and, to be honest, Speedman leading anything is all it takes to have my undivided attention.
Decker is a hot mess, a super hot hot mess, and bill my therapist, because it’s hard to resist those! They make for great television characters, what can I say?
It’s great to see Speedman in a leading role because, frankly, his occasional presence as Nick Marsh on Grey’s Anatomy has been utterly wasted most of the time.
(ABC/Screenshot)
But it’s not just one classic ABC alum we have on this series, but two. Station 19‘s Jaina Lee Ortiz will be costarring as well, and from the trailer, her and Speedman’s chemistry is already off the charts hot.
I am SOLD.
We got a steamy sex scene in a car parking lot, I mean, who can’t resist that? Logistics aside.
RJ Decker plays a private investor and all-around public nuisance, and Speedman’s charm oozes out of every line he utters in the trailer. And that smile? It’s simply irresistible.
But make no mistake, he’s truly a hot mess. Decker, a disgraced photojournalist and ex-con, only adds to the allure of his starting over in a field like private investigation.
(ABC/Screenshot)
He essentially gets to use his con skills for good, and there’s nothing more entertaining than an unorthodox hero in that regard.
There’s also enough personal, occasionally soapy complications to have already me bouncing in anticipation. I mean, what else do you call Decker relying on his journalist ex and her police-detective wife for help with cases?
And Ortiz’s mysterious Emi, someone from his past, is offering to be some benefactor for his shenanigans? It all screams deliciously messy and fun.
When you see the sparks of humor, oddity, and quirk within the series, as well as all the sexiness, steam, and that sunnyside thrill that only comes from a series being set in South Florida, you’ll understand why it made me nostalgic for ABC’s glory days of summer sudsers that knew how to entertain and have fun.
Unfortunately, we lost shows like Mistresses and Grand Hotel.
(ABC/Screenshot)
But maybe with a series like RJ Decker, inspired by a book (those adaptations have been bringing in the bank lately), and helmed by charismatic and beloved stars like Speedman and Ortiz, we can keep this one for a while.
It has shades of Will Trent, High Potential, and The Rookie, after all, and those have become the network’s crown jewels and big successes.
In hindsight, maybe I shouldn’t be nostalgic for or mourning the loss of the quirky summer series. Still, rather intensely appreciating that, with the aforementioned series, ABC has brought that formula to life all year round.
Anyway, over to you! What are your thoughts on RJ Decker?
It’s like yelling into the void sometimes — so if you’re out there, holler back.
Comments, shares, and good vibes all keep this little ship afloat. Thanks for reading.
-
The Will Trent EPs discuss the Season 4 premiere, including James Ulster’s return, Will and Caleb’s differences, and Amanda’s recovery.
-
High Potential Season 2 Episode 8 delivers Morgandec feelings and repetitive Arthur beats in heist-fueled midseason premiere. Our review.
-
Some TV couples have IT, and we’re talking about that chemistry that lights up the screen. We’re chatting about 2025’s hottest couples here!
-
There are some TV deaths that are poor decisions, and 2025 had its fair share. Check out which TV deaths should’ve been avoided at ALL costs.
-
We all complain about those TV characters who deserve better. These characters suffered from trauma or horrible writing. Check out our list.
TV Fanatic is searching for passionate contributors to share their voices across various article types. Think you have what it takes to be a TV Fanatic? Click here for more information and next steps.
You can view the original article HERE.
