ABC Renews Will Trent for Thrilling Season 3 as Ratings Soar

ABC’s gripping crime drama Will Trent has officially been renewed for Season 3, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. With its sharp writing, emotionally charged characters, and soaring viewership, the renewal comes as no surprise to those who’ve followed the show’s rapid rise. The announcement marks a major win for the network—and a bigger one for viewers craving more from Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Will Trent.

Let’s dive into the renewal news, the reasons behind the decision, and what fans can expect in the upcoming season.

Will Trent’s Ratings Surge: A Game-Changer for ABC

The Numbers Speak Volumes

Since its premiere, Will Trent has quietly become one of ABC’s biggest scripted successes. But it wasn’t until the Season 2 mid-point that the ratings truly exploded. According to Nielsen data:

• Viewership climbed by over 25% compared to Season 1.

• It ranked in the Top 5 dramas on network TV for several weeks.

• DVR and streaming numbers on Hulu showed even higher engagement, with many episodes doubling their live viewership after 7 days.

ABC Entertainment President Craig Erwich said in a press release:

“Will Trent has captured viewers in a way few dramas have. With strong storytelling and standout performances, it was an easy decision to bring it back for Season 3.”

 What Makes Will Trent a Standout Crime Drama?

A Character-Driven Procedural

Unlike traditional procedurals that focus solely on cases-of-the-week, Will Trent offers deep character arcs, especially surrounding Will, a dyslexic agent with a traumatic past. His brilliance lies in how he sees what others miss—both in crime scenes and human behavior.

A Strong Ensemble Cast

• Ramón Rodríguez as Will Trent brings complexity, quiet strength, and vulnerability.

• Erika Christensen shines as Angie Polaski, balancing chaos and resilience.

• Sonja Sohn and Jake McLaughlin round out a cast that delivers both chemistry and emotional punch.

Their performances have been widely praised, with Rodríguez earning early Emmy buzz.

Major Season 2 Moments That Hooked Viewers

Before we talk about Season 3, it’s worth revisiting some Season 2 plotlines that made headlines and drew in record viewers.

1. Angie’s Relapse and Redemption Arc

Angie’s relapse hit hard, adding a layer of real-world emotional weight to the show. Her struggle with addiction—and Will’s attempts to help—created some of the season’s most raw, human moments.

2. Will’s Shocking Family Discovery

In a major twist, Will discovered new information about his past, potentially changing everything he thought he knew about his identity and childhood trauma.

3. A Case With Personal Stakes

Season 2 included a murder investigation that connected directly to Will and Rafael’s past, suggesting unresolved trauma and cover-ups that could come to light in Season 3.

 Why ABC Renewed Will Trent: Strategic, Critical, and Fan-Driven Reasons

ABC’s decision wasn’t just about numbers—though those helped. Here’s a breakdown of why the network doubled down on Will Trent.

Critical Acclaim

• Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91% (Audience) and 88% (Critics)

• TV Guide called it “a rare gem in modern crime TV.”

• The show consistently appears on “best-of” TV lists, particularly for its portrayal of trauma, disability, and recovery.

 Budget Efficiency

Unlike some primetime dramas, Will Trent delivers high production value on a modest network budget. It doesn’t rely heavily on CGI or elaborate sets, making it financially sustainable.

Fan Engagement

Social media buzz skyrocketed during Season 2, with hashtags like #WillTrent and #RenewWillTrent trending. Fan theories, scene breakdowns, and fan art flood platforms like Reddit, X (Twitter), and TikTok.

 What to Expect from Will Trent Season 3

1. Deeper Dive Into Will’s Origin Story

Season 3 is expected to explore Will’s early years, possibly including flashbacks to his time in the foster care system. Rumors suggest we’ll meet more people from his past—both allies and enemies.

2. Fallout from Season 2’s Tragedy

The Season 2 finale hinted at a major tragedy, possibly involving a death or betrayal that shatters Will’s inner circle. Season 3 will likely pick up with emotional and investigative fallout.

3. New Cases with Personal Stakes

Showrunners have teased that next season’s cases will mirror personal struggles of the main characters—blending classic procedural elements with serialized storytelling.

4. Possible New Characters

Expect new agents, suspects, and possibly a new GBI boss to enter the scene—adding friction, fresh dynamics, and new challenges for Will.

 Behind the Scenes: Showrunner and Cast Reactions

Karin Slaughter (Author & Producer)

As the creator of the book series that inspired the show, Slaughter posted after the renewal:

“Will Trent is one of the most personal characters I’ve written. Seeing him come to life—and continue for another season—is a dream come true.”

Ramón Rodríguez (Will Trent)

Rodríguez took to Instagram to say:

“We’re back for Season 3! Thank you to the fans who’ve been with us since the beginning. Will’s story is far from over—and this next chapter is going to be powerful.”

 When Will Season 3 of Will Trent Premiere?

ABC has not announced an official release date yet, but based on the first two seasons, we can estimate:

• Expected Premiere Window: Spring 2026

• Filming Start Date: Rumored to begin in Fall 2025

• Episode Count: Likely between 13 and 18 episodes

There’s also talk of a two-hour premiere special to kick off the season with a bang.

 Global Reach: Will Trent’s Growing International Audience

Thanks to streaming platforms like Hulu and international syndication, Will Trent has developed a loyal fan base outside the U.S. Viewership has been rising in:

• Canada (CTV)

• UK (Disney+ Star)

• Australia (Disney+)

• Germany and Scandinavia via Sky and streaming platforms

Season 3 will likely be released globally faster to capitalize on that momentum.

 Why Will Trent Taps into Something Bigger Than Crime Drama

What sets Will Trent apart isn’t just the clever investigations—it’s the emotional core.

Mental Health Representation

Will’s dyslexia, trauma, and emotional struggles are portrayed with depth and nuance, making him one of the most complex protagonists on television today.

A Story of Recovery and Justice

Whether it’s addiction, childhood abuse, or systemic failure, Will Trent doesn’t shy away from hard topics—it uses them to humanize its characters and amplify its message.

 What Fans Are Saying: Voices From the Community

Fan responses to the renewal have been overwhelmingly positive:

“This show deserves ALL the seasons. Will is such a rich character, and Season 2 just cracked the surface.” – @TVDramaFan (X)

“I cried, I gasped, I clapped. Bring on Season 3 already!” – Reddit user r/TrentTracker

“Best procedural since The Mentalist. Ramón Rodríguez is phenomenal.” – Instagram comment

 Final Thoughts: The Future of Will Trent Is Bright—and Bold

With its combination of mystery, emotion, and character depth, Will Trent is the drama ABC needed, and its renewal is a testament to what happens when storytelling and performance collide in the right way.

Season 3 promises to be bigger, bolder, and more emotional than ever, diving deeper into the lives we’ve come to love—and the darkness they continue to confront.

So grab your evidence board and sharpen your instincts. Will Trent is back. And he’s got unfinished business.