Will Trent Season 3 Renewal Marks a Remarkable Shift Since Season 1: Here’s What’s Changed

ABC’s crime drama Will Trent has officially been renewed for Season 3, and it’s more than just good news for fans—it’s a signal that the show has undergone a truly impressive evolution since it first premiered. What started as a promising but relatively quiet procedural has blossomed into a critically acclaimed, character-driven juggernaut with growing ratings and a loyal fanbase.

So, what changed between Season 1 and now? From tone and structure to character development, audience reception, and even visual storytelling, Will Trent is not the same show it was when it debuted. And that’s exactly why it’s thriving.

Let’s take a look at the key differences that paved the way for this new era—and why Season 3 might just be Will Trent’s biggest chapter yet.

 Season 1 vs. Season 3: A Quick Overview

This evolution has helped Will Trent stand out in a crowded field of crime shows—and made it appointment television for many viewers.

The Ratings Surge: How Will Trent Became a Hit

Humble Beginnings

When Will Trent premiered in early 2023, it didn’t make huge waves. Reviews were solid, but the show aired in a competitive time slot and had to fight for attention among procedural heavyweights like The Rookie, NCIS, and Law & Order franchises.

The Turnaround

By Season 2, things had shifted dramatically:

• DVR and streaming numbers doubled live views, thanks to Hulu and delayed watching.

• It became one of ABC’s top 5 scripted shows.

• Word-of-mouth and critical buzz boosted awareness.

• Social media engagement spiked after emotional episodes, fan-favorite moments, and plot twists.

Now with a Season 3 greenlight, it’s clear: Will Trent is no longer an underdog—it’s a flagship drama.

Character Evolution: Will Trent Finds His Voice

Season 1: Building the Foundation

Will Trent, portrayed by Ramón Rodríguez, was introduced as a complex and compelling figure—a dyslexic GBI agent with a traumatic past and unmatched investigative skills. However, much of Season 1 focused on establishing him as “the misunderstood genius” trope.

We saw glimpses of his vulnerability, especially in scenes with:

• His troubled relationship with Angie Polaski

• Tension with fellow agents like Michael Ormewood

• His quiet pain surrounding childhood trauma

Season 2 and Beyond: Emotional Layers Unlocked

By Season 2, the show fully embraced Will’s internal world. The character became more emotionally expressive, introspective, and morally challenged. The writers leaned into:

• His unresolved childhood abuse

• His struggles with intimacy

• His desire for redemption and justice beyond the badge

This shift resonated deeply with viewers, making Will more relatable—and more compelling.

 Ensemble Cast Growth: More Than Just Will

From Side Characters to Stars

Season 1 positioned the ensemble as background players. By Season 2, however, the writers expanded their roles and relationships:

• Faith Mitchell evolved from a rookie partner to a true equal and emotional anchor for Will.

• Angie Polaski became a fully dimensional character with her own trauma arc, addiction recovery storyline, and agency.

• Michael Ormewood, once a generic tough guy, showed surprising vulnerability, particularly in cases involving kids and domestic violence.

• Amanda Wagner, the icy GBI boss, was finally explored through her complicated maternal relationship with Will.

In Season 3, the ensemble is expected to be even more central—turning Will Trent into a character-driven drama as much as a procedural.

 Storytelling Shift: From Procedural to Prestige Drama

Season 1: Classic Case-of-the-Week

The first season leaned heavily on the procedural format—one crime per episode, mostly self-contained. While the cases were interesting, there was limited narrative throughline.

Season 2: Long-Arc Storytelling Emerges

Starting in mid-Season 2, the writers embraced serialization:

• Multiple episodes built around a single crime arc

• Flashbacks revealing Will’s childhood and GBI origins

• Emotional arcs carried over several episodes

• Season-long tension between Will and Rafael Vega

This storytelling style allowed for deeper emotional stakes, greater character development, and higher viewer retention.

Expect Season 3 to fully lean into this prestige drama format.

 Production & Visual Style: A Cinematic Upgrade

Season 1: Basic TV Aesthetic

While competently made, early episodes of Will Trent had a fairly standard network look—basic lighting, modest locations, and minimal stylistic flair.

Season 2 and 3: Visual Innovation

In Season 2, directors began experimenting with:

• Flashback sequences using different color palettes

• Symbolic visuals to represent Will’s memory and dyslexia

• Darker, more stylized lighting in emotional scenes

These changes enhanced storytelling, brought psychological depth, and elevated the show’s cinematic value.

Fan Engagement: From Quiet Fandom to Passionate Community

Season 1: Growing Interest

The early fanbase was niche but passionate—mostly book fans and crime drama lovers who appreciated a slow-burn approach.

Season 2: Fandom Explosion

Thanks to social media, the show found a larger audience. Hashtags like #WillTrent, #TeamFaith, and #AngieDeservesBetter trended regularly. Fan-driven engagement included:

• Episode reaction threads on Reddit

• Instagram reels dissecting scenes

• Twitter theories and quote posts

• TikTok edits focused on emotional and romantic moments

Now, with Season 3 on the way, fan theories are already swirling about who will die, who will return, and what secrets Will has yet to uncover.

 What Can We Expect in Season 3?

1. Deeper Trauma Exploration

Now that Will has started facing his past, Season 3 may dive into:

• The full story of his childhood abuser

• Previously unseen foster care experiences

• How trauma influences his casework and decisions

2. New Characters, New Conflicts

A new cast member is set to join the GBI. Early leaks suggest:

• A former rival or internal affairs officer

• Someone who could be tied to Will’s past

• A potential love interest or unexpected ally

3. Romance, Rupture, or Resolution

Will and Angie’s on-again/off-again love story is reaching a critical point. Season 3 could bring:

• A final breakup

• A long-awaited reconciliation

• A third-party love triangle

Whatever happens, expect emotional fireworks.

4. A Major Death or Betrayal

To raise the stakes, the writers may kill off or expose a key character. It’s a popular trend in prestige dramas—and Will Trent has all the right conditions for a shocking twist.

 Awards and Recognition: Climbing the Prestige Ladder

While Will Trent hasn’t racked up major awards yet, it’s earning attention from critics and trade publications. Ramón Rodríguez is already being mentioned in Emmy conversations, especially for his performance in emotionally intense episodes.

If Season 3 continues this trajectory, Will Trent could be ABC’s next prestige darling, alongside hits like Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor.

 Critics on the Show’s Evolution

Here’s what TV insiders are saying:

“Will Trent went from a standard procedural to one of the most emotionally resonant dramas on network TV.” – TV Line

“It’s rare for a show to find its voice so quickly—and even rarer for it to sharpen with each season. Will Trent is that rarity.” – The Hollywood Reporter

“Rodríguez deserves every award. His performance this season was nothing short of a masterclass.” – Collider