After record‑breaking ratings and multiplatform success, ABC’s crime dramas Will Trent and The Rookie are officially returning in early 2026. Discover what’s ahead for both hit series!
Will Trent & The Rookie Renewed for Non‑Stop Action in 2026
ABC has officially renewed two of its biggest crime dramas—Will Trent and The Rookie—for early 2026. Both shows not only delivered major ratings success this season but will also return midseason to deliver fresh, action-packed episodes fans have been craving.
📈 Why the Renewals?
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Will Trent saw a surge in ratings, growing year-over-year and remaining a standout performer in its timeslot.
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The Rookie pulled in over 11 million combined viewers across broadcast and streaming platforms—its strongest performance in years.
ABC’s strategy to hold both series for a January 2026 return—rather than the fall schedule—reflects the network’s confidence in generating momentum through uninterrupted midseason runs.
What to Expect in 2026
Will Trent – Season 4
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Scheduled for a January 2026 premiere, Will Trent’s fourth season promises deeper character development and more high-stakes cases.
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Star Ramón Rodríguez has confirmed the creative team remains energized and ready to explore new directions.
The Rookie – Season 8
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Also set for a January 2026 debut, The Rookie returns right after Will Trent, keeping ABC’s Tuesday night lineup powerful and consistent.
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Season 8 will continue unraveling major cliffhangers from Season 7: unresolved romantic tension between Lucy and Tim (aka “Chenford”), villain Oscar’s dramatic escape, and Monica’s immunity storyline—promising layered character arcs and thrilling resolutions.
Why Fans Should Be Excited
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Non‑Stop Storytelling: By stacking both series back‑to‑back in winter quarters, ABC aims to keep viewers engaged without mid-season gaps.
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Creative Momentum: Crew and cast of both shows are energized after recent renewals, signaling ambitious storytelling ahead.
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Growing Viewership: Both series showed strong multiplatform appeal—proving that crime dramas still resonate deeply with audiences.
Final Take
With both Will Trent and The Rookie confirmed for early 2026 returns, ABC is gearing up for a winter filled with high-tension crime drama. Fans can look forward to new mysteries, deeper character exploration, and tightly woven story arcs designed to keep audiences hooked. Mark your calendars—this criminally good midseason lineup is something you won’t want to miss!
