At a time when network television seems to be dying while streaming is on the rise, Will Trent has defied all odds and earned a 3rd season renewal because it only gets better with time. The ABC procedural crime drama, created by Karin Slaughter, Liz Heldens, and Daniel T. Thomsen, is based on Slaughter’s popular book series of the same name and is set to premiere in January 2023. While most network television series are canceled after their first season, Will Trent has performed relatively well for ABC, leading to a 2nd season renewal before the end of season 1.
The cast of Will Trent includes Ramón Rodríguez as the title character, Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell, Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood, and Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner. Of course, the talented actors contributed to the show’s success, but the source material (and its established fan base), thoughtful and complex character development, and compelling cases also helped Will Trent survive (at least) for three seasons. Will Trent stands out from other standard police procedurals, which is why it has improved since season 1 and was renewed for season 3.
Will Trent season 1 was ABC’s number one new drama series in both total viewers and Nielsen ratings among adults 18-49 (per Deadline). So, a season 2 renewal is no surprise. However, it seemed unlikely that the show’s viewership and ratings would increase in its second season, as most series decline over time. However, something miraculous happened when Will Trent season 2 was released—its ratings increased by nearly 50 percent (via TV Series Finale).
Will Trent season 2’s ratings for day/night viewing were up 46 percent from season 1, a feat that’s nearly unheard of in the modern era of network television. The ABC procedural also saw seven-day ratings gains, which factor in DVR recordings and streaming views. Deadline reports that Will Trent season 2, episode 3 amassed 9.02 million views across ABC, Hulu, and other digital platforms, making “You Don’t Have to Understand” the show’s most-watched multiplatform episode ever. As a result, Will Trent is one of ABC’s most-watched shows, behind only Grey’s Anatomy.
The shocking ending of Will Trent season 2, episode 1 proves why ABC’s procedural drama is so popular. Suppose the writers of a network show that has had a successful first season can consistently elevate the series (and not fall off in the second season) by building on its established storylines. In that case, the ratings will reflect its improved quality and the hard work of its cast and crew, which is why Will Trent won on ABC. The season 2 premiere took what season 1 established about the characters and their stories and pushed them even further.
The early renewal of [Will Trent] was certainly due to the viewership spike, and the network seems (and rightly so) to believe that the series will continue to grow as the years go by.
Will Trent season 2 is answering questions left unanswered by the season 1 finale, while also raising new ones, creating compelling overarching stories, and delving deeper into the complicated pasts of its characters (especially Will). The early episodes of 2024 even managed to make Ormewood likable, which seemed impossible after his rude behavior and annoying personality traits shown throughout season 1. Plus, the writers still have the ability to shock the audience (as proven by the season 2 premiere), which keeps people coming back for more and tuning in every Tuesday to see what happens next.
