‘Will Trent’ Renewed for Season 3 After Ratings Skyrocket — Here’s What’s Coming Next
ABC has officially renewed Will Trent for a third season, and the news has fans celebrating like a season finale cliffhanger just got resolved. The critically acclaimed crime procedural has seen a meteoric rise in viewership during Season 2, and with emotionally rich storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a ratings surge that made headlines, the decision to bring it back was a no-brainer.
But this isn’t just about another renewal—it’s about what Will Trent has become: one of the most compelling dramas on television today.
Will Trent’s Ratings Are Off the Charts — And ABC Took Notice
When Will Trent first premiered, it had all the makings of a sleeper hit. But by the time Season 2 hit its stride, the numbers proved it was anything but quiet:
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Viewership increased by more than 25% compared to Season 1.
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Several episodes cracked the Top 5 for network drama viewership.
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Streaming metrics on Hulu more than doubled live audience numbers after 7 days.
ABC Entertainment President Craig Erwich praised the series in the official renewal announcement:
“Will Trent has captured viewers in a way few shows do. With outstanding storytelling and unforgettable performances, we’re thrilled to continue the journey into Season 3.”
Why ‘Will Trent’ Stands Out in a Crowded TV Landscape
At a time when procedural dramas often rely on recycled plotlines and cookie-cutter characters, Will Trent dares to go deeper. It’s not just another cop show—it’s a character study dressed in a badge.
A Hero Unlike Any Other
Ramón Rodríguez brings heart and humanity to Special Agent Will Trent, a dyslexic GBI agent haunted by childhood trauma. He’s not a superhero—he’s a survivor. And that nuance has made him one of the most layered characters on TV.
The Supporting Cast Delivers
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Erika Christensen as Angie Polaski, whose personal demons collide with her professional drive.
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Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner, balancing leadership and legacy.
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Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood, who’s had one of the best redemption arcs in recent TV memory.
Season 2 Set the Stage for a Deeper, Darker Season 3
Let’s be real—Season 2 pulled no punches. From emotional gut-punches to shocking plot twists, it cemented the show’s place in the must-watch category.
Key Moments That Hooked Viewers:
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Angie’s devastating relapse, bringing depth and real-world emotional weight to her arc.
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Will’s family bombshell, which upended everything he thought he knew about his past.
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A haunting murder investigation that reconnected him with Rafael Wexler’s own trauma, adding layers to their dynamic.
Why ABC Said Yes to Season 3: It’s Not Just About the Ratings
Beyond the numbers, Will Trent checks every box for longevity.
- Critical acclaim: 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and consistent praise from TV critics.
- Budget-friendly production: Stylish, high-impact drama without the blockbuster budget.
- Fierce fanbase: #WillTrent trends regularly across X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Reddit.
- Meaningful themes: The show handles topics like childhood abuse, addiction, and mental health with uncommon sensitivity.
What’s Coming in Season 3: Clues, Conflicts, and Character Depth
While ABC hasn’t dropped a trailer just yet, we already know Season 3 is shaping up to be the show’s most ambitious yet.
1. More of Will’s Origin Story
Expect flashbacks to Will’s time in the foster system and deeper dives into the trauma that shaped him.
2. Tragedy Fallout
The Season 2 finale hinted at a loss that could fracture Will’s inner circle. Season 3 will likely pick up with emotional shockwaves still rippling.
3. Cases That Cut Close
The showrunners teased cases that mirror the characters’ personal demons. This means investigations with emotional stakes—not just legal ones.
4. A Bigger Ensemble?
With change in the air at the GBI, don’t be surprised if new faces (and rivals) join the team to shake things up.
Behind the Scenes: Cast and Creator React to the Renewal
Author and executive producer Karin Slaughter, who created the book series, shared her excitement:
“Will Trent is one of my most personal characters. Seeing his story continue to unfold is an absolute dream.”
Star Ramón Rodríguez posted:
“Season 3, here we come! Thank you to the fans who have walked this road with us. Will’s story is just getting started.”
When Will Season 3 Premiere?
While ABC hasn’t set a date, here’s what we know:
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Expected Premiere: Spring 2026
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Filming Start: Fall 2025
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Episode Count: Likely 13–18 episodes
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Rumor Alert: A two-hour season premiere is being considered.
Global Fans, Rejoice: International Reach is Growing Fast
Streaming and syndication have expanded Will Trent’s global reach. It’s now gaining traction in:
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Canada (CTV)
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UK and Australia (Disney+ Star)
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Germany and Scandinavia (Sky and others)
Season 3 will likely see a tighter global release schedule to meet growing demand.
Final Thoughts: Will Trent Is Just Getting Started
In a world of fast cancellations and safe storytelling, Will Trent dares to feel. That’s why fans—and critics—have embraced it. Season 3 promises to go even deeper, giving us more of the messy, moving, deeply human drama that’s made the series stand out from the procedural crowd.
So get ready. Will Trent isn’t just back—he’s coming for the truth, and this time, it’s personal.
