ABC is making waves in the television world with its latest drama series order, giving the green light to "RJ Decker" (working title), a show based on Carl Hiaasen’s acclaimed novel Double Whammy. The series, set to air in the 2025-26 season, will feature Scott Speedman in the lead role, marking a significant addition to the network’s evolving scripted lineup. The order was officially announced on September 29, 2025, and it’s already generating buzz among fans of both Hiaasen’s work and quirky, character-driven crime dramas.
For those unfamiliar with Carl Hiaasen, his novels are renowned for their satirical takes on South Florida’s crime-ridden underbelly, blending humor, suspense, and a cast of unforgettable oddballs. ABC’s adaptation of Double Whammy promises to deliver just that. According to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, the series follows the titular RJ Decker, a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con who’s trying to piece his life back together as a private investigator in the sun-soaked, trouble-prone world of South Florida.
Scott Speedman, whose previous credits include "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Felicity," was cast in June 2025 and will also serve as a producer on the project. He’ll be joined by a stellar ensemble: Kevin Rankin takes on the role of Aloysius “Wish” Aiken, Decker’s former cellmate who now owns a bar; Adelaide Clemens portrays Catherine Delacroix, Decker’s journalist ex; and Bevin Bru steps in as Melody “Mel” Romero, Catherine’s wife and a detective with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The role of Shay Bennett, initially played by Weruche Opia in the pilot, will be recast before the series airs.
The show’s official logline, as reported by Variety, sets the tone: “RJ Decker (Speedman) is a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con who starts over as a private investigator in the colorful-if-crime-filled world of South Florida. The series follows him tackle cases that range from slightly odd to outright bizarre with the help of his journalist ex, her police detective wife, and a shadowy new benefactor, a woman from his past who could be his greatest ally… or his one-way ticket back to prison.” It’s a premise that promises plenty of twists, eccentric characters, and the sort of offbeat humor that fans of Hiaasen have come to expect.
Rob Doherty, best known for his work on "Elementary," adapted Hiaasen’s novel for the screen and serves as executive producer alongside Hiaasen himself, Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman, and pilot director Paul McGuigan. Doherty’s involvement, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter, has been described as a perfect match for the material, given his knack for blending procedural elements with sharp character work. Paul McGuigan, who directed the pilot, also takes on executive producing duties. The series is produced by Disney’s 20th Television, further cementing the project’s high-profile status within the industry.
ABC’s decision to pick up "RJ Decker" comes at a time when the network is strategically paring back its scripted offerings. Heading into the 2025 broadcast season, ABC’s fall lineup features only six scripted series: “High Potential,” “9-1-1,” the new “9-1-1: Nashville,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Abbott Elementary,” and “Shifting Gears.” Other dramas like “Will Trent” and “The Rookie” are expected to debut at midseason, alongside a much-anticipated reboot of “Scrubs.” The addition of "RJ Decker" to the 2025-26 slate signals ABC’s confidence in the project’s potential to stand out in a competitive market.
Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter back in May, described the script as “an extraordinarily funny procedural that is highly original, a very singular character. I think it’s very much in the vein of the success we’ve had on Tuesday nights with shows like ‘The Rookie’ and ‘Will Trent’ and ‘High Potential.’” That’s high praise, especially considering the popularity of those titles, and speaks to ABC’s broader strategy of mixing procedural storytelling with unique, character-driven narratives.
It’s worth noting that "RJ Decker" isn’t the only Hiaasen adaptation making waves on television. Apple TV+ is currently producing the second season of "Bad Monkey," another crime-comedy series based on Hiaasen’s 2013 novel, starring Vince Vaughn and helmed by Bill Lawrence. Meanwhile, Lawrence is also developing Hiaasen’s novel "Skinny Dip" for HBO Max, with Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis attached. This flurry of adaptations underscores Hiaasen’s enduring appeal and the television industry’s appetite for his brand of offbeat, Florida-centric storytelling.
Behind the scenes, the talent attached to "RJ Decker" is impressive. Rob Doherty’s representation by UTA and Hansen Jacobson, Scott Speedman’s ties to CAA, Untitled Entertainment, and Johnson Shapiro, and the rest of the cast’s connections to major agencies like Gersh, Emerald Artists Agency, and Authentic Talent, highlight the caliber of the project. Carl Hiaasen himself is represented by CAA, ensuring the author’s creative vision remains central to the adaptation.
As for the show’s tone and style, viewers can expect a blend of humor, suspense, and the kind of wild, unpredictable cases that only South Florida can provide. The series is poised to explore not just the criminal underworld but also the personal struggles and redemption arcs of its central characters. With Decker’s checkered past, his complex relationship with his ex and her new wife, and the looming presence of a mysterious benefactor, the narrative promises to keep audiences guessing—and laughing—along the way.
While Weruche Opia’s role as Shay Bennett will be recast, the rest of the ensemble brings a mix of dramatic chops and comedic timing, essential for navigating the show’s tonal shifts. Bevin Bru’s turn as Melody Romero, a police detective with ties to both Decker and Catherine, adds another layer of intrigue and potential conflict, while Kevin Rankin’s Aloysius “Wish” Aiken offers a glimpse into Decker’s past life and the world he’s trying to leave behind.
With production ramping up and anticipation building, "RJ Decker" looks set to become one of the standout entries in ABC’s 2025-26 season. Its combination of a proven literary pedigree, a compelling cast, and a creative team with a track record of success bodes well for its reception. Fans of Hiaasen’s novels—and anyone who enjoys their crime with a side of comedy—will want to keep an eye out for this one.
As the television landscape continues to evolve, ABC’s gamble on "RJ Decker" reflects both a respect for distinctive storytelling and a willingness to embrace the weird, wild world of Carl Hiaasen. With so many moving parts and colorful characters, viewers can expect a wild ride through the swamps, strip malls, and secrets of South Florida.
