RJ Decker ABC Premiere: Scott Speedman Ratings Success

Scott Speedman’s ‘RJ Decker’ Breaks Ratings Records in Massive ABC Debut

Inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s ‘Double Whammy,’ the new private-eye drama is a bona fide hit for ABC and Hulu following its March 3 premiere.

Sofia Chen

Mar 18, 2026, 4:46 PM PT · 2 min read

Scott Speedman Run This Town cast — Photo: Daniel Benavides from Austin, TX / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

THE RUNDOWN

RJ Decker premiered on ABC on March 3, 2026, starring Scott Speedman.
The series is based on Carl Hiaasen’s 1987 novel, Double Whammy.
Episodes began streaming on Hulu on March 4, 2026, to record numbers.
ABC Press confirmed the show set new ratings records for network drama debuts.
The story follows a fired news photographer turned private investigator in Florida.

ABC has a certified hit on its hands with the series premiere of RJ Decker. The new private-eye drama, which debuted on March 3, 2026, stars Scott Speedman as the titular character. Following its broadcast debut, the series became available to stream on Hulu on March 4, drawing massive audiences to the platform. ABC Press reports that the show has already set new ratings records for the network’s drama premieres.

The series is inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s 1987 novel Double Whammy. Speedman portrays a former news photographer turned private investigator navigating the eccentric and often dangerous world of South Florida. According to TVLine, the show's blend of mystery and Hiaasen’s signature wit has resonated with viewers, helping it secure a dominant position in its time slot.

Industry analysts at TheWrap and Forbes noted that the strong viewership numbers are a testament to the enduring popularity of Hiaasen's work and Speedman's lead performance. The premiere's success marks a significant win for Disney’s television portfolio as it looks to bolster its linear and streaming crossover hits. With its record-breaking start, RJ Decker is currently one of the most-watched new programs of the 2026 spring season.