The crime-drama will return in the 2026-27 season on ABC.
Check if this show is available on Amazon Prime Video. Free trial may be available.
ABC is staying in business with one of its most reliable performers. The network has renewed Will Trent for a fifth season, extending the crime drama’s run as its fourth season approaches the finish line. With four episodes still left to air in the current season, the pickup signals continued confidence in the series’ steady audience appeal.
The renewal comes as Will Trent maintains solid ratings across both traditional broadcast and digital platforms. While not necessarily a breakout juggernaut, the show has carved out a consistent viewership on ABC, bolstered by strong delayed viewing and streaming performance. In an era where networks increasingly weigh cross-platform engagement, the series has proven to be a dependable asset, particularly within ABC’s lineup of procedural dramas.
ABC’s decision also reflects the enduring strength of character-driven crime series. Shows that combine episodic storytelling with deeper personal arcs tend to have longer lifespans, and Will Trent fits squarely into that mold. Its performance demonstrates that even as the television landscape shifts toward streaming-first originals, there is still a significant appetite for well-crafted network procedurals that offer both accessibility and continuity.
Across the industry, renewals like this underscore a broader trend: networks are prioritizing stability. With rising production costs and increased competition from streaming services, broadcasters are leaning on established titles that deliver consistent results rather than taking risks on unproven concepts. In that context, Will Trent represents a valuable piece of ABC’s programming strategy, balancing cost efficiency with audience retention.
Based on Karin Slaughter’s bestselling novels, Will Trent centers on a highly skilled special agent working for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The character’s past plays a crucial role in shaping his investigative approach – abandoned at birth and raised within Atlanta’s strained foster care system, Trent brings a deeply personal perspective to his work. His determination to prevent others from falling through the cracks drives both his professional success and the emotional core of the series. Known for having one of the highest clearance rates in the bureau, Trent navigates complex cases while grappling with his own history.
The show’s blend of procedural storytelling and serialized character development has helped it stand out in a crowded genre. Rather than relying solely on weekly cases, it invests in long-term arcs that explore relationships, trauma, and resilience. This approach has resonated with viewers who are looking for more than just a standard crime-of-the-week format.
For audiences, the Season 5 renewal offers reassurance that the story will continue to evolve beyond the current run. With several episodes still remaining in Season 4, the pickup also allows the creative team to plan ahead, potentially setting up longer narrative threads and character developments that extend into the next chapter. It’s a fast vote of confidence for the drama, reinforcing its position as a staple within ABC’s schedule.
Elsewhere today, ABC also renewed The Rookie for Season 9.
Will Trent Season 5 is slated to premiere during the upcoming 2026-2027 television season.
Upgrade your setup with Fire TV Cube - fast 4K streaming, hands-free Alexa, and easy control of your TV and connected devices.
Cancel/Renewed Shows Live Tracker
RENEWED
CANCELLED
RENEWED
RENEWED
CANCELLED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
RENEWED
