Which Grey’s Anatomy Stars Do the RJ Decker Cast Hope to Join Their Show?
Scott Speedman is at the helm of a new ABC show, but that doesn’t mean he can’t bring back some beloved characters from Grey’s Anatomy.
During a recent visit to the RJ Decker set in North Carolina, Jaina Lee Ortiz, Kevin Rankin, Adelaide Clemens, and Bevin Bru shared insights about the crime drama and offered ideas for Grey’s Anatomy stars Speedman, 50, to invite for cameo appearances.
Ortiz, 39, who portrays Emi, suggested bringing Sandra Oh or her iconic character, Christina, back. “She’s one of my favorites, so we definitely should have her in Florida,” Ortiz shared with Us.
Rankin, 49, who plays “Wish” on RJ Decker, went big by recommending Speedman’s on-screen love interest, Ellen Pompeo.
The midseason 2026 TV lineup is packed — but when will your favorite show return? On ABC, Grey’s Anatomy is back after its season 22 fall finale, which left Jo (Camilla Luddington) facing a life-threatening emergency C-section. The future for Jo remains uncertain, and the teaser for the rest of the season hinted at a potential tragedy.
“Meredith Grey should join us,” he told Us with a grin. “We could definitely use her around here.”
Based on Carl Hiaasen’s book Double Whammy, RJ Decker revolves around a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con who reinvents himself as a private investigator in the vivid yet crime-ridden realm of South Florida, tackling cases that range from slightly unusual to outright bizarre, aided by his journalist ex, her police detective wife, and a mysterious new benefactor from his past who might be his greatest ally… or lead him straight back to prison.
Prior to RJ Decker, Speedman charmed Grey’s Anatomy fans with his role as Nick in season 14 and later as a main cast member in seasons 18 and 19 before taking a break from the show.
“The fans have a lot to say. I thought my transition onto the show would be smooth,” Speedman reflected on SiriusXM’s The Spotlight With Jessica Shaw in October 2024. “I’m not very active on social media, but I remember checking in after my first episodes aired alongside [Meredith], and the backlash was intense.”
He continued: “The social media responses were… well, let’s just say there were a lot of vomit emojis, and I thought, ‘Okay, noted.’”
The winter TV lineup is brimming with exciting premieres and returns, including Marshals, Bridgerton, Best Medicine, and more. Each season of Bridgerton, based on Julia Quinn’s book series, follows a different family member searching for love in 19th-century London.
Speedman made his return as a recurring character in season 20 and has maintained his role on Grey’s Anatomy without it affecting his prominence in RJ Decker.
“Scott is fantastic. He’s highly professional, always comes prepared with his lines memorized, and truly excels in his craft,” Ortiz praised to Us. “He’s fully engaged, and I appreciate that every scene feels fresh and unexpected. There’s always something new with every take.”
Clemens, 36, who plays RJ’s ex-wife, echoed similar sentiments about working with Speedman, stating, “He’s a blast. We have a lot of fun, and there’s a subtle understanding between our characters. It’s enjoyable when they make each other laugh, even in the little moments. Knowing someone well reveals so much about their expressions and reactions.”
RJ Decker is set to premiere on ABC Tuesday, March 3, at 10 p.m. ET, with streaming available the following day on Hulu.
