RJ Decker Trailer Highlights Scott Speedman’s Struggles as a Florida Investigator
Grey’s Anatomy star Scott Speedman is shifting from medicine to private investigation in his forthcoming ABC crime drama, RJ Decker.
In an exclusive sneak peek from Us Weekly, Speedman’s character RJ proudly refers to himself as “the sunshine state’s most lovable PI,” although this description seems a bit off as he quickly gets punched in the face by an exotic dancer.
“Business is booming,” RJ jokes. “Turns out, murder never takes a vacation.”
Based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel Double Whammy, RJ Decker follows a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con who starts anew as a private investigator in the vibrant yet crime-ridden landscape of South Florida. He tackles cases that vary from mildly strange to outright bizarre, aided by his journalist ex-girlfriend, her police detective wife, and a mysterious benefactor from his past who could either be his greatest ally or a ticket back to prison.
In June 2025, it was announced that Speedman, 50, had been cast in the leading role of RJ Decker. Multiple sources reported that his role as Nick Marsh on Grey’s Anatomy would remain unaffected by this new project. He has since returned to the long-standing medical drama in a recurring capacity.
RJ Decker also features Jaina Lee Ortiz, known for Station 19, in the role of Emi Ochoa, depicted as a “shrewd-yet-unpredictable daughter of a powerful, corrupt state senator” linked to RJ’s past. Originally named Shay Bennett, this character was recast from Weruche Opia.
Alongside Speedman and Ortiz, RJ Decker features Kevin Rankin, Adelaide Clemens, and Bevin Bru.
Prior to RJ Decker, Speedman captured the hearts of Grey’s Anatomy fans as a guest star in season 14. He later became a main cast member in seasons 18 and 19, portraying Meredith Grey’s (Ellen Pompeo) love interest before taking a hiatus. He rejoined the series as a recurring character in season 20 and has since remained part of the cast.
“[The fans] have a lot of opinions. I thought joining the show would be a breeze,” Speedman stated on SiriusXM’s The Spotlight With Jessica Shaw in October 2024. “I’m not very active on social media, but I recall checking in after my initial episodes aired, and they teased a ‘character returning to the show.’”
He added: “The fans on social media were not … There were a flurry of vomit emojis, which caught me off guard.”
Speedman expressed that all he could do was “laugh at” the public’s reaction, remarking on Meredith, “It’s amusing how serious they take that character and the relationships she has.”
RJ Decker is set to premiere on March 3 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, with availability for streaming the following day on Hulu.
