ABC Sets Premiere Dates for ‘Will Trent’ and ‘The Rookie’ with New Cast [Midseason Lineup]

ABC is set to bring back the rest of its popular series with fresh seasons in the new year, giving audiences plenty to look forward to. The highly anticipated return of Will Trent and The Rookie will lead the network’s 2025 midseason lineup, as both series have been missed by viewers eagerly awaiting new episodes.

Will Trent, the hit crime drama based on Karin Slaughter’s novels, is set to return for a third season on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at 8/7c. This new season will be a supersized one, with 18 episodes promising a mostly uninterrupted run. Fans left in suspense after the dramatic Season 2 finale will finally get answers as they see what’s next for Special Agent Will Trent, portrayed by Ramón Rodríguez.

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Joining the cast this season is Gina Rodriguez as Assistant District Attorney Marion Alba. Alba is described as “charismatic and confident,” but her initial encounter with Will Trent is less than smooth. The two, however, are soon forced to collaborate on a case within Atlanta’s gang landscape. Reality TV star Ariana Madix, known for Vanderpump Rules, will also make a special appearance, hiring Detective Ormewood (portrayed by Jake McLaughlin) as security for a tense intervention.

The emotional Season 2 finale left viewers on edge as Will grappled with the fallout of his decision to arrest Angie, played by Erika Christensen, for tampering with evidence, leaving their relationship on uncertain terms. With Angie out of the picture, Will’s personal life appears to be shifting, and audiences will soon find out if there’s room for new relationships—or reconciliation.

Following Will Trent on Tuesday nights, The Rookie will premiere its seventh season at 10/9c. Starring Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, the series has built a dedicated following around its unique blend of police drama and character-driven storytelling. Initially delayed, The Rookie will return with a full 18-episode season, set to deliver consecutive weeks of action-packed stories.

Notable cast changes include the departure of Tru Valentino, who played Officer Aaron Thorsen. Known for his social media fame and complicated past, Thorsen became a breakout character and was mentored by Detective Nyla Harper, played by Mekia Cox. New cast members this season include Deric Augustine as Miles, a Texas transfer with rookie status at the LAPD, and Patrick Keleher as Seth, whose struggle with decision-making is sure to add a layer of complexity to his role as an LAPD officer.

Showrunner Alexi Hawley has hinted at challenging times ahead for Nolan and his wife Bailey, played by Jenna Dewan, with the arrival of their new baby promising to add layers to the storyline. Returning cast members include Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen, Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey, and Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez.

ABC’s midseason schedule features a mix of returning fan favorites, new series debuts, and special events. Here’s a look at some of the key dates:

THURSDAY, JAN 2
8:00 p.m. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” (Series Premiere)
9:00 p.m. “Only Murders in the Building” (Broadcast Season Two Premiere – two hours)

SUNDAY, JAN 5
7:00 p.m. “AFV” (Midseason Return)
8:00 p.m. The Wonderful World of Disney

TUESDAY, JAN 7
8:00 p.m. “Will Trent” (Season Three Premiere)
9:00 p.m. “High Potential” (Midseason Return)
10:00 p.m. “The Rookie” (Season Seven Premiere)

WEDNESDAY, JAN 8

8:00 p.m. “Shifting Gears” (Series Premiere)
8:30 p.m. “Abbott Elementary” (Midseason Return)
9:02 p.m. “Celebrity Jeopardy!” (Season Three Premiere)
10:02 p.m. “What Would You Do?” (Midseason Return)

FRIDAY, JAN 17
8:00 p.m. “Shark Tank” (Midseason Return)

SATURDAY, JAN 25
8:00 p.m. “NBA Countdown Presented by Papa Johns”
8:30 p.m. Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors

MONDAY, JAN 27
8:00 p.m. “The Bachelor” (Season 29 Premiere – two hours)
10:01 p.m. “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” (Broadcast Series Premiere)

THURSDAY, JAN 30
9:00 p.m. “Scamanda” (Series Premiere)
10:00 p.m. “Perfect Wife: The Mysterious Disappearance of Sherri Papini” (Broadcast Series Premiere)

THURSDAY, MAR 6
8:00 p.m. “9-1-1” (Midseason Return)
9:00 p.m. “Doctor Odyssey” (Midseason Return)
10:00 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy” (Midseason Return)

SUNDAY, MAR 9
8:00 p.m. “American Idol” (Season Eight Premiere – two hours)
10:00 p.m. “The $100,000 Pyramid” (Season Eight Premiere)