**ABC’s ‘Will Trent’ Renewed for a Fifth Season Amid Dramatic Cast Changes**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/will-trent-iantha-richardson-ramon-rodriguez-sonja-sohn-jason-alexander-davis-070226-616d41f29d7e42b4984bee01d0877b64.jpg)
**April 2026 marks a significant milestone for fans of BBC’s police procedural series, “Will Trent,” as the show has been officially renewed for a fifth season. The announcement was made shortly before the conclusion of season four, which wrapped up in May 2026. Starring Ramón Rodríguez in the lead role as Special Agent Will Trent, the series has grown to become the most-watched scripted programme on the network, achieving this status on the basis of live and same-day audience figures, according to Deadline.**


Set within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, “Will Trent” follows the title character and his team as they tackle complex crimes. Alongside Rodríguez, the cast features Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell, and until recently, Sonja Sohn portrayed Deputy Director Amanda Wagner. However, following a harrowing finale in season four, significant changes to the cast have been confirmed, which are expected to redefine the show’s dynamic.
In remarks made in May 2026, co-showrunner Liz Heldens emphasised the need for change in the series as it moves into its fifth season. She described the decision to part ways with some characters as challenging, noting the intent to refresh the show for future storylines. “We really felt like we needed a reset and some new energy, and some new dynamics. These were really hard and emotional decisions for the writers,” Heldens stated in an interview with TV Insider.
The finale of season four left fans reeling, primarily due to Amanda’s shocking murder, which took place as she investigated a dangerous cult. The loss of Amanda Wagner will have a profound impact on both Will Trent and his colleagues at the GBI, providing a poignant backdrop for the events of the upcoming season. Speaking to Variety, co-showrunner Karine Rosenthal reported that the “enormous loss” would bring about a shift in character dynamics, setting the stage for a fresh narrative direction.
The tragic events didn’t end with Amanda’s death. The finale also depicted another distressing moment when APD Detective Angie Polaski, portrayed by Erika Christensen, faced dramatic circumstances while going into labour. A major car crash involving her husband, Dr. Seth McDale, played by Scott Foley, resulted in Seth succumbing to injuries shortly after delivering their baby. This emotional turmoil sets the stage for the fifth season, with Will stepping in to support Angie and her newborn daughter, Edie.
As anticipation builds for season five, Rodríguez has already expressed his enthusiasm on social media platforms, hinting at the show’s continued development. The complete cast list is yet to be confirmed; however, it is likely that familiar faces will return, including Richardson as Faith and Jake McLaughlin as Michael Ormewood. Also set to return is Kevin Daniels, who portrays Franklin Wilks, along with Will’s beloved chihuahua, Betty Maria White Trent.
In light of Amanda and Seth’s departures, the show faces a significant shift. As Heldens noted, the potential for flashbacks or psychological encounters could allow for a semblance of a return for these characters, despite their absence from the main storyline. However, the future GBI deputy director will represent a new element, creating new forms of conflict within the evolving narrative.
ABC has yet to reveal an exact premiere date for the fifth season of “Will Trent,” although it has been confirmed that it will air in early 2027. Historically, the series has been scheduled for the mid-season window, typically airing new episodes between January and February on Tuesday nights.
For those wishing to catch up on previous seasons, all episodes of “Will Trent” are readily available to stream on Hulu. Following the airing of season five on ABC, episodes will be made available on Hulu shortly thereafter, ensuring that audiences can remain engaged with the unfolding drama.
As “Will Trent” prepares to dive into new challenges and navigate the emotional fallout from past tragedies, fans are left eagerly awaiting the show’s next chapter, which promises to further explore the complexities of its characters amidst a backdrop of gripping crime drama.
