Now that ABC has unveiled the full list of celebs who’ll be competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on this season of “Dancing With the Stars,” the network has revealed that one of its hit drama series will be featuring a “DWTS” plotline in the upcoming season.
That series is “R.J. Decker,” the Scott Speedman-starring detective drama based on the bestselling crime novels of Carl Hiaasen (whose books are also the inspiration for Apple TV’s Vince Vaughn vehicle “Bad Monkey”).
A ‘DWTS’ Crossover
“R.J. Decker (played by Speedman) is a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con who starts over as a private investigator in the colorful-if-crime-filled world of South Florida,” states ABC’s official synopsis. “The series follows him tackling cases that range from slightly odd to outright bizarre with the help of his journalist ex, her police detective wife and a shadowy new benefactor — a woman from his past who could be his greatest ally … or his one-way ticket back to prison.”
A new trailer for the upcoming season teases the debut episode, which features a crime set in the world of ballroom dancing — and several “DWTS” pros.
Some Pro Dancer Cameos
ABCFeatured in the trailer are Joey Graziadei, Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy.
In the trailer, Graziadei is apparently a pickpocket posing as a dancer, using his skills to rob the folks he’s dancing with.
“Nice moves out there,” Speedman’s PI tells Graziadei’s character, going on to warn, “I got pictures of you in the act.”
ABCThe episode’s synopsis, however, sheds little light on how the dancers come to be involved with the titular detective.
“A reunion with an old prison acquaintance pulls R.J. into a string of daring bank heists as the fallout from Victor Ochoa’s death deepens,” the episode description reads.
A Network Hit
ABCMaking its debut last season, “R.J. Decker” has proven to be a hit with viewers, earning a second season.
The Season 2 premiere of “R.J. Decker” arrives Tuesday, September 15 on ABC.
As Entertainment Weekly reminds, the series set a five-year ratings record in its time slot, bringing in viewership of 3.69 million Live+Same day and, within six days had amassed 11.64 million multiplatform viewers across all viewing platforms.
Meanwhile, Speedman also continues to make regular appearances on “Grey’s Anatomy,” playing Nick, partner of Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey.
In a recent interview with People, Speedman described what it’s been like to do double duty on both shows — which includes the added complication that “Grey’s” films in Los Angeles while “R.J. Decker” shoots in Wilmington, Nort Carolina.
“We’re about to do something where I have to go back and do ‘Grey’s Anatomy,'” he shared. “So, we’re just trying to figure that out now. Wilmington, for all its great qualities, is not the easiest place to get in and out of … just getting back during this weather is going to be interesting, but we’re going to do it.”
He added: “In terms of creatively, I’ve been doing ‘Grey’s’ now for a number of years, so I’ll just slip into that. And then shoot there for a couple days and jump on a plane and shoot here. So, we’ll see. Ask me later because I haven’t done it yet, but I’m sure it’ll go well.”
