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Premiering in March 2026, this American crime drama series on ABC stars Scott Speedman as a disgraced newspaper photographer turned private investigator in South Florida. What is the title of this show, inspired by Carl Hiaasen's novel "Double Whammy"?

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R.J. Decker - television illustration
R.J. Decker — television

The American crime drama series that premiered on ABC in March 2026, starring Scott Speedman as a disgraced newspaper photographer turned private investigator in South Florida, is titled "R.J. Decker (Review)." This show draws its inspiration from Carl Hiaasen's 1987 novel, "Double Whammy," which is known for its quirky and often bizarre take on crime and corruption in the Sunshine State.

In the series, Scott Speedman takes on the titular role of R.J. Decker, an ex-con who seeks to reinvent his life after serving time. His past as a newspaper photographer, coupled with his time in jail, gives him a unique perspective as he navigates the "colorful-if-crime-filled world of South Florida" as a private investigator. Decker tackles cases that range from the peculiar to the outright strange, often with the help of his journalist ex-girlfriend, her police detective wife, and a mysterious woman from his past.

Carl Hiaasen's "Double Whammy" introduced readers to the character of R.J. Decker, a private investigator hired to expose a celebrity bass fisherman as a cheat, leading him into a murder frame-up. The novel also marked the first appearance of "Skink" (Clinton Tyree), a popular recurring character in Hiaasen's subsequent works. The television adaptation aims to capture the essence of Hiaasen's distinctive style, blending procedural mystery with character-driven humor and the unique, often absurd, backdrop of Florida. The show's setting in Fort Lauderdale is considered a character in itself, contributing to the series' charm.