Will Trent cast returns January 6 with shocking promotion that changes everything about the GBI team dynamic

Will Trent returns to ABC on January 6, 2026, with major cast changes. Kevin Daniels has been promoted to series regular as Detective Franklin Wilks, elevating his role after recurring appearances in the first three seasons. The fourth season promises major shifts for the team as longtime cast members face uncertain futures.

Kevin Daniels Elevated to Main Cast After Three-Season Run

Kevin Daniels, 48, has officially been bumped to series regular status for season 4. The actor has played Detective Franklin Wilks since the show’s first season, initially appearing in recurring episodes.

His promotion marks a significant vote of confidence in the character. Wilks serves as Angie Polaski’s sponsor and has become an integral part of the GBI team dynamic over the first three seasons.

Deadline broke the news of Daniels’ elevation in August 2025, reporting that production was slated to begin for the fourth season.

Major Cast Returns Confirmed For Season 4 Premiere

Ramón Rodríguez returns as the title character, maintaining his executive producer role while also directing the season 4 premiere. The lead actor’s involvement in directing signals creative confidence from ABC and the production team.

Erika Christensen continues as Angie Polaski, with her character navigating new relationship developments. Iantha Richardson reprises her role as Faith Mitchell, while Jake McLaughlin returns as Michael Ormewood despite the character’s season 3 cliffhanger involving a brain tumor diagnosis.

Sonja Sohn also returns as part of the core cast for the fourth season.

Viewing Information and Episode Count

Detail	Information
Premiere Date & Time	Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET/PT
Network	ABC
Total Episodes	18 episodes
Streaming (Next Day)	Hulu, ABC.com, Disney+

After the premiere episode airs on January 6, the remaining 17 episodes will roll out weekly. Fans can catch episodes the following day on Hulu, ABC.com, and Disney+ (for bundle subscribers).

Season 4 Explores Dark Themes and Character Deepening

The official season 4 trailer hints at the darkest season yet for the GBI agent. Will faces a figure from his past that tests his limits and forces internal reckoning.

Season 3 ended on major cliffhangers, with two cast members’ lives hanging in the balance. Season 4 will address these dramatic developments while expanding supporting roles like Franklin Wilks.

“Season 4 explores character growth, deeper team bonds, and expands supporting roles.”

— Will Trent Executive Producers, Parade Magazine

What Will Viewers Expect From the Fourth Season Premiere?

Will Trent season 4 picks up several months after season 3’s dramatic conclusion. Angie Polaski navigates her relationship with Dr. Seth McDale, with the couple expecting a baby.

The expanded role for Kevin Daniels’ character suggests Franklin Wilks will play a more central part in the team’s investigations. Meanwhile, the season 3 cliffhangers involving potential character deaths will finally be resolved in the premiere episode.

Based on the trailer’s darker tone and Will’s confrontation with his past, season 4 promises higher stakes and more psychological depth for the beloved crime procedural.

Sources

• Deadline – Kevin Daniels promotion to series regular
• Disney+ – Official season 4 cast and episode information
• Parade – Season 4 executive producers interview