{"id":33390,"date":"2026-01-06T21:16:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T01:16:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/will-trent-cast-returns-january-6-with-shocking-promotion-that-changes-everything-about-the-gbi-team-dynamic\/"},"modified":"2026-01-06T21:16:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T01:16:10","slug":"35865-will-trent-cast-returns-for-season-4-premiere-on-abc-with-major-changes-kevin-da","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/35865-will-trent-cast-returns-for-season-4-premiere-on-abc-with-major-changes-kevin-da\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Trent cast returns January 6 with shocking promotion that changes everything about the GBI team dynamic"},"content":{"rendered":"

Will Trent returns to ABC on January 6, 2026, with major cast changes. Kevin Daniels has been promoted to series regular<\/b> 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.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Will Trent season 4 premieres January 6, 2026<\/b> at 8 p.m. ET\/PT on ABC<\/li>\n
  • Kevin Daniels promoted to series regular<\/b> in August 2025 after recuring role since season 1<\/li>\n
  • 18 total episodes<\/b> with remaining episodes airing weekly following the premiere<\/li>\n
  • Ram\u00f3n Rodr\u00edguez directs<\/b> the season 4 premiere, expanding his executive producer role<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Kevin Daniels Elevated to Main Cast After Three-Season Run<\/h2>\n

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

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

    Deadline<\/b> broke the news of Daniels’ elevation in August 2025, reporting that production was slated to begin for the fourth season.<\/p>\n

    Major Cast Returns Confirmed For Season 4 Premiere<\/h2>\n

    Ram\u00f3n Rodr\u00edguez<\/b> 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.<\/p>\n

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

    Sonja Sohn<\/b> also returns as part of the core cast for the fourth season.<\/p>\n

    Viewing Information and Episode Count<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Detail<\/td>\nInformation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Premiere Date & Time<\/td>\nTuesday, January 6, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET\/PT<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Network<\/td>\nABC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Total Episodes<\/td>\n18 episodes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Streaming (Next Day)<\/td>\nHulu, ABC.com, Disney+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

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

    Season 4 Explores Dark Themes and Character Deepening<\/h2>\n

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

    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.<\/p>\n

    \n“Season 4 explores character growth, deeper team bonds, and expands supporting roles.”\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 Will Trent Executive Producers, Parade Magazine<\/p>\n

    What Will Viewers Expect From the Fourth Season Premiere?<\/h2>\n

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

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

    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.<\/p>\n

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    Watch: Season 4 Trailer<\/h3>\n