Locally shot television show ‘RJ Decker’ premieres on ABC

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The new television drama “RJ Decker,” shot here in Wilmington, premieres Tuesday night at 10 p.m. on ABC.

WWAY was able to visit the set and speak with cast members.

“If we can pull this off, it’s unique kind of blend of humor, action and adventure,” actor Scott Speedman said.

Speedman, know for his work on “Grey’s Anatomy,” stars as the eponymous RJ Decker.

“Wrightsville Beach was a big one, we used that quite a bit, Fort Fisher was really beautiful, I got there at like 5:30 in the morning, it was freezing just watching the sun come up there was really special,” Speedman said.

Speedman’s character is a former newspaper photographer and ex-con who starts over as a private investigator in south Florida.

The series follows him as he tackles cases with a complex web of women, his journalist ex, her new police detective wife, and another woman from his past who could be his greatest ally.

“I’ve never played a guy like this before, and I knew it would be a lot of fun and I knew that world would be a lot of fun to kind of dive into,” Speedman said.

The series began filming in November, using sound stages in Wilmington and scenes shot on location in Carolina Beach.

“That town kind of doubles as Fort Lauderdale as well, fit a little more of the Fort Lauderdale image than Wilmington does,” actor Kevin Rankin said.

Rankin stars in the series as Aloysious “Wish” Aiken. He said the crew utilized a Carolina Beach bar as the exterior for their set at Cinespace Studios.

“It’s called Seawitch in Carolina Beach about 40 minutes south of here,” Rankin said.

Speedman said while spending a lot of time in Wilmington, he’s enjoyed getting caffeinated while reading scripts.

“On the weekends, I’ve been at coffee shops, Social and Vigilant Hope coffee shops, I love these coffee shops they are my homes right now when I have to work,” Speedman said.

While cast members can’t reveal much about the new season, Rankin said it’s worth the watch.

“I think it’s something good to turn the TV on and turn the outside world off for an hour and enjoy yourself,” Rankin said.

“RJ Decker” will air on ABC on Tuesdays at 10 p.m.

Viewers can also watch episodes anytime on Hulu.