"Station 19" Star Jaina Lee Ortiz Joins New ABC Drama "RJ Decker"

Jaina Lee Ortiz, a familiar face from the hit ABC series "Station 19," is set to return to the network in a new leading role. Ortiz has been cast as a series regular in the upcoming drama "RJ Decker," which is based on Carl Hiaasen's 1987 novel "Double Whammy."

The show follows RJ Decker, a disgraced newspaper photographer and ex-con who decides to start a new chapter as a private investigator in the crime-filled world of South Florida. Decker, played by Scott Speedman ("Grey's Anatomy"), will tackle cases ranging from "slightly odd to outright bizarre," with the help of his journalist ex-girlfriend, her police detective wife, and a mysterious new benefactor from his past.

Ortiz will portray Emi Ochoa, the "shrewd-if-unpredictable" daughter of an extremely powerful and corrupt senator. Emi shares a complicated history with the lead character, Decker, which is sure to add an intriguing layer to the show's narrative.

The rest of the "RJ Decker" cast includes Adelaide Clemens as Decker's ex-girlfriend Catherine Delacroix, Kevin Rankin as Decker's former cellmate Aloysius, and Bevin Bru as Melody Romero, a Fort Lauderdale police detective who is married to Catherine.

"RJ Decker" is slated to premiere sometime in 2026 and is being developed by "Elementary" creator Rob Doherty, who will serve as an executive producer alongside pilot director Paul McGuigan, author Carl Hiaasen, and producers Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman.