If you’re anything like me, your Tuesday nights aren’t complete without a specific kind of chaos involving high-end three-piece suits and a very tiny Chihuahua named Betty. We’re talking about Special Agent Will Trent, of course. For those scouring the web to find out exactly what time is Will Trent on, the short answer for 2026 is that the show has reclaimed its throne as the anchor of ABC’s midseason Tuesday lineup.
Basically, you need to be in front of your TV at 8:00 PM ET/PT every Tuesday.
It’s kind of funny how we’ve all become obsessed with a guy who can barely read but can solve a triple homicide by looking at the way a shoe is tied. Season 4 kicked off on January 6, 2026, and the schedule is looking fairly consistent this year. ABC decided to stick with what works, keeping the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's most eccentric agent right at the start of the night.
Why the Tuesday 8:00 PM Slot Matters
Honestly, the "what time is Will Trent on" question gets complicated because of how we watch TV now. If you're watching live on ABC, it's that 8:00 PM (7:00 PM Central) slot. But if you’re a streamer, the rules change.
Hulu usually drops the new episodes at 3:01 AM ET / 12:01 AM PT on Wednesday mornings. That’s about seven hours after the West Coast broadcast ends. It’s a bit of a wait, but it’s the price we pay for not having cable.
The 2026 schedule is actually a pretty big deal because the show is leading into a massive block of TV. Right after Will finishes his brooding at 9:00 PM, we get High Potential (which moved up an hour this year), and then The Rookie closes out the night at 10:00 PM. It’s a heavy-hitter night for ABC, and Will is the one setting the tone.
What Time Is Will Trent On This Week?
It’s easy to get thrown off by "midseason" weirdness. Sometimes there’s a random State of the Union address or a sports pre-emption that kicks our favorite dyslexic detective to the curb for a week.
For the most part, though, you can set your watch by this:
- Live Broadcast: Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC.
- Next-Day Streaming: Wednesdays on Hulu and the ABC app.
- International (UK/Global): Usually arrives on Disney+ a few weeks or months later, depending on local licensing deals.
If you missed the premiere on January 6, you’ve probably already heard the buzz. The show didn't waste any time jumping into the fallout of that massive prison escape. Seeing Ramón Rodríguez back in the suit—which, let’s be real, is basically his armor—feels right.
The 18-Episode Commitment
One thing most people get wrong is thinking this is a short season. ABC actually ordered 18 episodes for Season 4. That’s a lot of Tuesday nights. Since the season started in early January, we’re looking at Will Trent being on our screens well into the spring of 2026, likely wrapping up in May.
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There might be a small gap or two in March for "March Madness" or other network specials, but the 8:00 PM slot is firmly his.
Watching Without Cable
You don't need a traditional box to catch Will at 8:00 PM. If you have YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV, you can watch it live just like the old days. If you’re trying to save a buck, a cheap digital antenna will actually pick up ABC in high definition for free. It’s a bit old school, but it works perfectly.
Actually, many fans prefer the Hulu route because you can pause and rewind to catch those tiny clues Will finds. He notices things we don't. Sometimes I have to re-watch a scene three times just to see what he saw in a dusty corner of a crime scene.
What to Expect From Season 4
If you're tuning in specifically because you're caught up on the Karin Slaughter books, you know the show is taking its own path. The dynamic between Will and Angie (played by the incredible Erika Christensen) is... well, it’s a mess. After the Season 2 finale arrest and the Season 3 tension, the "what time is Will Trent on" question is usually followed by "and will he finally get a break?"
The answer is usually no. This season is digging deeper into Will’s past and his relationship with the GBI team.
- Amanda Wagner: Still the boss we all fear and love.
- Faith Mitchell: Still the only person who can truly keep Will grounded.
- Ormewood: Dealing with his own domestic chaos while trying to keep up with Will’s "Viking" methods.
Quick Viewing Guide
| Platform | When to Watch |
|---|---|
| ABC (Live) | Tuesdays @ 8:00 PM ET |
| Hulu | Wednesdays (usually by 3 AM ET) |
| ABC.com | Wednesdays (requires provider login) |
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to make sure you never miss an episode, here is what I’d suggest doing:
- Set a "Series Recording" on your DVR: Even if you think you'll be home, Tuesday nights get busy. Set it for the 8:00 PM ABC slot.
- Add to "My Stuff" on Hulu: This ensures the new episode pops up at the very top of your feed on Wednesday morning.
- Check local listings if you’re on the West Coast: Occasionally, local news or specials can shift the 8:00 PM start time by 30 minutes.
- Follow the official social accounts: The Will Trent Instagram is actually pretty good about posting "Tonight" reminders so you don't forget.
Whether you're there for the mystery, the three-piece suits, or just to see what Betty is wearing this week, 8:00 PM on Tuesday is the place to be. It’s one of the few procedural dramas that actually feels like it has a soul, and in 2026, that’s a rare find.
Stay tuned to ABC for any mid-season schedule shifts, but for now, Tuesday is Will’s day.