Will Trent Adaptation (2023): Everything We Know So Far About The Exciting Series

With the rising number of crime-based shows on networks (seriously it might be the last genre standing on air), a Will Trent adaptation makes complete sense. Karin Slaughter is one of the highest selling crime writers of the last twenty years and it’s surprising her books are only now beginning to be adapted.
 
It will be interesting to see how the Will Trent series works as a procedural network adaptation. Is that a format that works for a true-to-book adaptation or will it quickly turn into taking a setting and main character and then telling new stories? We won’t have to wait too long to find out!
 
Don’t forget to check out the masterlist of all the EWKSF adaptation posts here on Alison in Libraryland!
 
This page was updated: 7/30/23
 

About The Book:

When Atlanta police detective Michael Ormewood is called out to a murder scene at the notorious Grady Homes, he finds himself faced with one of the the most brutal killings of his career: Aleesha Monroe is found in the stairwell in a pool of her own blood, her body horribly mutilated.
 
As a one-off killing it’s shocking, but when it becomes clear that it’s just the latest in a series of similar attacks, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are called in, and Michael is forced into working with Special Agent Will Trent of the Criminal Apprehension Team – a man he instinctively dislikes.
 
Twenty-four hours later, the violence Michael sees around him every day explodes in his own back yard. And it seems the mystery behind Monroe’s death is inextricably entangled with a past that refuses to stay buried …
 
bookshop.org // Amazon // Audiobook
 

Current Production Status:

Airing weekly on ABC. As of April 2023 it has been renewed for a second season.
 

Will Trent Adaptation Timeline:

The first book in the series was released in 2006.
A Will Trent adaptation pilot order was first given in February 2022, but it was given cast-contingent status which meant no filming could happen until an approved lead was cast. In May Ramón Rodríguez was announced as the lead and the pilot went into production.
 
As pick-up season began the series was expected to be given a series order, but disagreements over whether the show should be serialized or procedural caused a delay. In early August, about a week after ABC’s other pick-up announcements, it was finally confirmed that the show would be moving forward. Production is expected to begin in Fall 2022 for an early 2023 release.
 
In December 2022, the first trailer was released along with the premiere date of January 3rd.
 
In late April 2023 it was announced that the series had been renewed for a second season.
 
The second season is slated for a January 2024 premiere however production has been stopped due to the SAG-AFTRA strike so this may be delayed.
 

Reception:

The show currently has an 88% tomatometer and 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. 7.6/10 on IMDb.
 

Who Owns The Rights:

ABC Television and 20th Television are producing the series with ABC distributing it on their main network.
 

Who Is Attached:

Ramón Rodríguez is starring with Jennifer Morrison, Sonja Sohn, Erika Christensen, and Jake McLaughlin also cast.
 

Filming Locations:

Filming for the pilot occurred in Atlanta, Georgia. Since that is also the setting for the book series, it’s very likely that filming for the series will stay there.
 

Estimated Release:

The show will premiere on January 3rd, 2023 on ABC. The second season does not have a premiere date as of July 2023.
 

 

Previous mentions on AiLL:

n/a
 

Other Adaptations From This Author:

Pieces of Her was adapted into a mini-series for Netflix and was released in March 2022.
 
Don’t forget to check out the Everything We Know So Far Masterlist for information on any and all of your favorite books and their adaptation status!
 
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Happy Reading!!
~Alison

Will Trent Adaptation: Everything We Know So Far

 
Hi there! I’m Alison in Libraryland, and I’ll be here for all your book related needs. Many of you know me as the girl with the book recommendations. Don’t be shy! Ask me! If you’re looking for a good book or movie adaptation, let me help you find it. I’ll be here for all your literary needs. This is a book blog run on an obsession for shiny new books, worn-through old classics, and all attempts at moving those stories to the screen, just like this Will Trent adaptation!