Filming has officially kicked off for RJ Decker— a new ABC television pilot, in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. According to WECT News, town officials approved permits for the shoot, which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, Thursday, July 24, and Monday, July 28.
The upcoming series is based on the 1987 crime novel Double Whammy by Florida-based author Carl Hiaasen, and it’s being developed by Elementary creator Rob Doherty.
The show is also being filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina, as reported by StarNewsOnline on June 17, 2025, making the coastal region a central backdrop for this high-profile project.
Where Is RJ Decker Being Filmed?
The production is making use of several streets and areas throughout Carolina Beach, resulting in temporary closures to accommodate the shoot. The following roads will be closed to through traffic during the filming days:
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Carolina Beach Avenue North (between Pelican Lane and Canal Drive)
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Carolina Beach Avenue South (at Driftwood Lane)
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Lake Drive (between Carolina Beach Avenue South and Lake Park Boulevard South)
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Spartanburg Avenue (between South 2nd and Carolina Beach Avenue South)
In addition to road closures, some parking lots in the area will also be temporarily closed for filming. However, homeowners and renters will still have full access to their properties during this time.
This kind of location-based shoot brings visibility to Carolina Beach, offering a scenic backdrop that fits well with the show’s South Florida setting.
About the Show: A Florida Crime Drama with a Twist
RJ Decker centers on its title character, a disgraced photojournalist turned private investigator, navigating the chaotic and quirky crime world of South Florida. After a stint in prison, Decker attempts to rebuild his life by solving strange and often dangerous cases. Along the way, he’s aided by his ex-girlfriend—now a journalist—and her detective wife. A mysterious woman from his past also enters the picture, possibly offering help… or dragging him back into trouble.
The pilot is being directed by Paul McGuigan, who previously worked on ABC’s Will Trent. The project is written and executive produced by Rob Doherty, alongside producers Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman of Timberman-Beverly Productions. Author Carl Hiaasen is also attached to the project.
The studio behind the pilot is 20th Television, with ABC keeping a close eye on the series as a possible new addition to their 2025 drama lineup. According to industry insiders, RJ Decker was one of ABC’s top drama contenders during pilot season this year.
Scott Speedman leads RJ Decker with Weruche Opia, Kevin Rankin, Adelaide Clemens, and Bevin Bru in key roles. The cast blends TV veterans and rising stars for this ABC crime drama pilot.
Carl Hiaasen’s Works Gaining Popularity on Screen
Carl Hiaasen’s novels are seeing a new wave of popularity in television. Following Apple TV+’s success with Bad Monkey (starring Vince Vaughn) and the development of Skinny Dip for Max, RJ Decker is another adaptation in the growing list of projects based on Hiaasen’s uniquely Floridian storytelling.
Hiaasen, a former newspaper reporter, is known for weaving environmental and political themes into his fiction, often highlighting corruption and crime through satirical lenses.
As production for RJ Decker continues in North Carolina, locals can expect to see more cameras rolling and possibly catch a glimpse of future stars of this potential ABC hit.
For more updates on TV shows, movie productions, and filming locations, visit netfilming.com — your go-to source for behind-the-scenes entertainment news.
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