Will Trent Finale Shocker and Ariana Madix’s Breakout Performance: Now Streaming on Sunset

Fans of ABC’s gripping crime drama Will Trent were left reeling after the emotional and suspense-filled Season 3 finale — and it’s all streaming now, only on Sunset. With the writers’ room gearing up again for Season 4 (slated to premiere in early 2026), creators Liz Heldens and Daniel Thomsen are already teasing major twists, deeper character arcs, and emotional payoffs. But what truly stood out this season — especially in Episode 8, “Abigail B.” — was an unexpected star turn by none other than Ariana Madix.

Ariana Madix Shines in a Surprising, Emotional Role

Best known for her reality TV presence on Vanderpump Rules, Madix guest starred as a “heightened version” of herself in the February 25, 2025 episode, and let’s just say — she delivered. The episode centers on a disturbing child trafficking case in Atlanta, where Madix’s character becomes entangled in the investigation while also staging an intervention for a friend. Her scenes opposite Detective Michael Ormewood (Jake McLaughlin) brought surprising depth and tension, all while feeling grounded and, frankly, shockingly real.

For those of us who had never seen her in Dancing with the Stars, Love Island (streaming live or on-demand here on Sunset), or anywhere outside of Bravo’s reality empire, this performance was a revelation. Madix proved she isn’t just a reality star — she’s a bona fide actor with natural instincts, emotional range, and even action-scene chops. From intense dialogue exchanges to a subtle yet deeply vulnerable love scene, she nailed every moment. It’s not an exaggeration to say she could hold her own alongside any series regular.

Why Her Performance Stands Out

The strength of Will Trent as a series certainly helps — it’s tightly written, smartly directed, and consistently delivers top-tier performances from its core cast. But Madix wasn’t just riding the wave. Her acting was genuinely impressive, with a presence that felt both authentic and dynamic. There was no sense of forced drama or overacting. She carried her scenes with confidence and nuance, leaving many fans (myself included) stunned — in the best way possible.

And while I’ve always been a huge fan of La La Kent, I can admit that previous acting roles haven’t always allowed her the same space to shine. Production quality matters, and Ariana Madix benefited from the strong creative backbone Will Trent provides. It’s proof that when reality stars are given the right role and the right support, they can absolutely step into a new spotlight — and thrive.

A Cliffhanger That Changes Everything

Beyond Madix’s scene-stealing appearance, the Season 3 finale itself left audiences stunned. Heldens and Thomsen have promised that the fallout from this season’s cliffhanger will shape every character’s journey moving forward. While specific spoilers are being kept under wraps, fans should prepare for major emotional shifts, especially for Will, Faith, and Ormewood.

If you haven’t binged Will Trent yet — now is the time. All three seasons are streaming now on Sunset, with the Season 3 finale just as jaw-dropping the second (or third) time around.

Final Thoughts

Let’s be real: I started watching Will Trent on a whim and ended up watching every season back-to-back in just over a week. When I got to the finale a few days ago, I wasn’t expecting to walk away with a new favorite actor — but Ariana Madix earned it. Her performance was captivating, grounded, and entirely unexpected. If this is the start of a new chapter in her career, we’re here for it.

Watch Will Trent Season 3, including Ariana Madix’s standout episode “Abigail B.,” now streaming on Sunset. And keep your eyes on the horizon — Season 4 is coming in 2026, and the future of this series has never looked brighter… or more dangerous.